Woodstock Native Weighs in on Illinois State Flag Redesign as Voting Begins

llinois is on the verge of adopting a new state flag, and the top ten designs chosen by the Illinois Flag Commission have sparked discussions across the state. With voting now open, residents have the chance to weigh in on what they believe should represent their state’s identity.

Among those contributing to the conversation is Anthony Hall, a designer and Woodstock native, whose unique perspective highlights the cultural and symbolic significance of the redesign.

A Woodstock Native’s Perspective

Anthony Hall, who owns the Chicago-based design studio Harebrained, shared his thoughts on the new flag designs during an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. Known for his creative takes on Chicago-centric iconography, Hall’s work often incorporates elements of the city’s culture, from giardiniera and Jewel-Osco bags to dibs chairs and the iconic Rat Hole.

Reflecting on his Woodstock roots, Hall joked about the suburban charm of his hometown. “I grew up in Woodstock, the furthest ’burbs you could still get WGN and WGN commercials,” he quipped.

When asked about the Illinois flag finalists, Hall injected some humor into the debate. “I would never have designed this flag,” he said, laughing. “Because it’s got no hotdog on it.” While lighthearted, his comment underscores a broader question: What symbols should truly represent Illinois and its diverse communities?

The Push for a New Flag
The Illinois Flag Commission, established to explore the redesign, has emphasized the importance of creating a flag that better represents the state’s identity. The current flag, adopted in 1969, features the state seal on a white background, a design many critics argue lacks distinctiveness.

To address this, the commission invited submissions from residents and professional designers alike. The ten finalists showcase a wide range of ideas, from references to Illinois’ natural landscapes and agricultural heritage to symbols reflecting its history and diverse population.

However, the process has not been without controversy. Some critics fear that the new flag could overly prioritize urban influences, particularly those of Chicago, at the expense of the state’s rural and suburban areas. Hall echoed this sentiment in his interview, stressing that a state flag should represent Illinois as a whole.

“Designers I’ve talked to believe it’s important that an Illinois state flag doesn’t simply become a second Chicago flag,” Hall said. This balance between urban and rural identity remains a key point of discussion as voting progresses.

How to Vote
Illinois residents are encouraged to participate in the voting process, which allows them to choose their favorite design from the ten finalists.

The commission has made voting accessible online, aiming to engage a broad audience and ensure that the new flag resonates with as many Illinoisans as possible.

The commission plans to announce the winning design later this year, with the goal of introducing the new flag by 2026, in time for the state’s bicentennial of statehood.

A Symbol of Unity and Identity
The Illinois flag redesign offers an opportunity for residents to engage in a conversation about the symbols that define their state.

Whether it’s the agricultural roots of downstate Illinois, the industrial heritage of the Rust Belt, or the vibrant culture of Chicago, the new flag has the potential to unite these diverse elements into a cohesive and meaningful design.

For designers like Anthony Hall, the process is about more than aesthetics; it’s about capturing the spirit of Illinois in a way that speaks to everyone.