Winning at Work: Ways to Make a DIY Trophy With Your Company Logo
Posted on June 27, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Fostering fun competitions at work enlivens the spirit of the workplace. It creates an environment where employees have fun and where production is boosted.
To add to the merriment, employers can easily create a DIY trophy at home that’s uniquely outfitted for their business and the contest.
And, no, it won’t look shoddy in the least. At least, not with our tips.
Here, we’ll show you six methods to create the most unique and fun trophies for the workplace from the comfort of your home.
Why Bother?
Friendly contests can increase productivity and feelings of worth in businesses. Supervisors should aim for team contests to avoid any negative feelings that may ensue from competition among individuals. Doing so promotes cooperation and a team spirit, two factors that are integral to a business’s success.
However, silly contests created to instill humor not only make employers more approachable, but they also diffuse any built-up stress from the real stuff. It puts workers at ease and lets them know that laughter needn’t be reserved for their time at home.
Finally, the very act of creating a trophy says more than you can imagine. You took the time to make something for an employee. This demonstrates how much you value them.
Even if you choose to have a trophy custom made through another business, such as Trophies Plus Medals or other popular manufacturers, employees will still feel appreciated.
A Quick Word About Logos
Having your logo taken out into the world on a trophy is an excellent form of marketing. It’s a definite topic for conversation as soon as someone from beyond the company sees it sitting on a mantel or desk.
For DIY projects, consider having a company print your logo on bumper-sticker paper or other material. Not only will you have a quality look and easy application, but the price per sheet is extremely reasonable.
You can also have your logo engraved if you choose to go all-out; after all, it’s an excellent way to ensure it will remain on the trophy forever.
Otherwise, consider using your personal printer to print the logo on sticky matte paper. You’ll be needing it to create every trophy.
Six Ways to Create a DIY Trophy
These methods are convenient for a number of reasons, but mostly because your time is valuable as a manager. Therefore, we’ve selected some of the easiest and quickest ways to create a trophy–without sacrificing its appearance.
1. Disposable Cups and Plates
Chances are you have some plastic cups and plates in the kitchen cupboard somewhere. Rustle them up to create an easy and inexpensive company trophy.
What you’ll need:
- Disposable cups and plates
- Hot glue gun
- Metallic spray paint
- Various toys or items
Create a pedestal or the body of your trophy by placing the cups and plates together however you like. Use your hot glue gun to keep them firmly in place.
Next, place the item you want to be on top and glue it down. Visit your local dollar store for this or take a stroll down the dollar aisle. You’ll be surprised at how many toys you can use as toppers.
Once your soon-to-be trophy dries, take it outside for some spray painting. Metallic colors and paint/primer combinations are the best and easiest way to give the product a finished, authentic look.
Slap on your logo and consider it a job well done.
2. Kitchenware
If you’d like to be super authentic, you can always purchase real glassware to use as a trophy, but be sure to notify your winners!
Use the same method as above, but be sure to substitute the glue and spray paint for glass-appropriate adhesive and paint.
3. Cans and Candlesticks
Hit up your local Goodwill or thrift store for some likely-looking candlesticks, and save those tin cans.
What you’ll need:
- Candlestick
- Tin can
- Glue gun
- E-6000 glue
- Primer
- Metallic spray paint
Glue the tin can to the candlestick. If you have any other trinkets you would like to add to the trophy, glue them on.
Apply primer to the trophy, then the spray paint. Add on your label and your trophy is finished. Simple and easy.
4. Wooden Objects
Find any wooden objects that could be used for a trophy’s base. Watch them transform.
What you’ll need:
- Wooden object, preferably rectangular
- Stick-on felt
- Wood glue
- Spray lacquer
- Epoxy
- Masking tape
- Any items for the top
- Stickers or adhesive nameplates
Apply spray lacquer to the wood if you would like to give it a glossy finish. Let it dry.
Using the base of the wooden stand, cut a piece of felt to apply to the bottom of the stand.
Saw the top of the wooden stand to bare wood, then mask off the rest of the wood. Spray the lacquer onto the top.
After it dries, add whatever item you desire to the top and set it with epoxy glue. Add your logo and any other nameplates you would like, and you’ll have a beautiful trophy.
5. Plastic Bottles
Do you like recycling? If so, you may be surprised to learn you can turn those old plastic bottles into a killer trophy.
