Creating A Custom Medal Design Brief: A Step-By-Step Guide

A lot of people struggle to turn the pictures in their head into words.

If that sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering how to explain to a supplier what you want your custom medals to look like.

Questions like, “How do I make sure the medals turn out exactly the way I want?” and “What details do I even need to give the supplier?”.

Feeling unsure at this stage is completely normal.

Most people hit the same roadblock when it comes to writing a design brief.

But with the right guidance, it’s a lot easier than you think.

At Badges and Medals, we’ve helped thousands of organisations order custom medals.

We know how to turn your ideas into clear, concise design briefs that get the results you’re looking for.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to do the same.

By the time you finish, you’ll know what to say so your supplier nails the design on the first go.

How to design custom medals:

Every great design starts with clear instructions.

To make writing your design brief as easy as possible, you can copy and paste the following sentences into your email to the supplier.

Just choose the options that apply to your design then fill in the blanks. Simple!

• Start with the essentials.

But first, if you haven't done so already, begin by letting the supplier know the number of medals you want and your deadline.

This helps the supplier prioritise your order, and make sure your designs are completed on time.

Copy this: "I'd like to order [quantity] custom medals. I need them by [date]."

• Add your inspiration.

Next, attach anything that visually represents your brand or the design you have in mind.

This could include your organisation's logo, any specific artwork you want on the medals, or images that inspire the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.

If you have brand guidelines or specific colours you want to use, consider attaching those as well.

Copy this: "I've attached my organisation's logo and my inspiration to this email."

To make it easier for your supplier to understand your vision, explain how you want these elements to be used on your custom medal.

For example, you could say, "I've chosen this picture as my inspiration because I like the unique medal shape."

• Pick from the following options to describe your design.

Next, write: "Here's what I'm after design-wise..."

Then, go through the list below and pick the design elements that best explain what you have in mind.

Simply copy and paste those that apply into your email and fill in the blanks.

• "I want my medal to be shaped like [shape]."
• "I want my medal to be [size]mm in diameter."
• "I want my medal to be made of [material]."
• "I want my medal to be [size]mm thick."
• "I want my base medal colour to be [colour]."
• "I [do/don't] want my medal to have an antique finish."
• "I [do/don't] want my medal to have a custom ribbon."
• "I'd like [section] to be [colour]."
• "I'd like [section] to have [texture]."
• "I want [section] to be engraved with [words]."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be cut-out."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be three-dimensional."
• "I want [section] of the medal to [spin/slide]."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be made of [unique material]."
• "I want my medal to have a magnet."
• "I want my medal to come in a [type] presentation box."

Not quite sure what design elements to include or what they mean?

Scroll down for a deeper dive into each element, or click on the link above to skip to a specific section.

Design elements explained:

Medal shape:

Most medals are round in shape.

However, yours doesn't have to be.

You can choose a different shape if you want, like a triangle, square, or even a custom design.

There are two reasons you might do this: to better show your organisation's personality or to stand out from the crowd.

Either way, there is one practical consideration to keep in mind before you switch: circular medals offer the most space for design details and text, so if you choose an unconventional shape, you may need to simplify your design a bit.

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to be shaped like a circle."
• "I want my medal to be shaped like a triangle."
• "I want my medal to be shaped like a square."
• "I want my medal to be a custom shape. Please see the attached [logo/drawing]."

An example of a medal with a custom shape.

Medal size:

The most popular medal sizes are 50mm and 70mm wide.

However, you can make your medal much smaller or larger than this.

For example, at Badges And Medals we can make anything from 40mm to 100mm medals.

When selecting the size, think about how the medal will be used.

A smaller medal tends to be cheaper and easier to carry, so might be better for children.

Meanwhile, a larger medal looks more expensive and offers more space for intricate details.

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to be 50mm in diameter."
• "I want my medal to be 70mm in diameter."

Medal material:

The material of your medal plays a big role in how much people think it's worth and the impact it has on the planet.

Most medals are made from zinc alloy because it's affordable and durable.

But medals can also be made of wood, stone, plastic, and brass, among others.

(If you're curious, there are even some strange medal materials out there!)

However, out of all of these, brass and wood are the second most popular choices.

Why? Brass is heavier than zinc alloy, which makes it feel more valuable, and therefore more luxurious.

This makes it perfect for special events or awards, so long as you're willing to fork out a bit more.

Wood, on the other hand, is often used by people looking to make their event more sustainable.

So, it all depends on what you're after!

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to be made of zinc alloy."
• "I want my medal to be made of brass."
• "I want my medal to be made of wood."
• "I want my medal to be made of plastic."

An example of a wooden medal.

Medal thickness:

Most medals are around 3mm thick - about the same as two US pennies stacked on top of each other.

