Chapter 1: Heraldry & Symbology Systems

Created by Sarah Choi (prompt writer using ChatGPT)

Heraldry & Symbology Systems for Costume Concept Artists

Teaching Faction Identity, Insignia & Livery

In costume design for games and animation, factions need to be instantly recognizable.

Before the player reads a codex entry or hears a line of dialogue, they’re reading shapes, colors, and symbols on clothing and armor. That visual grammar—crests, badges, banners, trims, color blocks—is your heraldry & symbology system.

For costume concept artists, a good heraldry system:

  • Makes factions readable at a glance, even in chaos.
  • Scales from hero characters down to distant NPCs and background crowds.
  • Works on both cloth and metal, on HUD icons and billboards.
  • Gives production artists clear, reusable rules instead of one‑off exceptions.

This article focuses on designing heraldry and faction symbols for Faction Identity, Insignia & Livery, with special attention to:

  • Icons – shields, emblems, badges.
  • Motifs – repeating shapes and patterns.
  • Colorways – faction palettes and rank variations.
  • Numbering systems – ranks, units, seasons, and identification.

We’ll keep both concepting side and production side in view, so your ideas survive the pipeline and stay consistent in‑engine.

1. What Are Heraldry, Insignia & Livery?

Let’s clarify some terms as they apply to costume design.

  • Heraldry – the tradition of coats of arms, shields, crests, banners, and symbolic devices that identify families, nations, or orders.
  • Insignia – specific markings of identity on a person, such as badges, rank pins, patches, and medals.
  • Livery – standardized colors and garments worn by those in service to a house, kingdom, corporation, or faction.
  • Symbology system – the broader system of icons, motifs, shapes, and colors that define a faction visually.

For you, all of these converge into one question:

How does this faction’s identity show up on their costumes in a way that is clear, consistent, and aesthetically coherent?

2. Principles of Strong Heraldry for Costumes

Before we dive into icons and motifs, we need a foundation. Good heraldry in costume design:

  1. Reads in silhouette.
    • The symbol should be recognizable even if shrunk or half‑hidden.
  2. Survives simplification.
    • You can draw a basic version with 3–5 lines; complex variants are optional.
  3. Has clear contrast.
    • Good light/dark separation and distinct color blocks.
  4. Speaks the faction’s values.
    • War, trade, faith, secrecy, knowledge, chaos, order, etc.
  5. Is placeable and repeatable.
    • It can appear on shields, cloaks, armor plates, helmets, belts, UI icons.
  6. Has rules, not just exceptions.
    • Variants for roles and ranks follow a system, not a whim.

As you work, constantly test:

  • “Does this still work as a small patch on a shoulder?”
  • “Does this still read when the character is backlit or covered in dust?”

3. Icons: Designing Faction Crests & Badges

Icons are the core symbols of a faction. Think of them as the faction’s logo.

3.1 Icon Anatomy

Most strong icons have:

  1. Primary shape frame
    • Circle, shield, triangle, diamond, square, crest.
  2. Central symbol
    • Animal, weapon, tool, abstract shape, letterform.
  3. Secondary accents
    • Lines, stars, bars, leaves, crowns, gear teeth.

Example: The emblem of a fantasy knightly order might be:

  • Shield frame → suggests defense and tradition.
  • Lion head → courage and nobility.
  • Radiating lines → divine blessing.

3.2 Icon Shape Language by Faction Type

You can use shape language to reinforce the faction fantasy:

  • Circles & ovals – unity, eternity, peace, spirituality.
  • Triangles & points – aggression, ambition, danger.
  • Squares & rectangles – stability, law, industry.
  • Shields – protection, martial tradition.
  • Organic shapes – nature, chaos, magic, corruption.

Choose a primary base shape for each faction and stick with it across most of their insignia.

3.3 Icon Complexity Tiers

Design icons in tiers for different contexts:

  • Tier 1: Simple mark
    • 1–2 shapes, 1–2 values.
    • Used for small patches, HUD icons, LOD distance.
  • Tier 2: Standard emblem
    • 3–5 shapes, more internal structure.
    • Used for chest crests, banners, shields.
  • Tier 3: Ornate version
    • Decorative frames, ribbons, motto, intricate details.
    • Used for hero armor, throne room banners, ceremonial robes.

Concept artists should design all three; production artists choose where each tier appears.

4. Motifs: Building a Visual Vocabulary Beyond the Crest

If the icon is the “main noun” of your faction’s language, motifs are the adjectives and punctuation.

Motifs are repeating shapes and patterns that appear in:

  • Armor panel edges.
  • Trim on cloaks, sashes, hems.
  • Embroidery and printed fabric.
  • Notches in metal plates and gauntlets.
  • Helmet crests and visor shapes.

4.1 Motif Types

  1. Symbolic motifs
    • Lions, eagles, dragons, serpents, wings, flames, leaves.
    • Usually simplified, repeated at smaller scale than the main icon.
  2. Pattern motifs
    • Stripes, chevrons, tartans, geometric patterns.
    • Repeated on fabrics, banners, robes.
  3. Structural motifs
    • The way armor segments, the notch shape of pauldrons, the cut of collars.

