Presenting custom awards allows you to gift a recognition piece that highlights the recipient’s personality, achievements and success. There are several factors to consider during the design phase. This guide breaks down the process.
Step 1: Define the Purpose of the Plaque
Custom awards are suitable for almost any occasion, event and ceremony, so it’s important to put some thought into the design. Consider the purpose of the plaque and the message or emotion you want to convey to the recipient.
Here are some questions to answer as you get started:
- Is the award for a sports, academic, corporate or personal event?
- Are you honoring an individual, organization or achievement?
- What information should be included on the plaque?
Step 2: Choose the Right Material
The material you select can leave a lasting impact. Think about the nature of the event and how a plaque will represent that atmosphere.
Custom award materials include:
Glass: The clarity and elegance of a glass plaque make it ideal for formal occasions and high-end events. Engrave, polish and add color to fashion a piece that will stand out.
Acrylic: This material is lightweight but durable, so it’s suitable for corporate functions, employee awards and sports plaques. It’s available in a variety of shapes and colors and is a good option for outdoor displays.
Metal: If you want to make a powerful statement, then metal is the material to choose. It creates a powerful statement that can be used for career milestones, professional achievements and personal recognition.
Wood: A wooden plaque can represent tradition, craftsmanship and simplicity. This material is appropriate for engraving and staining and may be paired with metal, acrylic and glass elements.
Step 3: Select the Size, Shape and Orientation
Standard vs. custom dimensions: Standard sizes like 8” x 10” and 10” x 13” are more cost-effective options and easier to frame and mount. Custom dimensions are ideal for artistic shapes and can be constructed to fit a specific space.
Portrait vs. landscape layout: Portrait-style plaques accommodate vertical images, lists and emblems, making them useful for certificates and accolades. Landscapes are wider, allowing you to include longer text blocks and side-by-side elements.
Text and display space: Simple fonts allow for better legibility, especially in smaller type. Consider line spacing and margins when choosing your display to avoid visual clutter and provide balance.
Step 4: Craft a Clear Message
The tone of your message should align with the occasion, whether that’s professional, motivational or personal. Be concise with your wording as space is limited and you’ll need to account for margins, even on larger plaques. You can include the recipient’s name, title, personal details, memories, achievements and quotes for a truly unique piece.
H2: Step 5: Choose the Right Engraving Style
Engraving type depends on the award’s material. You can choose between laser and rotary methods.
Here’s how they differ:
Laser engraving: This method uses a high-beam laser to carve into the plaque’s surface. You can use laser engraving to etch and mark different textures and effects. It’s best for glass, crystal and wood.
Rotary engraving: During rotary engraving, machinery guides a spindle and bit to create precision scratches in the substrate. You can use this style for linework, large fonts and simple shapes in metal.
Step 6: Review and Finalize Your Design
Proofreading is a must, so ask someone to review your layout and wording to identify typos and grammar issues. That includes verifying names, titles and dates.
You should also double-check the font style and size, text alignment and orientation. Getting another set of eyes on your work reduces the risk of missing errors you might have overlooked. Request a proof to ensure everything is correct before production.
Design Quality Custom Plaques with Confidence
Sylvan Studio specializes in custom trophies and plaques. Our expert team will assist you in producing unique awards that cater to your ceremony and recipients. Contact us to schedule a consultation.