But you can up this to 4mm or 5mm thick if you want.

Why? Well, a thicker medal feels heavier to people and suggests it's more valuable.

The only downside is that thicker medals cost more than thinner ones because they're made of more metal.

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to be 3mm thick."
• "I want my medal to be 4mm thick."
• "I want my medal to be 5mm thick."

Medal base colour:

We've all seen medals in gold, silver, or bronze.

But, who says you have to stick to those base colours?

The truth is that most suppliers can make medals in a whole spectrum of colours, even if they don't advertise it.

Going for a more unconventional colour can make your medal more memorable.

Some of the most popular alternatives are white and black.

And it’s not just limited to metal medals - plastic and wooden ones can be customised with different colours, too.

That said, not all colours will work with every design.

For example, it can be hard to read text on black medals because they don't reflect much light.

So, because you pick your base colour, consider how it will complement your other choices.

Copy this:

• "I want my base medal colour to be gold."
• "I want my base medal colour to be silver."
• "I want my base medal colour to be bronze."
• "I want my base medal colour to be black."

An example of a rare base medal colour - white!

Medal finish:

A finish is essentially a tint applied over the base colour of your medal. It plays a big role in how your medal is perceived.

If left alone, most base colours look bright and shiny, which can sometimes make them look a bit cheaper than intended.

To combat this, many suppliers add an antique finish, which tones down that brightness and gives your medal a more sophisticated look.

But, if you'd rather have a shiny medal, let your supplier know.

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to have an antique finish."
• "I don't want my medal to have an antique finish."

Medal ribbon:

Manufacturers often pair wooden medals with a custom ribbon since it takes about the same time to whip them up as it takes to make the medals. 

Custom ribbons can have any colours, text or design features.

Your imagination is the limit! Most people use them to distinguish different events or thank their sponsors.

However, custom ribbons cost more than plain ribbons and take longer to make.

(Plain ribbons usually have only one or two colours and don't come with text.)

Be sure to let your supplier know which one you'd prefer, and what specifically you'd like on the ribbon.

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to have a custom ribbon. Please see the attached [logos/ideas]."
• "I don't want my medal to have a custom ribbon."

Medal enamel:

Enamel is what suppliers use to colour in the details of your medal.

Without it, your design will be the same colour as the medal's base - which is fine, if that's what you're after!

But if you want to add some colour, then as long as the area you want coloured is at least 0.5mm wide, you can add enamel to it.

And if you really want to make your medal stand out, you can even go for glitter or glow-in-the-dark enamel.

Just remember, enamel is for highlighting specific areas, not the whole medal.

Oh, and a quick heads-up: the more enamel you use, the more expensive your medal will be.

Copy this:

• "I'd like this [specific detail] to be [colour]."

Add enamel to make your medal POP!

Medal texture:

Texture is a fantastic way to make your medal stand out.

The most popular types are crosshatching or sandblasting which can be added to almost anywhere.

For example, you can use a sandblast texture to make the text on your medal look like it's sparkling.

However, it’s important to choose wisely.

Some textures might not work well with certain base colours.

Talk with your supplier to find the texture that best enhances your medal.

Copy this:

• "I'd like this [specific detail] to be sandblasted."
• "I'd like this [specific detail] to be crosshatched."

Medal engraving:

Engraving is a powerful way to make your medal more personal.

It's the process of etching words or symbols onto your medal, like a name, unit number, or a special date.

It adds an extra level of meaning to the medal.

Most engravings are short and sweet - enough to make the medal unique, while still leaving room for the rest of your design.

Copy this:

• "I want [section] to be engraved with [words]."

Engraving your medal is a great way to personalise it.

Medal cut-out:

A cut-out is when parts of the medal are removed to create negative space.

They're used to add depth, highlight key elements, or even create fun, functional features, like a bottle opener.

You can fully customise your medal's cut-outs to fit your design. But keep in mind that larger cut-outs may reduce the overall strength of your custom medal.

Copy this:

• "I want [section] of the medal to be cut-out."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be cut-out and double as a bottle-opener."

3D medal parts:

When something is three-dimensional (3D), it has depth, width, and height.

In other words, it's not flat.

Adding 3D elements to a medal makes parts of it literally stand out. You can make any part of your medal 3D.

However, it tends to work best on things in the centre of a medal's face or on items that might not look great in 2D, like people's faces.

Copy this:

• "I want [section] of the medal to be three-dimensional."

A medal with a three-dimensional part - the biker!

Moving medal parts:

Moving parts will transform the average medal into a playful, interactive experience.

Instead of just looking at the medal, recipients can engage with it - whether it's a part that spins or slides. 

However, not every supplier offers this option because it's technical work and usually involves creating more than one mould for your medal.

