Alex Calabrese

Alex Calabrese

 1. How does the flag you designed represent who you are and what you care about? 
The design reflects my connection to where I live. It emphasizes the pride I feel in my county and country. 

2.Why did you decide to join the Flag 2021 competition?
I have always enjoyed designing flags for fun, and this was a good opportunity to participate in that.

3. What did you learn about Cook County that surprised you?
The emphasis of the County as a center of trade and commerce was not something which I included originally, but developed as an important aspect.

4. Tell us a short story about your collaboration with your flag mentor/partner(s).
The incorporation of a central five-pointed star was not something I had originally planned on. My original design was significantly simplified, but my mentor believed that incorporating more aspects would improve the design. It was fun to try out different aspects and symbols before settling on the final design.