Custom awards are not simply a work of art; they are a way of expressing the values and identity of your organisation in a physical form. From a high-level corporate performance award to an Acknowledgement of Country plaque, the design has to say ‘respect’ and ‘excellence’. Here are seven design principles for merging professionalism with emotional punch.
1. Align Design with Corporate Brand Identity
Your award should be an extension of your company brand using your corporate colour palette and core values. But don’t just stick a logo on a generic trophy; you should think about how the shapes and materials of the award can reflect the personality of your brand. Choose crisp, clean glass for a technology-focused company or plush, natural shapes for a service-oriented business.
2. Prioritise Material and Weight for Perceived Value
You need a trophy that has some heft and quality, because that heft is going to create a psychological importance for the recipient. Make sure that you invest in quality glass and crystal for clarity, with metal or wood accents for texture and warmth. Always consider how your materials will react to light and how they will look sitting on a desk or mantle when you choose your materials.
3. Ensure Clarity in Engraving
The engraving is the most important part of the award, but many designs fail because they are cluttered with too much information. Maintain a clear hierarchy, because the vital element should be the award achieved or the name of the award, followed by who received it, the date, and the branding of the company. The engraving or sandblasting must be done professionally so the text is sharp and readable.
4. Using Good Symbols
Making plaques for Acknowledgement of Country or community recognition needs real and respectful consultation. Respect the cultural significance of any traditional motifs or community symbols and seek appropriate permissions for their use. Also, a successful design in this space bridges the gap between corporate professional standards and real community connection.
5. Consider the Displayability Factor
When you’re designing your custom trophies, think about where they’ll be displayed in the future. Avoid making the design too wide or flimsy, as it will be difficult to find a place for it or it may break easily. A good trophy should be stable, small enough to fit in a standard space and dust-resistant so that it is as beautiful years later as it was on the day it was awarded.
6. Focus on Timelessness Over Trends
Corporate awards are timeless; they are meant to be a legacy of achievement that will stand the test of time. Keep in mind that selecting classic geometric shapes, graceful curves and simple details is more likely to stay in style for decades to come. However, if you choose a design that is elegant, the recipient can display the award throughout their career, regardless of how design tastes change.
7. Professional Quality Control and Prototyping
Never go to production on a big run of corporate awards without seeing and feeling a physical prototype. Digital renders on a computer screen won’t tell you how crystal reflects light or how metal textures feel or how the balance of a trophy affects its stability. Ask for physical proof that the engraving is deep and that the structural integrity of the piece is good enough for you.
Your Path to an Impactful Recognition Program
Custom awards represent a significant financial commitment to your employees and partners, and the design process should reflect that importance. The creation of awards that really resonate stems from a commitment to material quality and cultural respect. Also, whether you’re ordering a single flagship trophy or bulk recognition plaques, these guidelines will help you create an aesthetically stunning result.