Acrylic Medal

Custom-shaped medals turn an ordinary award into something closely connected to your event, organization or achievement. Instead of placing every design inside a standard circle or square, the outer edge of the medal follows the outline of your artwork.

The shape could follow a sports ball, mascot, company logo, state outline, animal, vehicle, number, shield or another recognizable symbol. This gives organizers more creative freedom and can make the finished medal feel more meaningful to recipients.

The gallery shows several examples of medals made around sports-related artwork. A ribbon attachment is positioned at the top so the finished award can be worn around the neck. The medals also appear to support colorful and detailed designs, although the exact material and printing process are not explained on the page.

Custom-shaped medals can be prepared for sports competitions, school events, charity races, corporate programs, community activities and award ceremonies across the USA.

Create a Medal That Represents Your Event

A custom shape can help an award tell the story of an event before the recipient reads any text. For example, a soccer tournament could use the outline of a soccer ball, jersey, goal or team mascot. A running event might use a shoe, route marker or local landmark.

Schools can create medals based on a crest, graduation symbol, book, musical instrument or academic subject. Companies may choose a product shape, brand icon or anniversary number. Community organizations can use a city landmark, campaign symbol or image connected to their cause.

Your design can include a logo, event name, date, award category, sponsor details or a short message. However, every item does not need to appear on the front. Too much information can make a medal difficult to read, particularly at smaller sizes.

Use the most important image as the main visual element. Secondary information can be placed around it or added to the reverse side if back customization is available.

Available Sizes from 2 to 4 Inches

The page displays six size options: 2, 2.25, 2.75, 3.25, 3.50 and 4 inches. These measurements equal approximately 50.8, 57.2, 69.9, 82.6, 88.9 and 101.6 millimeters.

A smaller medal may work well for a simple logo, number or symbol. Medium sizes provide more room for an event title and additional design details. Larger medals can create a premium presentation for championships, major races and special recognition programs.

Custom shapes are not measured as simply as standard round medals. The selected size will usually refer to the longest dimension, but the page does not confirm this. A 3-inch medal might therefore be 3 inches wide or 3 inches tall, depending on the artwork.

Ask RAFFLESTAG to confirm how the final size will be measured. The team should also provide the estimated width and height of the completed medal before production.

Preparing Artwork for a Custom Outline

Good artwork is especially important for a custom-shaped product because it controls both the printed design and the outside edge. A clear vector file is normally the best choice. Vector artwork can be enlarged, reduced and adjusted without losing quality.

The product page accepts artwork files up to 10MB. Upload the original design rather than a screenshot or image downloaded from social media. Low-resolution artwork may produce blurry text, rough edges or unclear details.

Avoid using extremely thin lines, very small text or narrow sections that extend far from the main design. These details may be difficult to produce or could make the medal easier to damage. Small internal cutouts may also need to be enlarged, filled or removed.

If the original design is complex, RAFFLESTAG may need to simplify the outline while keeping its main character. Request an artwork review to confirm whether every part of the design can be produced safely.

Full-Color Printing and Detailed Designs

The gallery suggests that colorful graphics and detailed illustrations can be reproduced. This can be useful when the artwork includes several brand colors, gradients, small illustrations or a detailed mascot.

The exact printing process is not listed, so confirm whether the medal uses digital printing, UV printing, an epoxy-coated insert, acrylic construction or another production method. Different methods can affect the colors, surface texture, durability and price.

Ask whether a protective coating is included over the artwork. A clear surface layer may help protect the printed design from scratches, moisture and regular handling. You should also confirm whether the finish will be glossy, matte or available in different styles.

Colors displayed on a monitor can look different after printing. Supply official color references when accurate brand colors are important, but understand that an exact screen-to-product color match may not always be possible.

Add a Ribbon to Complete the Medal

The gallery images show medals connected to neck ribbons, but the product page does not state whether the ribbon is included in the standard price.

Ask RAFFLESTAG for the current ribbon color chart and confirm the ribbon material, width and finished length. A ribbon should be comfortable to wear and strong enough for the weight of the selected medal.

Different ribbon colors can identify award levels, age groups or competition categories. For example, separate colors could be used for winners, finalists, volunteers and general participants.

Custom ribbon printing may also be available. A printed ribbon could display the event name, sponsor logo, date or organization name. This gives you more space for branding without making the medal design too crowded.

Confirm how the ribbon connects to the medal. The attachment should fit securely and allow the medal to hang in the correct direction.

Front, Back and Individual Personalization

The front of the medal can carry the main visual design. If back customization is available, the reverse side can contain supporting information such as a date, venue, sponsor message, category or short thank-you statement.

Ask whether both sides can use full-color artwork and whether an additional charge applies. Also confirm whether each medal can include a different name, number, finishing position or award category.

Individual personalization can be helpful for championship awards, employee recognition and special ceremonies. However, it may increase both the price and production time.

If different information is needed on each medal, prepare it in a clear spreadsheet. Check the spelling, capitalization and numbering carefully before submitting it.

Suitable for Sports and Race Events

Custom-shaped medals are popular for soccer, basketball, baseball, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, cycling and running events. The medal can follow the shape of a ball, sports item, event logo or local landmark.

Race organizers can create a medal that reflects the route, distance or theme of the event. A unique medal may also encourage participants to keep it as a souvenir or collect future editions from the same event series.

Make sure any sports league logos, team marks or event branding used in the artwork are owned by your organization or used with permission.

Awards for Schools, Companies and Communities

Schools can use custom medals for academic competitions, graduation activities, attendance awards, music, art and sports days. The shape can follow a school mascot, crest or subject-related symbol.

Companies may order them for employee recognition, sales programs, team-building activities, anniversaries or corporate sports days. Nonprofits and community groups can use them for charity programs, fundraising events, cultural celebrations and volunteer recognition.

A medal does not have to be limited to first, second and third place. Participation medals can recognize effort and give every attendee a lasting reminder of the experience.

Review a Digital Proof Before Production

Request a digital proof before approving the order. The proof should show the final shape, dimensions, artwork position, ribbon attachment and any text that will be printed.

Check spelling, dates, award categories, sponsor logos and colors carefully. Confirm that no important design elements are too close to the cut edge or ribbon hole.

Pay close attention to narrow areas and small extensions in the custom outline. Ask whether these sections are strong enough for regular handling. Do not approve production until every requested correction appears in the final proof.

How to Order Custom-Shaped Medals

Enter your required quantity and choose a size between 2 and 4 inches. Upload artwork up to 10MB and add your instructions to the order-notes field.

Explain the preferred shape, finished size, ribbon color, printing sides, personalization, packaging and required delivery date. If you need several designs or award categories, state the quantity required for each version.

Before completing the order, confirm the material, thickness, size-measurement method, printing process, ribbon inclusion, minimum order quantity and production schedule. Approve the final digital proof before RAFFLESTAG begins production.