Ever wondered how to create a custom family crest that truly reflects your family’s unique story? You’re not alone. Many people long to capture their heritage, values, and memories in a meaningful symbol—something that stands out from the generic and feels deeply personal.
Understanding how to design your own family crest empowers you to celebrate what makes your family special. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, sharing helpful tips and creative insights along the way.
Related Video
How to Create a Custom Family Crest
Designing a custom family crest is a unique journey that combines history, creativity, and personal meaning. Whether you want to celebrate your heritage, establish a new family tradition, or design a beautiful symbol for your clan, creating a family crest can be a deeply rewarding process.
Let’s walk you through what a family crest is, why people make them, different ways you can create your own, and practical steps to help you design a crest that reflects your family’s story.
What is a Family Crest?
A family crest—often called a coat of arms—is a decorative design used historically to identify families and individuals, especially among European nobility and knights. Traditionally, it includes a shield (the most prominent element), icons or patterns (called charges), and sometimes a helmet, motto, or supporters (animals or people on either side).
Today, family crests are less about lineage and more about personal identity and pride.
Steps to Create Your Own Custom Family Crest
Let’s break down the creation process into clear, simple steps.
1. Decide on Your Crest’s Purpose
Before you start designing, consider why you want a family crest:
- Heritage: Honor your family’s history or ancestry.
- Unity: Create a symbol to connect your family, especially over generations.
- Celebration: Mark a special occasion like a reunion, wedding, or milestone.
- Personal Branding: Use it as a logo or symbol in family projects or businesses.
Clarity about your goal helps guide design choices.
2. Research Heraldry and Traditional Elements
While modern crests can be as creative as you wish, understanding the basics of heraldry—the art and rules of designing traditional coats of arms—can help your design feel authentic.
Common elements include:
– Shield: The main part, displaying colors and images.
– Helmet/Crown: Above the shield, indicating rank.
– Crest: The “topper” above the helmet, often a figure or symbol.
– Motto: Phrase expressing values.
– Supporters: Figures or animals on either side of the shield.
– Compartment: The base or ground.
Traditional symbols:
Each element often had a meaning. For example:
– Lion: Courage
– Eagle: Power
– Tree: Growth and connection to land
– Colors: Gold (generosity), blue (loyalty), green (hope), and so on.
3. Identify Symbols and Meanings that Represent Your Family
Now for the fun part—choose symbols, animals, objects, or even colors that speak to your family’s story, values, or interests.
Ask yourself:
– What animals represent our qualities? (Eagles for ambition, foxes for cleverness, etc.)
– Are there family traditions, places, or professions worth honoring?
– What values do we share?
– Do any colors feel significant to us?
Make a list of 3–5 qualities or stories you want your crest to represent.
4. Sketch Rough Designs
Start with pencil and paper. Don’t worry about artistic skills—this is just for brainstorming!
Tips:
– Draw a blank shield as your starting point.
– Experiment with different ways to place your chosen symbols on and around the shield.
– Try combining traditional elements with your personal touches.
– Play with balance and symmetry for visual appeal.
5. Choose Your Tools: DIY or Digital Design
You have several options for bringing your idea to life:
Handmade (DIY) Crests
- Great for craft lovers or as a fun family activity.
- Use art supplies: colored pencils, paints, stencils, or even embroidery.
Digital Crest Makers
- Online family crest generators allow you to pick elements and see instant results.
- Many crest-making websites provide templates you can customize with colors, icons, and text.
- Graphic design software (like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or free programs) offers complete creative control if you’re comfortable with digital tools.
Benefits of online crest makers:
– Fast and user-friendly.
– Lots of pre-made symbols to choose from.
– Easy to download and print.
6. Refine and Finalize Your Crest
After creating a rough version, review it:
- Does it clearly represent your family’s values and stories?
- Are the symbols easy to recognize?
- Is the design visually pleasing, even at different sizes?
You may want to get feedback from family members before finalizing.
7. Save, Print, and Share Your Crest
Once you’re satisfied, save a high-quality version of your crest:
- Print it on paper, canvas, or even T-shirts and mugs for special occasions.
- Frame it for your home.
- Share a digital version with relatives, or use it in emails/newsletters.
- Commission a professional to create a physical shield or plaque (some artisans specialize in making wooden or metal crests).
Benefits of Creating a Custom Family Crest
Designing your own crest offers many rewards, such as:
- Connection: Brings family members together in a creative task.
- Legacy: Leaves a lasting symbol for future generations.
- Celebration: Makes family events extra special with unique decorations.
- Learning: Teaches about history, symbolism, and design.
- Personalization: Allows complete freedom to reflect your family’s unique story.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Creating a meaningful crest is exciting, but it can also involve some obstacles:
- Design Blocks: If you feel stuck, look at traditional coats of arms for inspiration or try a crest-making template to spark ideas.
- Agreeing on Symbols: Involve your family in decision-making, perhaps through a vote or group discussion.
- Making it Look Professional: If your design feels rough, use online generators or hire a designer for polish.
- Cost Concerns: Many online tools are free or low-cost, but high-end custom artwork and professionally produced shields can get expensive.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Keep it Simple: Too much detail can make your crest hard to recognize, especially when it’s reproduced in small sizes.
- Stay Consistent: If you use the crest on various items, make sure colors and shapes match.
- Symbolism First: Focus on meaning, then aesthetics.
- Involve Your Family: Get ideas from everyone, especially kids, for a sense of unity.
- Document Meanings: Write down what each part of the crest stands for—it makes the symbol more special and memorable.
Cost Tips (Including Shipping Advice)
- If you use online crest generators, most basic services are free, but downloading high-resolution files may have a modest cost.
- For custom, hand-illustrated or artisan-created crests, prices can vary widely based on complexity and artist reputation.
- If shipping a physical crest or plaque:
- Check sizing and weight to avoid unexpected shipping costs.
- Look for local artisans to minimize international shipping fees.
-
Group orders (like multiple prints or T-shirts) can cut per-item costs.
-
Budget for extras like frames, mounting, or professional printing, especially if giving crests as gifts or keepsakes.
Summary
Creating a custom family crest is more than just designing a logo—it’s about expressing your family’s personality, values, and traditions. Whether you use creative art supplies at home or design online using crest generators and templates, the process is fun, meaningful, and a great way to bring your family together.
Think about the story you want to tell, select symbols and colors that matter, and enjoy making a lasting mark for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my family already has a crest?
You can start by searching family history records, heraldry books, or online databases. However, remember that most family names do not have authentic historical crests, especially if your background isn’t noble or aristocratic.
Can I legally create and use my own crest?
Yes! As long as you’re not copying a trademarked or copyrighted design, you’re free to create and use your own family crest for decorative or symbolic purposes.
What should I include in my family crest design?
Include symbols, animals, objects, or colors that reflect your family’s traits, history, or values. Popular elements are shields, banners, animals (like lions or eagles), plants, and mottos.
Are online family crest generators accurate and customizable?
Online generators are easy and fun, letting you choose and combine traditional elements. While not historically “official,” they do let you create something meaningful and visually appealing.
Is making a family crest expensive?
Costs can be minimal—many digital crest makers are free or inexpensive. If you opt for custom hand-drawn art or a professionally crafted shield, prices increase depending on complexity and materials. Budgeting and comparing options help control costs, including any shipping for physical objects.
Enjoy the creative process, and may your family crest become a cherished emblem for years to come!