Heraldry

Heraldry

Text/Type: The text in Heraldry imagery is always in a banner or scroll, nearly always at the bottom of the image. It is in small writing and usually written in Latin, but can be in any language. The text is written in a small way so the viewer reads it after looking at the pictures. The text is used for motto purposes, having a meaning or saying, depicting the owner of the heraldic image.

Colour: In heraldry, tinctures are the colours used to emblazon (describe) a coat of arms. These can be divided into several categories including light tinctures called metals, dark tinctures called colours, nonstandard colours called stains, patterns called furs. And natural, which is coloured as it would be found in nature. One of the few fundamental rules of heraldry is that metals must not be placed upon other metals and colours must not be placed upon other colours, while furs and proper can sometimes be placed upon either or both. This is referred to as the rule of tincture. Nonstandard colours called stains were introduced in the late Middle Ages, but have largely been shunned as contrary to the heraldic spirit of bold images and bright colours.

Space: The only negative space in the page will be on the direct edges. The middle is always filled up. Starting from the direct middle and spreading out in all directions. The negative space is left empty. It adds an emphasis to the coat of arms because everything is drawn straight to the middle.

Composition: The escutcheon, or shield, sits in the middle. This is the main part of the entire image. To the sides are the supporters, which are figures, usually placed on either side of the shield and depicted holding it up. To the top of the shield is usually a helm, or a crown. Sometimes there will be a motto held at the top. To the bottom there is a banner or scroll holding a motto or message. The coats of arms are usually always symmetrical.

Most Significant Design Element: Shields, animals, flags and banners.