4.2 Motif Rules per Faction

Each faction should have 2–4 core motifs and clear usage rules.

Example: A sci‑fi corporation

  • Core motifs:
    • Slanted vertical bar, truncated triangle, micro‑grid.
  • Rules:
    • Slanted bar appears on chest badges.
    • Truncated triangle structure in helmet visors.
    • Micro‑grid pattern only on high‑rank uniforms or elite gear.

If you introduce a motif, decide:

  • What surfaces it belongs on.
  • Which ranks or roles can use it.
  • How dense/large it can be before it becomes noise.

5. Colorways: Faction Palettes & Livery

Colorways are standardized color combinations for a faction’s gear and clothing.

5.1 Faction Core Palette

Each faction should have:

  • Primary color(s): most visible, often linked to faction identity.
  • Secondary color(s): support and separate details.
  • Neutral base(s): blacks, grays, browns, desaturated tones.
  • Highlight color (optional): used sparingly for emphasis.

Example: Fantasy order of knights

  • Primary: deep blue.
  • Secondary: gold.
  • Neutrals: desaturated steel, black leather.
  • Highlight: bright white.

5.2 Livery Application Hierarchy

To keep costumes consistent, define a priority order:

  1. Outer layer (cloaks, coats, tabards)
    • Mostly primary color.
  2. Armor / main clothing body
    • Mix of neutals with secondary color.
  3. Insignia & trims
    • Secondary + highlight colors.

Write simple rules like:

  • “If a character is Faction A, their primary outer garment must visibly use blue.”
  • “Gold is reserved for officers and above.”

5.3 Rank & Role Through Colorways

You can differentiate rank and role through color shifts:

  • Rank: saturation & metallics
    • Grunts: mostly matte neutrals; small faction color accent.
    • Officers: more saturated faction color; metallic trims.
    • Elites: highest contrast; additional highlight color; richer finishes.
  • Role: hue bands
    • Medic: white/green variant.
    • Engineer: orange/black variant.
    • Scout: darker, more camouflaged tones.

This allows production to reuse silhouettes while swapping colorways to create variety.

6. Numbering Systems: Ranks, Units & Identification

Numbering is part of symbology – especially in sci‑fi, cyberpunk, and military fantasy.

6.1 Why Numbering Matters

Numbers can:

  • Show rank (01–05, or stripes/stars substitutes).
  • Indicate unit or squad.
  • Mark prototype vs production models.
  • Tie into lore (13 as cursed unit; 7 as holy number).

For costumes, numbers appear on:

  • Shoulder patches.
  • Chest plates.
  • Helmets and visors.
  • Armbands, belts, harness tags.

6.2 Numbering Styles by Genre

  • Fantasy / Historical:
    • Roman numerals (I, II, III) on banners or shields.
    • Rank marks as chevrons or bars.
  • Sci‑Fi / Cyberpunk:
    • Numeric IDs (07, 42) on armor plates.
    • Barcode‑like motifs.
    • Alphanumeric codes (A‑17, SE‑03).
  • Post‑Apoc:
    • Hand‑painted numbers, stencils on scavenged armor.
  • Whimsical:
    • Playful shapes (stars, hearts) instead of numbers, or large friendly digits.

6.3 Systemizing Number Placement

Create a placement map per faction:

  • Helmet: unit number.
  • Left shoulder: faction crest.
  • Right shoulder: squad icon.
  • Chest: rank symbol.

This map becomes production’s guide for all armor variants and skins.

7. Applying Heraldry Across Different Genres

Let’s quickly look at genre‑specific considerations.

7.1 Fantasy

  • Heraldry is often diegetic: banners, shields, tabards, surcoats.
  • Symbols may be rooted in in‑world religion, beasts, elements.
  • Use bold shapes and limited colors for traditional look.

Placement:

  • Chest and shield as primary locations.
  • Cloaks and capes as secondary.

7.2 Sci‑Fi (Hard / Soft)

  • Hard sci‑fi: insignia behave like military patches and mission badges.
  • Soft sci‑fi: room for ceremonial crests and abstract geometric symbols.

Placement:

  • Suits and armor panels, often on upper arm, chest, helmet.
  • Glowing or holographic variants for higher tech.

7.3 Cyberpunk

  • Mix of corporate logos and street tags.
  • Corpo heraldry is clean, minimal; gang heraldry is loud, messy.

Placement:

  • Jackets, vests, spray‑painted masks, implant casings.
  • Holographic back patches or animated tattoos.

7.4 Historical / Alt‑History

  • Heavily influenced by real historic heraldic rules.
  • Alt‑history may remix or evolve existing coats of arms.

Placement:

  • Shields, tabards, standard‑bearer flags.
  • Uniform buttons, cuffs, epaulettes.

7.5 Horror

  • Symbols may be corrupted versions of otherwise normal heraldry.
  • Cult insignia, forbidden runes, twisted family crests.

