The design, subject to fine tuning, was chosen after extensive deliberations on Friday. While the design is not yet final, it is expected to replace the current flag in May, unless legislative action prevents it, which would be a challenging task.

Commission Chair Luis Fitch revealed that the flag-selection process will conclude next week. "This Tuesday we get a flag, guys. I can tell you that right now," he announced during a press conference. As expected, the selection of the new flag design elicited diverse reactions among the members of the commission, which comprises elected leaders, artists, historians, and members of the public. The commission has a deadline at the end of the year to finalize a new state flag and seal.

The design selected by the commission, known as submission F-1953, originated from Luverne resident Andrew Prekker. Prekker drew inspiration from other state flags known for their simplicity, memorability, and popularity, such as Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The aim was to create a flag that stands out and differentiates Minnesota from the others.

However, alternative designs like F-944, featuring a North Star along with an abstract sky mirrored in water resembling a pair of loons, also garnered significant support from some commission members. An extensive review was conducted by graphic designers who provided recommendations to alter proposed stars and colors.

During the flag-editing process, one of the designers compared the task to getting ready for an event and quoted designer Coco Chanel, saying, "Good flag design is getting your design basically there and then dialing it back one step." This approach aimed to achieve a balance between simplicity and significance.

The journey towards a new state flag hasn't been without challenges. Over 2,000 initial submissions were narrowed down to the final three, but negative feedback from the public led some commission members to question the public's ability to identify with the proposed designs. State Sen. Steve Drazkowski stressed the importance of the flag resonating with Minnesotans during a recent meeting.

While the lawmakers serving on the commission do not have voting rights, their advisory role adds to the diverse sounding board of panelists who hail from marketing, design, history, teaching, and other backgrounds. The final design of the flag and seal will be accompanied by a report drafted by the commission, outlining the decisions made over the past four months.

In addition to the flag design, the commission unveiled the final image for the state seal. Notable tweaks were made to include the loon's red eye and the phrase "Mni Sota Makoce," a Dakota expression symbolizing where water meets the sky and from which the name Minnesota is derived.

As Minnesota eagerly awaits the unveiling of its new state flag, the commission's efforts reflect their commitment to creating a design that is simple yet unique, representing the state's identity and resonating with its residents.