Printing & Artwork Prep for Medallions and Beads: Rules, Examples, and Common Mistakes

For a readable, professional imprint, use bold, high-contrast vector artwork and match the print method to the medallion surface and color count.

If you’re ready to choose a style and apply your logo, start with Medallions and Beads.

Definitions (so your proof matches your expectations)

• Medallion face: The front area where your logo/design prints (often the main “read” in photos).
• Imprint area: The maximum printable region on the product; designs outside it may be clipped or forced smaller.
• Safe area: A no-risk margin inside the imprint area that keeps text/critical elements from riding the edge.
• Spot color: Separate solid ink colors (best for simple logos and high contrast).
• Full-color: Printing that can reproduce gradients and photos (best for complex art, but still needs clear contrast).
• Pad printing: Transfers ink via a silicone pad; commonly used on small or slightly curved surfaces.
• Screen printing: Pushes ink through a screen; best for flat areas and bold spot-color art.
• UV/digital printing: Full-color/detailed prints; availability varies by product surface and finish.
• Vector file: Artwork built from paths (AI/PDF/SVG); scales cleanly without blur.
• Raster file: Pixel-based image (JPG/PNG); can look soft when resized.

Non-negotiable artwork rules (follow these and most issues disappear)

• Design for distance, not for reading up close. Medallions are worn in motion; treat the face like a mini sign.
• Prioritize one hero mark. If your layout has two “main” elements, neither will read well.
• Use a safe-area margin. As a practical baseline, keep critical text/logos at least 0.08–0.12 in (2–3 mm) away from the edge of the imprint area.
• Minimum stroke and type baselines (safe planning ranges):
• Lines: 0.75–1.25 pt minimum at final print size
• Text: 6–8 pt minimum at final print size (go larger for dark backgrounds or low contrast)
• Avoid micro-text and thin outlines. If it won’t be readable at arm’s length on screen, it won’t be readable on a wearable.
• Limit color complexity unless full-color is confirmed. If the product is spot-color printed, keep to 1–3 solid colors for the cleanest result.
• Plan for contrast first. Choose light-on-dark or dark-on-light, not mid-tone-on-mid-tone.

Print method selection table (choose based on surface + art complexity)

Availability varies by product, but the selection logic below prevents most redesigns.

If you’re deciding between “wearable visibility” and “sharper small-format branding,” compare formats:

• custom medallions and beads vs lapel pins/

What prints cleanly vs what doesn’t (concrete guidance)

Prints cleanly

• A single logo mark centered with breathing room
• Blocky initials/mascot silhouettes
• Short text like event name + year (kept large)
• Two-tone or three-tone spot-color layouts with strong contrast

Usually fails

• Long slogans, URLs, or multiple lines of small text
• Thin outlines around every shape (they break or fill in visually)
• Gradients and shadows on spot-color processes
• Busy “collage” layouts with many tiny elements competing for attention

File prep checklist (send files that production can actually run)

1. Provide vector first: AI, PDF, or SVG.
2. Outline fonts (convert to paths) to prevent substitution.
3. Set the artwork to final proportions (no “please fit it somehow”).
4. Specify colors clearly: list Pantone references if you have them; otherwise provide solid color values and a reference image.
5. Separate spot colors into distinct layers (one layer per ink color).
6. Remove unnecessary backgrounds and keep transparency clean.
7. For full-color art: include linked images at high resolution and embed/packaged files.
8. Call out “do-not-change” elements (e.g., required clear space around the logo).
9. Ask for a proof that shows imprint size relative to the product face (this prevents surprise scaling).

For broader sizing/variant context that affects imprint size,use:.

Common mistakes (and the fastest fixes)

• Mistake: Using a flyer layout.
• Fix: Reduce to one hero mark + optional short line of text.
• Mistake: Low contrast in school colors.
• Fix: Move long text to Custom Buttons or credential formats like Lanyards and ID Badge Holders.
• Mistake: Too many colors for a spot-color setup.
• Fix: Convert art to 1–3 spot colors; drop gradients and fine shading.
• Mistake: Edge-hugging layouts.
• Fix: Add safe-area margin and enlarge the main mark instead of filling the edge.
• Mistake: Designing for “in-hand” reading when the use case is crowd visibility.
• Fix: For festivals/parades, design logo-first and consider pairing with utility items (e.g., Custom Hand Fans); 

FAQs

What file type should I send for the cleanest print?

A vector file (AI/PDF/SVG) is best because it scales without blur and keeps edges crisp.

Can I put a long slogan on a medallion?

You can, but it usually won’t be readable in real use. Put long messaging on Custom Buttons and keep the medallion logo-first.

What’s the safest minimum text size to plan around?

Plan for 6–8 pt minimum at final size and go larger when contrast is low or the design will be viewed in motion.

I have gradients and lots of colors what should I choose?

Choose a full-color-capable print method if available, and keep micro-text out. If only spot color is available, simplify to 1–3 solid colors.

Why does my proof look smaller than my file?

Imprint areas are limited. The art is often scaled down to fit the printable face while maintaining safe margins.

How do I ensure the logo is visible in parade photos?

Use high contrast and a single dominant mark. For parade-specific planning and distribution logic, When should I switch to a different product type for cleaner detail

Switch when your design depends on fine detail or lots of text. Compare alternatives:

• custom-medallions-and-beads-vs-lapel-pins/

Where do I start if I’m still unsure about sizes and variants?

Start with the buyer guide to match variant and imprint constraints to your event: