Teachers theses days...what will they assign next! This would be a great time for Ted to post one of his "notes for the teacher." Sorry, that's and inside joke on this board but read what everyone has suggested and one possibility is to make your own design and offer an explanation as to why you did that. If your paper is good enough, they will have to give you an A because it would normally take much longer than a school session to complete the research necessary to locate a coat of arms if someone in your family actually has one. Plus, we've given you all the references you need for your research. Good luck!
Coats of Arms
Except for a few cases, there is really no such thing as a catch-all "coat of arms" for a surname. BUT, you will find literally hundreds of web sites on the Internet that will tell you otherwise. In actuality, "coats of arms" are usually granted only to a single person ... and NOT to an entire family or to a particular surname. Coats of arms are inheritable property, and they generally descend to male lineal descendents of the original arms grantee. So, you will know if you inherited a "coat of arms" ... because if you did, you'll already have it! The caveat to this paragraph is that "rules" and traditions regarding Coats of Arms vary from country to country. So, be certain to research the heraldry traditions of your ancestor's home country.
There are many links to articles about Coats of Arms and heraldry, at Kimberly Powell's About.com genealogy site.
A newsgroup devoted to heraldry has posted some very good explanations regarding a coat of arms and family crests. It explains what they can mean, and it even discusses software available for heraldic studies.
Legitimate Arms
If you'd like to read more about true coats of arms then these websites are good places to start:
• The Baronage Press
• American College Of Heraldry
• Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
Arms for Entertainment or Decoration
If, for the sole purpose of fun and entertainment, you still want to see some coats of arms associated (loosely) with your surname, then you can read through the below linked websites. Some of them have free "coats of arms" images. Bear in mind, though, that for most all of us, viewing these coats of arms, or buying mugs, t-shirts or plaques bearing these images is really just for fun or decoration.
• Free Coat of Arms
• Free Coat of Arms Search (Extensive Site!)
• Coats of Arms Designs of Wonder
• Coats of Arms on the Internet
• Fleur-de-Lis Designs
http://www.progenealogists.com/coatofarms.html
The family crest is typically a figure and generally a beast of some kind. It can be found "atop the helmet placed above the shield." Traditionally the crest has been used primarily by men. However, some queens of England of Britain have been treated with crests. In the early history of the family crest, its issuance was usually confined to people of rank, but later the crest was included in nearly every grant of arms.