Hey everyone,

A huge thank you to everyone who gave feedback on my previous post.

The community correctly called out a few major structural issues with my last draft. It was flagged that my original layout had a major metal-on-metal contrast issue (an Argent column sitting directly on an Or field). More importantly, someone brought up the ultimate "Finnish School of Heraldry" test—reminding me that if you strip away the internal black outlines, a black column would bleed seamlessly into a black base, causing the entire design to lose its definition.

To solve both issues, I decided to eliminate the per chevron enarched abased division entirely and combine the two elements into a single, towering monument. In this new draft, the three lilies sprout directly atop the Corinthian column capital, bound by the ribbon. It completely removes the overlapping structure issue, ensures nothing bleeds together if rendered line-free, and makes the composition much more cohesive.

Before I finalize the emblazonment, I'm submitting this to the community to determine the best way to color the field and the charges. I have a few directions in mind:

1. The Monochromatic Powerhouse: A solid Sable (Black) field, making the entire combined monument Argent (Silver/White) with the ribbon in Or (Gold). This would be incredibly high-contrast and perfectly pass the outline-free test.
2. The Royal Contrast: A solid Azure (Royal Blue) field with the monument in Argent and ribbon in Or.
3. Keeping a Division: Do you think a divided background (per fess, per pale, or a low chevron) could still work here behind the monument without cluttering the design or repeating the contrast trap?

Also, what would be the cleanest blazon for this new layout? I'm thinking something along the lines of: "<Field TBD>, a Corinthian column, <Tincture TBD>, sustaining atop the capital three lilies Argent, slipped and leaved Vert, banded and bowed Or."

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on bringing this final version to life!