Placement:

  • Hidden linings, inside collars, beneath bandages.
  • Branded into leather or flesh.

7.6 Post‑Apocalyptic

  • Heraldry becomes improvised: spray paint, scraps, graffiti.
  • Factions create new symbols from scavenged logos.

Placement:

  • On armor pieces, vehicles, masks.
  • Patchwork banners, improvised flags.

7.7 Whimsical

  • Heraldry is playful and often literal: cupcakes, clouds, stars.
  • Symbols are friendly and easy for children to draw.

Placement:

  • Big, central chest emblems.
  • Hats, bags, cloaks; clear, graphic placements.

8. Concepting vs Production: Different Responsibilities

8.1 Concepting Side

Your focus:

  • Invent the system, not just one badge.
  • Explore tiers and variants (basic → elite → ceremonial).
  • Define rules and exceptions in writing.

Deliverables:

  • Faction symbol sheet: icon tiers, motif library, colorways.
  • Placement charts on a base mannequin or armor template.
  • Callouts explaining symbolism and meaning (useful for narrative teams too).

8.2 Production Side

Your focus:

  • Apply the system consistently and efficiently.
  • Ensure heraldry works with UVs, shaders, and LODs.

Responsibilities:

  • Create reusable decal sets and materials.
  • Maintain consistency of color values and line weights.
  • Scale symbols correctly for legibility across all camera distances.

Both sides should collaborate to avoid:

  • Symbols so tiny they disappear in gameplay.
  • Over‑dense patterns that create aliasing or visual noise.

9. Practical Steps to Design a Faction’s Heraldry System

Here’s a repeatable workflow you can follow.

Step 1: Clarify Faction Identity

Write 1–3 sentences answering:

  • What does this faction value? (Honor, profit, secrecy, survival, joy.)
  • What do they fear or oppose?
  • How do others see them? (Oppressive, noble, mysterious, ridiculous.)

These answers will guide your symbol choices.

Step 2: Pick Core Shape Language

Choose:

  • 1–2 primary icon frames (circle, shield, triangle).
  • 1–2 recurring motif shapes (leaf, cog, thorn, wave).

Sketch 10–20 tiny silhouettes combining these shapes.

Step 3: Design Icon Tiers

  • Create a Tier 1 mark (very simple).
  • Add detail for Tier 2.
  • Add frames, ribbons, or ornate additions for Tier 3.

Test them:

  • At 32px (HUD scale), 256px (patch scale), full size (banner scale).

Step 4: Build Motif & Trim Library

Design:

  • 3–5 trim patterns for hems and borders.
  • 2–3 repeating motifs for armor panels.
  • 1 pattern each for cloth, leather, and metal.

Step 5: Define Colorways & Rank Variants

Create color cards for:

  • Base grunt.
  • Officer.
  • Elite.
  • Special roles (medic, engineer, scout).

Restrict yourself to a consistent set of hues & values.

Step 6: Map Symbol Placement

On a base outfit or armor set, mark:

  • Crest location(s).
  • Patch and badge locations.
  • Areas where patterns are allowed vs forbidden.

Step 7: Test in Context

  • Place your designs in quick environment mockups.
  • Check readability in:
    • Crowded battle scenes.
    • Dimly lit corridors.
    • Bright exterior daylight.

Iterate until each faction is readable in under a second.

10. Exercises to Train Heraldry & Symbology Skills

  1. Three Factions, One World
    • Pick a genre (fantasy, sci‑fi, etc.).
    • Design complete heraldry systems for three factions:
      • Crest tiers, motifs, colorways, numbering.
    • Apply them to simple costume silhouettes.
  2. Simplify a Complex Crest
    • Take an intricate historical coat of arms.
    • Design a modern game‑ready Tier 1 and Tier 2 emblem.
    • Test them at icon size.
  3. Diegetic vs UI Icon
    • Design one icon for a faction’s chest plate.
    • Then redesign it specifically for use as a small HUD icon.
    • Keep them related but optimized for different contexts.
  4. Corrupted Heraldry (Horror / Post‑Apoc)
    • Start with a clean crest.
    • Design three stages of corruption: cracked, stained, overgrown or defaced.
    • Reflect damage in costumes (torn banners, scraped paint, repurposed livery).
  5. Whimsical Translation
    • Take a serious faction crest (e.g., lion + sword).
    • Translate it into a whimsical version for a children’s show.
    • Adjust shapes, colors, and motifs while preserving basic structure.

11. Closing Thoughts

Heraldry and symbology systems are not just decorative extras—they’re the grammar of your factions.

When you:

  • Design clear icons with tiered complexity,
  • Build motif libraries tied to faction values,
  • Establish disciplined colorways and numbering rules,
  • And communicate these systems for both concept exploration and production implementation…

…your costumes gain a powerful, coherent identity. Players can recognize friends, foes, and stories before anyone speaks a word.

As you build your Faction Identity, Insignia & Livery toolkits, remember:

A good crest is more than a cool emblem. It’s a promise about who this faction is—and your costumes are the stage where that promise is kept.