Because of this, medals with moving parts tend to be a lot pricier than those that don't.

But if you're looking for a custom medal that truly wows people, it's worth considering.

Copy this:

• "I want [section] of the medal to spin."
• "I want [section] of the medal to slide."

Unique medal materials:

One of the best ways to make your medal stand out is to add unique materials.

Think about using things like seashell, stone, glass, or even plastic on your medal.

Chances are, if you've never seen a medal with unique materials on it, your recipients haven't either, and they'll be very impressed!

However, not all suppliers offer this service, so it’s important to check with them first.

If they do provide it, ask about any restrictions they might have.

For example, some suppliers may not be able to add glass to small areas.

Copy this:

• "I want [section] of the medal to be seashell."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be glass."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be gemstone."
• "I want [section] of the medal to be plastic."

A medal with a seashell in its centre.

Medal magnet:

Adding a magnet to your medal is a clever way to make it both fun and functional.

Instead of stashing their medals in a drawer, your recipients can proudly display them on their refrigerators or cabinets. 

This is a smart marketing tactic - people will be reminded of your event every time they grab a snack!

Just remember that a magnet will take up a fair amount of space on the back of your medal, and could increase its cost.

Copy this:

• "I want my medal to have a magnet."

Medal presentation box:

How you present your medals can shape the impression they leave on people.

Most medals come in basic plastic or paper bags that protect them but don’t add much flair.

If you’re looking to impress, consider upgrading to velvet, vegan leather, or cardboard boxes.

These options cost a bit more but add a touch of luxury that stands out.

Velvet and vegan leather boxes are especially popular because they feature satin-lined lids and soft bases, making your medals look fantastic.

At Badges And Medals, we even offer free customisation for your boxes.

You can add your logo onto its lid, change the colour to match your medal, or include a plaque with the recipient's name inside.

Copy this:

• "I want my medals to come in a cardboard presentation box."
• "I want my medals to come in a velvet presentation box."
• "I want my medals to come in a vegan leather presentation box."

Examples of custom medal design briefs:

Now that you understand the key design elements and how much you can customise them, let’s look at some real-world examples. Below are a few medal designs we’ve brought to life, along with the details you’d need to provide to achieve a similar result.

• 'Snow Australia' medal

Hi there,

I've attached the Snow Australia and Mt Buller logos and brand guidelines.

Please build the medal around the Snow Australia logo.

Above the Snow Australia logo, please add 'VICTORIAN INTERSCHOOLS SNOWSPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS'.

Below the logo, please have the Mt Buller logo.

Here's what I'm after design-wise:

• I want my medal to be shaped like a circle.
• I want my medal to be 65mm in diameter.
• I want my medal to be made of zinc alloy.
• I want my medal to be 4mm thick.
• I want my base medal colour to be gold.
• I want my medal to have an antique finish.
• I want my medal to have a custom ribbon. I'd like the ribbon to have the Snow Australia and Mt Buller logo. Please make one side of the ribbon blue, and other the blue/white.
• I'd like the kangaroo, its "skis" and any text to be the blue listed in our brand guidelines.
• I want the area between the logo and out outside of the medal to be cut-out.

Thank you.

• 'Sandy Point Half Marathon' medal

Hi there,

I've attached the Sandy Point Half Marathon and Sole Motive logos and brand colours.

I want the medal to have two people running on it. I want Melbourne buildings in the background.

Above the runners, please put 'HALF MARATHON 2024'.

Please add the Sandy Point Half Marathon beneath the two runners.

Please add the Sandy Point Half Marathon swirls to the medal. Perhaps make the runners out of them?

Also, add the Sole Motive logo, but don't make it a centre point.

Here's what I'm after design-wise:

• I want my medal to be a custom shape, made up of multiple levels.
• I want my medal to be made of zinc alloy.
• I want my medal to be 65mm in diameter.
• I want my medal to be 3mm thick.
• I want my base medal colour to be silver.
• I want my medal to have an antique finish.
• I want my medal to have a custom ribbon. On one side of the ribbon, please have the Sandy Point Half Marathon and Sole Motive logos. Also, have 'HALF MARATHON FINISHER 2024' in white. Leave the other side of the ribbon bare of logos and text. Use the Sandy Point Half Marathon brand colours and imagery on both sides of the ribbon.
• I'd like the runners to be white.
• I'd like parts of the Sandy Point Half Marathon (the text and wings) to be red.
• I'd like other parts of the medal to be white and red. Add where you think it looks best.

Thank you.

Get your free design today:

Ordering custom medals doesn’t have to be complicated.

By following the simple steps outlined by Badges And Medals in this guide, you can now communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

Ready to give it a go?

Fill out this quick form today for a free custom medal design and let’s turn your vision into a reality!