Only 32% of Americans are engaged at work, highlighting the importance of boosting team morale.
Gifting team members’ challenge coins, for example, come with an array of benefits, from serving as a great moment and bringing everyone together. But, if you don’t execute the perfect challenge coin, your efforts will go to waste. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you’re on the hunt for challenge coin ideas and need a nudge in the right direction.
Hit the nail on the head? Luckily, we’ve got your back. Here are six challenge coin ideas to check out.
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What Are Challenge Coins?
Before you dive into cool challenge coin ideas, it’s important to know what they are. As the name suggests, these are coins that have been uniquely designed and represent a team or unit. For instance, you’ll likely find an LAPD challenge coin or one dedicated to the military.
Our Favorite Challenge Coin Design Tips
Once you’re familiar with the concept, it’s time to brainstorm unique challenge coin ideas. Although it feels overwhelming, when you’ve got the basic design tricks covered, you’re good to go. For example:
1. Consider the Purpose
First, figure out the purpose of the challenge coin because this will determine the design. If you’re thinking of police challenge coin ideas, you should include the city’s seal, unit name, and department name. That way, people will instantly know your title and understand your role in the team.
Don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed, simply seek inspiration from current challenge coins. It’s wise to create a mood board with your favorite designs and refer to it during the production process.
2. Get Everyone Involved
Designing a challenge coin should be exciting, so get everyone involved. Regardless of everyone’s creativity levels, it’s a great way to bounce ideas off one another and create a challenge coin that everyone loves. To avoid any issues, be democratic and let everyone have their say, even if it means ditching your idea.
3. Draw a Design
When you know the elements, get the best artist to draw the design. Ideally, draw the challenge coin to scale, so you can easily visualize it and ensure that everything fits. You can also decide on a focal point and see which details are less included to prevent a loud design.
It’s wise to get a 3D mold of your challenge coin before sending it off. This is a fantastic way of adding texture and seeing which parts stand out more. An added bonus is that it’s affordable and lets you spot any errors before it’s too late.
4. Find the Right Plating Option
During the design process, consider the plating options. Note, this term refers to the metal base of your coin and forms the outline of the design. You can either choose black or gold metal plating, depending on the purpose.
For instance, if the challenge coin is a prize, choose gold-plating because it’s special. In contrast, if you’re designing a memorial coin, black metal plating is more fitting.
Then, decide between soft and hard enamel. If you’re not familiar, enamel is the material that is poured over the metal base, which gives the coin its color. Each one also has different price points, so refer to your budget first.
Teams after an affordable option should go with a soft enamel coin. You’ll find that these have raised metal edges that add texture and work best with simple designs. It’s the must-have option if you have several colors to play with.
Or, if that doesn’t tick the boxes, go with hard enamel. In contrast, hard enamel coins have a metal base, get overfilled with enamel, and are polished down in the final process. Because of this, these challenge coins are more durable and best accommodate simple, geometrical designs.
5. Choose Relevant Colors
Personalize your challenge coin by choosing relevant colors, especially if it’s for a sports team. The goal is for people to instantly recognize you via the badge as it represents your brand. A good rule of thumb is sticking with two colors at the maximum; otherwise, it’ll look like a mess.
Make sure that you use the Pantone Matching System when browsing colors so that it comes out the exact shade. You can either use Adobe Creative Suite or hire a graphic designer to guide you through the process.
Another common mistake is overlooking the coin’s edges. Use this space to add intricate details and it’ll tie the entire design together. For instance, if you’re searching for a sophisticated option, go with a classic diamond crisscross edge as it oozes elegance.
6. Don’t Go Overboard
Many challenge coin designers fall into the trap of making it too complicated. Although it’s tempting to jam everything team-related, you don’t want the challenge coin to look loud and difficult to see.
Once you’re happy with the final result, start brainstorming challenge coin shelf ideas. This is the go-to option if you want to store them as a collective. Or, if you want individuals to keep them, treat everyone to a small challenge coin holder, so their memento stays in good condition.
You should also gift these coins to your team’s family members. It’s a great way to involve everyone and shows that you’re bounded by loyalty.
Enjoy These Challenge Coin Ideas
Hopefully, these challenge coin ideas will inspire you to design the ultimate mementos.
There are many great ideas to choose from, such as understanding the purpose and incorporating your team’s relevant colors. You should choose the right material and avoid going overboard. Good luck!
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