A proposal to update our iconic wave plate with a new design fit for the Ocean State.

What is this site?

Rhode Island is changing its license plate and the New Wave design is one of the finalists.

Click here to vote for the new wave plate!

This is my new design. I hope you like it. If you’re still reading, let me tell you a bit more about it.

That looks a lot like the current plate, why is that?

Well, that’s kind of the idea! I think we have an opportunity to make our wave plate iconic — and put it in a category of state license plates that are timeless and instantly recognizable across the United States — while still showcasing what makes Rhode Island unique and special.

• The new wave design builds on the current design celebrating Rhode Island’s world-famous maritime industry, fishing, and beautiful coastline. 🏖🎣
• From waves adorning RIPTA buses and the DMV building to anchors on our flag and tourism board, the design doubles down on both the wave anchor as core to Rhode Island’s visual identity. 🚎🌊
• The introduction of five waves represent each of Rhode Island’s five distinctive counties: Bristol, Kent, Providence, Newport, and Washington. 5️⃣🌊
• The iconic “fouled anchor” illustration is adapted from one of Rhode Island’s earliest symbols — the Revolutionary Flag of 1775. ⚓️🇺🇸
• The typography & colors have been updated with more personality and energy to reflect today — combining both the elegance and energy of the Ocean State — from our picturesque coastal towns to our cities and world-class institutions. 🌅🎓

Here is a handy image explaining all that:

Wait. Who are you?

My name is Willem Van Lancker. I am a born and raised Rhode Islander and if you know me, you know I am a diehard lover of Rhode Island.

If you get me on the subject, I will quickly let you know all about my favorites — nightlife and creative energy in Providence and Newport, secret clamming spots in South County and Little Compton, and fall walks in Arcadia and Sachuest all underscored by the state’s unique, independent history. I truly believe there are few places that pack together with the beauty, dynamism, creativity, and history as our small state does.

Anyway, enough about that, — when the opportunity came to try my hand at creating a new design for our license plates, I was excited at the chance to give something back to the state that has given me so much. Here we are.

So, while I likely don’t know you, I'd like to ask you to do two things: