The Happiest Animal on Earth: How Our Community Brought a Smiling Quokka to Life

December 24, 2024 3 min read

At America Forever Flags, our design process is anything but ordinary. We take pride in crafting flags that resonate deeply with our community, and the journey doesn’t stop with our designers. Our Facebook group, brimming with passionate flag enthusiasts, is at the heart of this process. This was particularly evident with one of our latest design concepts—the quokka garden flag.

What’s a Quokka? And Why a Quokka Flag?

Quokkas, known as the happiest animals on Earth, are native to Australia. With their adorable smiles, they’ve become internet darlings and a symbol of positivity. While they may be a surprising addition to an American flag design, the idea sparked curiosity, conversation, and creativity within our community.

The phrase accompanying the design, “A beautiful day starts with a smile” set the tone. The cheerful quokka became a visual metaphor for starting the day with positivity—something universally relatable, even for an American audience.

Community Feedback: A Vital Step in the Process

  1. Quokka Design 1
  2. Quokka Design 2 
  3. Quokka Design 3
  4. Quokka Design 4

When we shared the four quokka flag designs with our Facebook group, the responses poured in. Here’s a snapshot of the insightful and lively feedback we received:

The Favorites

Design #1 emerged as a top choice for its realism and welcoming expression.

  • "I like #1. So real-looking and cute 😍." – Nancy Blackwood Fulcher
  • "The smile is not as cartoonish as the others." – Susan Johnson
  • "Love the eyes of #1, so welcoming!" – Judy Riley

Design #2 was praised for its ability to make viewers smile.

  • "Definitely makes you smile." – Margaret Dessecker
  • "I love the quokka on #2 the most." – Barbara J Olivier
  • "#2 has the best clarity." – Sandra L Hying McFadden

Constructive Criticism

Some members felt the quokka seemed out of place on an American farm scene:

  • "Quokkas are native to Australia, so it might feel out of place on an American farm." – Vickie Kulp
  • "I had never heard of the animal and had to look it up." – Donna Cohen Murphy

Others offered suggestions to refine the designs:

  • "I like the background of #1 but prefer the smaller quokka in #2. Combine these, and it would be perfect!" – Barbara J Olivier
  • "Make the quokka smaller in #2 to fit the scene better." – Joyce Marie

Appreciating the Effort

Several members appreciated the creativity and inclusivity of featuring a quokka:

  • "I like that you are inclusive to other nations' wildlife. This might be their favorite animal." – Rikki Woodring Jones
  • "All of these are so cute and playful. Kids and adults will like them." – Amanda Robertson

The Impact of Collaboration

Thanks to the vibrant feedback from our members, our design team now has a clearer direction for refining the quokka flag. From combining elements of realism and proportion to considering cultural context, the community's insights have been invaluable.

Why Your Input Matters

At America Forever Flags, we believe every flag tells a story. And the best stories are those created together. By joining our Facebook group, you gain exclusive access to new designs, a chance to influence future creations, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded flag enthusiasts.

Check Out the Approved and Final Designs

Curious to see the final quokka flag design? Visit our website to explore the latest additions to our collection. And don’t forget to follow our Facebook page for more updates and a chance to vote on upcoming designs!

Join the Conversation

Want to be part of shaping the next design? Join our Facebook group today and share your thoughts. Together, we’ll continue crafting flags that bring smiles and stories to life.

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