How to Design a Custom Medal

A medal design becomes easy to produce when the brief answers a few practical questions before artwork starts. The list below is the same information our designers check on the first pass, and it is the fastest way to avoid a second round of revisions.

Start With the Event Context

Say what the medal is for: a marathon, a school sports day, a corporate recognition programme, a conference or a commemorative anniversary. Event context tells the designer whether the artwork should feel competitive, ceremonial or corporate, and it usually settles the question of size and shape.

The Details That Shape Artwork

• Shape and cut-out — round, custom outline or a pierced silhouette.
• Size and thickness — for example 50 mm, 60 mm or 70 mm across.
• Relief level — flat 2D, raised 3D detail or a multi-layer structure.
• Plating — gold, silver, bronze, nickel, copper, antique or matte.
• Colors — soft enamel, hard enamel or printed graphics, ideally with Pantone references.
• Text — the exact wording for the front, the back and the year or date line.
• Ribbon — plain or printed, width and color.
• Packaging — poly bag, retail packing or presentation box.

Artwork Files That Move Fast

Vector files such as AI, PDF, EPS and SVG give the cleanest result. PNG and JPG references are also accepted when a vector file is not available, and the design team can rebuild the artwork from them. First artwork is normally delivered within 24 hours, and this service is free.

A Short Brief Template

Copy the lines below into your enquiry and the first visual is usually right on the first attempt:

• Event or programme name, plus the date.
• Quantity needed.
• Size and preferred shape.
• Material or finish, if known.
• Logo and any imagery, with the exact wording for both sides.
• Ribbon requirements and how the medals will be packed.
• Deadline and delivery destination.

Browse custom medal types for shape and finish references, then send your brief for free artwork.