How can I design my own medals?
There are so many reasons to award someone a medal. Maybe they’ve achieved something incredible, or maybe they’ve put in an exceptional amount of effort for a good cause. Whatever the reason, medals make excellent awards, and it’s possible to design your own customized medals very easily. How can I design my own medals? In this blog post, we’ll explain how you can go about designing and ordering your own medals. So if you’re looking for a unique way to reward someone special, read on!
Everybody is a winner
When do you need your medals for?
Medal manufacturing can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of medals required. It’s important to factor in lead time when you’re planning your event, to make sure that you receive the medals in time. We recommend ordering your medals at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the event, to be on the safe side.
How many medals do you need?
Another important consideration is the quantity of medals required. Many medal manufacturers have minimum order quantities (MOQs), which can range from 50 to 500 pieces depending on the company. It’s important to be aware of MOQs when planning your event, as ordering more medals than you need can be costly. If you’re unsure of how many medals to order, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and order a few extra, as medals are often very popular and can be kept as souvenirs or mementos.
How can I design my own medals? Choose your medal style
Medals come in a variety of styles, from soft enamel to hard enamel, die struck to cast. Different styles of medals will have different price points and lead times, so it’s important to choose the right style for your event. Soft enamel medals are the most popular style of medal and are perfect for detailed designs. Hard enamel medals have a smooth, glossy finish and are also very popular. Die struck medals are less common but offer a more traditional look. Cast medals are the most expensive but offer the highest quality finish.
Choose medal material
Understand how you want your medals to look. Chosen materials influence the final color of the medals. The most common materials for medals are gold, silver, or bronze but there are also a variety of other options available, such as copper, nickel, and brass.
Choose medal finish to design your own medals
Medal finish influences how the final medal looks and how it reflects light. The most common finishes are shiny, antique, and satin. Shiny medals have a high polish and reflect light well. Antique medals have a more muted finish and often look darker than shiny medals. Satin medals have a brushed finish and fall somewhere in between shiny and antique medals in terms of reflectivity.
Different materials will have different price points, so it’s important to choose the right material for your event. Gold medals are the most expensive but offer a luxurious look. Silver medals are less expensive but still offer a high-quality finish. Bronze medals are the most affordable option and are perfect for budget-conscious events.
Choose colors for your medals
You can work with the metal itself to achieve a specific color look or you can add desired colors of your choice. For example, some people find original gold or silver medals too shiny. The antique finish darkens the metal and gives medals more of a matte look.
Anodizing is the process of adding color to metal by using electricity. This is a popular method for coloring medals because it’s very durable and the color can be applied evenly to the entire medal. Enameling is another popular method for adding color to medals. This involves applying a colored powder or liquid to the surface of the medal and then heating it until the color melts and adheres to the metal.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the colors for your medals. First, think about the overall look you want to achieve. Do you want your medals to be colorful or more subdued? Second, consider the event itself. Is it a formal event or a more casual affair? Third, think about your budget. Enameled medals are more expensive than anodized medals, so if you’re working with a limited budget, anodized medals may be the better option.
Design your medal artwork
Now that you’ve decided on the style, material, finish, and colors for your medals, it’s time to start designing the artwork. If you’re not a designer yourself, you may want to hire a professional to create the artwork for you. Medal designs can be very complex, so it’s important to make sure the artwork is created correctly before it’s sent to the manufacturer.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing your medal artwork:
– Make sure the design is simple enough that it can be reproduced on a small surface.
– Avoid using too many colors or complex shading.
– Use high-contrast colors to make sure the design is visible from a distance.
– Make sure all text is legible and easy to read.
– Keep the overall design clean and uncluttered.
What software can you use to design your artwork?
There are a few different software programs you can use to design your medal artwork. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are two of the most popular options. If you’re not a designer yourself, you may want to hire a professional to create the artwork for you. Medal designs can be very complex, so it’s important to make sure the artwork is created correctly before it’s sent to the manufacturer.
Choose medal ribbon width and length
The width and length of your medal ribbon can have a big impact on the overall look of your medal. Ribbon widths typically range from 1/2″ to 2″. The most common ribbon width is 1″. When choosing the width you’ll want to make sure the width of your ribbon is proportional to the size of your medal. A wider ribbon may look out of proportion on a small medal, for example.
As for the length of your ribbon, consider how you want your medals to be worn. If you’re planning on wearing your medal around your neck, you’ll need a longer ribbon. A shorter ribbon may be more appropriate if you’re planning on tying it in a bow. Keep in mind that the length of your ribbon will also affect the price.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing the width and length of your medal ribbon is the overall look you’re going for. Consider the event you’re creating medals for and the overall style of your medal. With these factors in mind, you should be able to choose a ribbon width and length that will work well for your project.
Choose the right medal ribbon loop type
You should choose your medal ribbon loop type based on the selected ribbon type and the overall medal type and look.
The most common ribbon loop type is the round shape. This type of loop is best for ribbons that are 1″ wide or less.
The wide shape is another popular option and it’s best for ribbons that are 1.5″ wide or more. This type of loop gives your medal a more formal look.
If you’re not sure which loop type to choose, ask your medal manufacturer for their recommendation. They should be able to help you choose the right option based on the style of your medal and ribbon.
Choose custom engraving for your medals
Custom engraving is a great way to add a personal touch to your medals. You can use custom engraving to add the names of the event or organization, the date, or any other text you want. Custom engraving is also a great way to add a logo or image to your medal.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing custom engraving for your medals:
– Make sure the text is legible and easy to read.
– Choose a font that is appropriate for the event or organization.
– Avoid using too many characters. Try to keep the text short and to the point.
– If you’re adding a logo, make sure it’s a high-resolution image.
Conclusion
Designing medals is not exactly nuclear science but if you have zero experience with metals, finishes, or design, your medals may come out differently than you imagined. If you have doubts, there is no doubt that you should contact us and we’ll help you design a perfect medal for your event.
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