It’s hard to find a military unit, police department, or fire station with no challenge coin. They’re a great way to instill a sense of pride and honor in members. Finding a challenge coin’s goal and significance is the first step in creating one. It will help you narrow down the other design decisions.
Don’t Overcomplicate Your Design
For decades, military units have used challenge coins to inspire brotherhood and camaraderie amongst their members. The trend has even filtered down to the police and fire stations and other organizations that value loyalty and hard work. Choose a simple but meaningful concept to convey to get the most out of a challenging coin design. An emblem or insignia is a classic choice, but you can also use a flag, crest, or other custom artwork to represent your group. You can also include text on a challenge coin to communicate essential themes or messages. Remember that a challenge coin is typically small, so displaying detailed artwork on its surface will be challenging. As such, limiting the number of different images and using contrasting colors in your coin design is crucial so that the essential elements stand out. Sketching out multiple designs before choosing one is also a good idea. It will give you a better idea of what the finished custom coins will look like and ensure that the manufacturer brings your design to life as you imagined. Lastly, be sure to consider the metal and plating that will be used in your challenge coin design. The chosen metal will play a role in the aesthetic of your final coin and should align with your design’s desired message and theme. Silver is a popular option for challenge coins, as it pairs well with warm and cool enamel colors.
Don’t Forget About Color
It is easy to get caught up in the intricacy of your designs and end up with a coin that looks fantastic on paper or screen but doesn’t translate as well to metal. A rough sketch you can take to your supplier can help prevent this. It is also an excellent way to ensure you don’t end up with a design that is too large. A smaller design can make adding text, notable dates, location details, and other important information on your coins more accessible. The color of your challenge coin is another critical consideration. Depending on the purpose of your coin, you can use different color combinations to create other effects. For example, gold can give a high-quality appearance, while silver can play well with cool enamel colors like blue. It would help if you also considered using contrasting colors to help your artwork stand out on the coin. It will help your members recognize and remember their coins easily when wearing or displaying them. In addition, you should always avoid using premade images or artwork from the internet for your challenge coins. These images will be more meaningful and unique to your members. By designing a particular coin, you can create something treasured by every member who receives it.
Remember 3D Artwork
When designing your custom challenge coin, it is essential to remember about 3D artwork. It makes your design pop and makes the coin feel unique. It’s true when using a die-struck method. Various plating choices can also give your design some texture. It includes everything from matte to frosted and even glitter.
Making a design that will appeal to your audience is among the most crucial things to remember when designing a challenge coin. It will help you select images, symbols, and text that speak to them meaningfully. It will also help you choose the best color combinations and materials for your coin. Another great way to find inspiration for your custom challenge coin is to look at other coins that are similar in style or purpose. It can provide a great starting point for the design process, as you can see what elements work well together and how they are positioned on the coin. When working with a company that offers challenge coins, it is also important to remember to list all of the changes you want to be made in one email rather than sending them individually. It will ensure that your coin is precisely how you envision it and save you time and money.
Don’t Forget About Metal
Plating is an essential element of challenge coin design that should always be noticed. It adds to the coin’s aesthetic, giving it a premium look and feel that makes it a desirable collectible or symbol of recognition. Moreover, it protects the coin from damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Depending on the type of challenge coin you want, there are many different metals, including silver and gold. Each metal has its unique appeal and works well with varying enamel colors. For example, gold looks great with red enamel, while silver pairs nicely with blue. The edge of a challenge coin is another crucial aspect to consider. Various edges are available, such as bevel cut, oblique line, and diamond cross cut, each with its distinct appearance and feel. It is best to choose an edge that complements your coin’s overall theme and design. Planning out your challenge coin design before sending it off for production is essential. This way, you can ensure your challenge coin turns out just how you envision it. It is also helpful to create multiple designs to compare and contrast them to pick the one that best reflects your organization’s mission and culture. With some planning, you can be sure your challenge coins will look and feel amazing.
