heraldryfollow

Heraldryfollow is a proposed framework and community-driven standard for documenting, validating, and following the use of heraldic devices in contemporary media, institutions, and digital spaces. The concept blends traditional heraldic rules with modern practices of branding, digital asset management, and scholarly documentation.

Origin and development: The term arose in online heraldry circles in the 2010s as arms entered logos, video games, and institutional branding, creating a need for clearer traceability.

Principles and scope: It promotes adherence to established heraldic authorities where available, correct blazoning, tincture rules, armiger status, and proper depiction. It supports traceability of arms to source grants and distinguishes between public arms, corporate emblems, and fictional or decorative motifs.

Features: A standardized data model includes identifier, blazon text, tinctures, supporters, motto, owner, jurisdiction, grant date, provenance, and a record of modifications. It envisions a registry or API for embedding and verification, plus guidelines for public display and attribution.

Impact and reception: Heraldryfollow aims to reduce misrepresentation, aid researchers and designers, and support education about heraldic practice. Debates concern authority, cultural sensitivity, and intellectual property, particularly when arms are reused across commercial or digital contexts. See also: heraldry, blazon, armiger, arms registry.