OK, to illustrate my point about understanding symbols versus symbolism, I did this mock up in ten minutes on PPT. I'm not advocating for it, but the actual symbols are easily identifiable:
- Blue base layer to symbolize the River: Without the river, and the crossing here, Tulsa would not exist. The river was the start of everythng.
- Symbolized Oil Derrick/oil gusher. Derrick in gold to symbolize wealth, with black oil gushing up forming a T. Again, "Tulsa" springing from the very ground we are on in the form of oil.
- Four stars each in a different color:
1) Green - The Council Oak, and in general the land of Green Country
2) Tan - The same color (I tried) as the shield on the state flag. Symbolizing the Indians and their importance to the state.
3) Blood Red - Tulsa Race Riot, and healing from that. (Originally, I had that as a black star, but went with Blood Red due to possible issue with the color black associated with race, etc..)
4) Silver/Metalic - Art Deco and all things of the boom era in Tulsa.
All of that on white background, symbolizing the clear skies, etc...
Again, I'm not advocating this design, and I slapped it together in 10 minutes, but it shows what I am talking about related to obvious symbols, versus trying to figure out what the heck is going on.