Design Your Own Medal: Step-by-Step Guide

Spooktacular medals from Bespoke Medals

Every race won, run finished, or event conquered deserves a reward, and a custom medal makes that moment unforgettable. Whether you’re organising a city marathon, a school fun run, or a Santa dash, a personalised medal is a tangible memory that lasts a lifetime.

But where do you start? The idea of designing your own medal can seem daunting, but that’s where we come in. At Bespoke Medals, we’ve streamlined the process, offering a Free Design Service and a huge range of options to bring your vision to life, easily and affordably.

How Do I Design My Own Medal?

Designing a medal with Bespoke Medals is a collaborative and straightforward process. We guide you from a spark of an idea to a finished product you’ll be proud to present.

  • Concept & Consultation – It all starts with your idea. Share your event theme, logo, colour schemes and any design concepts you have. Our design team is here to listen and provide expert advice.
  • Free Design Creation – This is where the magic happens. Using your brief, our talented designers will create a digital proof of your custom medal at no cost to you. Plus, you don’t need any previous design experience.
  • Review & Revise – We’ll send you the proof for your feedback. We offer unlimited revisions to ensure every detail, from the shape, material choice and colour, is perfect.
  • Production & Delivery – Once you approve the final design, we move into production. We use high-quality materials and finishes to create your medals, then ship them directly to your door, ready for your event.

What’s Included in a Custom Medal Design?

When you create a personalised medal with us, you have access to a full spectrum of options to make your award unique.

  • Materials – Choose from classic zinc alloy, eco-friendly wooden medals, modern silicone or sustainable recycled materials.
  • Shapes & Sizes – Go for a standard circle or create a completely custom shape that reflects your event (like a running shoe or a dog).
  • Colours & Enamel – Bring your design to life with vibrant enamel fills and UV printing.
  • Engraving – Add text, names, or dates to the front or back with precision engraving.
  • 2D & 3D Effects – Choose a flat design or a striking 3D medal with raised and recessed areas for a premium, tactile feel. We even supply moving medals, stacking medals and interlocking medals for a unique twist. 

Can I Add Ribbons or Finishes to a Personalised Medal?

Choosing the right ribbon and material finish is crucial to complete the look and feel of your medal. With our Free Design Service, you can choose from several different ribbon styles and material finishes.

Ribbons

We offer a wide variety of ribbon styles, including printed woven ribbons, chains and leather ribbons, and Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET). We can customise your ribbons to include the event name, date, or logo. Additionally, we provide several different fixing options, including Velcro attachments, safety clips, standard ribbon clips, lobster clips and “V”- shaped ribbons.

Finishes

Elevate your design with plating finishes like gold, silver, bronze, or antique. We also offer colour spraying, epoxy coating for a glossy, protective layer, and cut-outs for a modern twist. These optional extras are the perfect way to add a premium touch to your bespoke medal.

How Much Does it Cost to Make a Custom Medal?

This is one of our most common questions. The cost of a custom medal is not one-size-fits-all and depends on several key factors:

  • Quantity – The number of medals you order significantly impacts the unit price.
  • Size & Material – Larger medals or specialised materials (like wood or silicone) will affect the cost.
  • Complexity – Intricate designs, 3D striking and multiple enamel colours can influence the price.
  • Finishes & Extras – Additional features, such as ribbons, plating and epoxy resin, will be included in the final quote.

The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free, no-obligation quote. Simply share your ideas and requirements, and we’ll provide a tailored price that fits your budget.

Tips For Creating a Unique Medal Design

Your medal should be as unique as your event. Here’s how to make it stand out:

  • Align with Your Event Theme – The medal should instantly communicate the event’s purpose, whether it’s a charity logo for a charity run or festive imagery for seasonal events. 
  • Keep it Legible – Avoid overcrowding the design. Ensure key text (like the event name and year) is clear and easy to read, even at a glance.
  • Incorporate Iconic Imagery – Use symbols that are instantly recognisable to your participants, such as a local landmark, company logo, or a well-known character.
  • Consider the Finish – A simple gold finish feels prestigious, while a vibrant colour-sprayed medal can feel more fun and modern. Choose a finish that matches the tone of your event.
  • Look for Inspiration – Check out our case studies and gallery to see the incredible personalised medals we’ve created for other event organisers. It’s a great way to spark your own creativity.

Ready to Create Your Award-Winning Medal?

Designing your own medal doesn’t have to be complicated. With Bespoke Medals’ Free Design Service and expert guidance, the process is simple, supported every step of the way, and exciting from start to finish. Let us help you create a medal that your participants will cherish forever.

Take a look at starting your custom medal design with our Free Design Service

Written by: Extra Mile

Published on: 27 January 2026

Categories: News, Uncategorised