Professional Guide to Custom Medal Design

Professional Guide to Custom Medal Design

Industry Information for Global Clients

Professional Manufacturer of Custom Metal Medals, Medallions & Souvenir Gifts

1. Key Elements to Confirm Before Design

Before starting the medals design, please confirm the following basic information to ensure accuracy, practicality and budget control.

• Usage Scenario: Sports events, marathons, corporate awards, anniversary souvenirs, school competitions, government recognition, promotional gifts

• Material: Zinc alloy (most popular, cost-effective), copper, iron, stainless steel, aluminum

• Craft & Style: Soft enamel, hard enamel, painted, embossed, engraved, hollow, antique plating, epoxy

• Size & Thickness: Normal diameter 40mm - 80mm, thickness 2mm - 5mm; larger size enhances premium texture

• Accessory: Lanyard, ribbon, base, keychain, pin & clutch

2. Design Layout of Medals: Front, Back & Edge

A complete medal design includes three parts to achieve balanced vision and complete information.

Front Side (Main Visual)

• Main logo, event name, theme pattern, year

• 3D embossed / relief craft is highly recommended for high-end texture

• Suggest 2 - 4 colors for best craft performance

Back Side (Information Area)

• Organization name, slogan, serial number, issue date, QR code

• Matte, sandblasted or laser engraving available

• Keep clean and tidy, avoid overcrowded layout

Shape & Edge

• Round, square, shield, irregular shape or fully customized shape

• Decorative borders: laurel, gear, wing, ribbon and other symbolic elements

• Special-shaped medals improve brand recognition

3. Popular Crafts for Medal Design (Best for Export Orders)

Different crafts determine grade, texture and unit price.

• Soft Enamel: Rich colors, smooth touch, ideal for high-end events and official awards

• Hard Enamel: Flat surface, durable, luxury texture, top choice for premium medals

• Paint & Polishing: Bright colors, cost-effective, perfect for marathons and large-quantity orders

• Printing + Epoxy: Fine patterns, full-color design, suitable for complex logos and photos

• Antique Plating: Retro bronze, antique silver, vintage style for souvenirs and culture projects

• Hollow & Combination: Strong layered effect, unique appearance for branded competitions

4. International Color Matching Principles

• Classic match: Gold, silver, bronze for sports events

• Corporate sports medals: Main color + brand VI color system

• International friendly: Avoid sensitive colors, religious symbols and politically sensitive patterns

• Use PANTONE solid color code to ensure color consistency in mass production

5. Logo & Text Design Specifications (Important for Mass Production)

• Provide vector files: AI, CDR, PDF with high resolution

• Text and lines should not be too thin or too small to avoid blurring after casting

• Support multi-language design: English, local language and others

• Metal crafts prefer bold lines, stereoscopic patterns and simple structures

6. Principles of Excellent Medal Design

• High recognizability: Clear theme and strong visual impact

• Production-friendly: Feasible for mold making and mass production

• Culture-friendly: Respect local culture, customs and taboos of target countries

7. Our Design Service Advantages

• Free 2 - 3 sets of event medals design sketches

• Professional design team with English communication

• Provide 2D / 3D design renderings for confirmation before production

• 100% craft-oriented design, ensuring final products consistent with renderings

• One-stop OEM & ODM service for global importers, event planners and wholesalers

Freely contact us directly if any other questions on design your own high quality metal medals.