There are all kinds of ways to show your colors, but local artist Taylor Triano, owner and creator of Commonwild Flag Co., has secured a niche market in making custom flags. Triano works with a variety of textiles including vintage mailbags and canvas. Some are handsewn, others are hand stenciled, and it’s likely that you’ve seen them. Her flags hang outside Hotel Kansas City and The Town Co., but not all her work is local. Triano has created custom work out of town, too, including a replica of the 1876 American Centennial flag for the Chicago Cubs corporate office at Wrigley Field.
She says the business started when a friend asked if she would create a flag to cover a TV at his restaurant. “While I wasn’t new to the medium, it was a new avenue, and I found myself really drawn to the project itself and thought there was a lot to explore. From there I just ran with it.”
Triano started making similar pieces and selling them at pop-ups and art fairs. “Eventually the interest became custom pieces, one-of-a-kind private commissions and freelance work,” she says.
She loves creating pieces that are meant to look older and worn. “It’s like they’ve been somewhere and tell a story. Using certain levels of distress and “vintage-izing” methods, I can really add depth of character.”
Clients often give Triano creative freedom, but others have a firm design in mind. She’s happy to work both ways. “It’s fun to bring someone’s vision to life, but it’s great to throw my spin on something.”