How to Design Badges That Really Stand Out

Posted by Liam on 12th Jul 2022

How to Design Badges That Really Stand Out

A well-designed badge can make a lasting impression, whether it’s for an event, school, band, or promotional campaign. Badges aren’t just functional—they’re collectibles, souvenirs, and a unique way to express your brand or personality. At BadgeBeast, we specialise in round metal badges with a printed paper design and a clear plastic cover, and we’re here to help you create badges that really stand out.

1. Know Your Purpose

Before starting any design, clarify what your badge is for:

  • Giveaways: Simple, eye-catching designs work best.

  • Awards or Recognition: Include meaningful symbols or text to highlight achievements.

  • Branding: Incorporate logos, colors, and consistent styling to reinforce recognition.

  • Personal Projects: Fun, creative designs that reflect your personality or theme.

Understanding the purpose ensures your badge looks intentional and communicates the right message.

2. Choose the Right Size

At BadgeBeast, all badges are round and come in three sizes:

  • 25mm: Small and subtle—perfect for giveaways or collectibles.

  • 55mm: Medium size—ideal for school badges, club pins, or events.

  • 77mm: Large and eye-catching—great for awards, branding, or statement pieces.

Selecting the right size ensures visibility, comfort, and impact for your intended audience.

3. Keep Text Readable

Badges often carry short messages or names, so readability is key:

  • Use bold, clear fonts.

  • Ensure high contrast between text and background.

  • Avoid cramming too much text into small badges; simplicity is more effective.

4. Use Vibrant, Simple Graphics

For badges with detailed designs, less is often more:

  • Avoid overly intricate designs that may blur at smaller sizes.

  • Focus on strong, clear images or symbols that can be recognized at a glance.

  • Bright, bold colors help your badge stand out in a crowd.

5. Maximise Brand Recognition

If your badge represents a school, club, or business:

  • Include logos or consistent branding elements.

  • Use brand colors and typography to maintain recognition.

  • Keep designs professional and aligned with your audience.

6. Prepare Your Artwork Correctly

Submitting artwork correctly ensures your badge prints beautifully:

  • Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI).

  • Vector files like SVG or AI are ideal for logos and illustrations.

  • Match the artwork dimensions to the badge size (25mm, 55mm, or 77mm).

Well-prepared artwork saves time and ensures your badge looks exactly as intended.

Conclusion

Designing badges that stand out doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on purpose, size, readability, graphics, branding, and artwork preparation, you can create badges that leave a lasting impression. At BadgeBeast, we make it easy to turn your designs into high-quality, durable metal badges with vibrant prints and a protective clear cover.

Ready to bring your badge design to life? Browse our custom badges to get started today.