What you’ll need:
- A plastic bottle
- A nail
- Pipe cleaners
- Low-temperature glue gun
- Spray paint
- Scissors
- Matboard
Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle off. Using a nail, insert two holes near the cut portion of the larger piece. Twist your pipe cleaners to look like the handles of the trophy. Have one portion twisted to insert into the hole, which will keep the handles in place.
Add both handles.
Cut out a circular piece of matboard to fit the original bottom of the plastic bottle. Adhere it to the opening of the piece. After it dries, glue the curved end of the original bottom to the mouth to create a base. Apply spray paint and any labels.
Recycling and rewarding; that’s what business is all about.
6. Plaques
When we think of “trophies,” we forget about the fancy plaques that are handed out for many awards. However, these are a type of trophy, too, and they’re a classy way to get your logo out there.
What you’ll need:
- Flat or beveled finished wood
- Sponge brush
- A photo and your logo
- Mod Podge
Print off the image you would like to be on the plaque. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the print-off and center it on the wood.
After it dries, apply the Mod Podge to the top of the entire thing, including your image. It will secure the photo in place.
Create Your Logo and Images
Not only is a DIY trophy fun to make, but these six methods are easy ways to show your employees you care.
If you’re ready to transform your logo or take things up a notch for your trophies, we’re here to help. Use our online logo maker to add some pizazz to your logo or dream up new ideas.
After all, what’s work without a little fun?
What to Know About Having a Logo Engraved on a Trophy
Posted on September 15, 2017 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Is it time for company awards again? Are you sponsoring a big event in your area?
If the answer to either of these questions is, “yes”, you need to get a trophy with your company logo engraved on it.
Engraving a logo is your chance to add a personal, yet professional touch to any award. It expresses your pride to be a part of something bigger than your business and offers a great opportunity to build brand recognition in the community.
Plus, the recipient will likely put the trophy on display, which is further company exposure.
Before sending your logo engraving order in, there are a few things to be aware of. We have everything you need to know about the process below.
1. File Format and Resolution
Do not make the mistake of thinking you can use the high-res logo file you have saved for brochures and other prints.
The best way to send your logo to get engraved is in a vector file.
High-res files are actually small pixels combined to make an image. When scaled up or down, they tend to lose their sharpness.
Vector files, on the other hand, remain sharp and smooth no matter how big or small you manipulate an image. This is because they are made of connecting lines, points, and curves.
On your computer, vector files are categorized as AI or EPS.
However, you can sometimes submit files as a PDF. If you opt for PDF, double check the resolution of your logo.
Resolution standards can vary across engraving companies, but they tend to be much higher than files used for web design or traditional print. The average resolution is around 300 DPI.
It is also good practice to submit the highest form of resolution, no matter the company minimum.
2. Color
Once you understand the required file format, consider the color of your logo.
If your standard logo has any form of color, it has to go. The only thing an engraving machine will pick up is solid black lines.
This should be an easy fix, since it is not advised to have many colors in your logo anyway.
3. Proof
Just like your company logo went probably went through a series of proofs before the final edit, ask your engraving company for a proof of your trophy.
Is the logo as big as you thought it would be? Do you think it would look better on a different part of the trophy or plaque?
The answer to these questions will be clear once you see an example of the final trophy. The proof allows you to be hands-on when creating the finished product.
Making edits before any actual engraving has been done saves time and money in the long run.
To get an idea of some trophy options and proofs, click here.
Get Your Trophy Logo Engraved
Ordering a logo engraved for the first time can be tricky if you are not prepared.
Always keep a vector file handy for special situations, and a solid black and white file helps, too. Remember to ask for proofs, then sit back while you wait for the final product!
Have you recently had a logo engraved on a trophy or other surface? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Top 5 Tips For Creating The Best Home Improvement Logo For Your Business
Posted on December 14, 2017 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
You have a new home improvement business, which means that it’s time to design a home improvement logo.
A logo is more than images, text, and colors. It’s a visual representation of your brand. It creates an emotional connection to your company.
Coca-Cola’s red and white logo connects soda to happiness and good feelings.
You don’t need to have a logo as iconic as Coke’s, but you can create one that makes your company memorable and engages prospects.
Read on for five tips that will show you how:
The Process of Designing a Home Improvement Logo
Creating a logo is a process. To start, you’ll want to define what your company stands for. You will need to ask yourself what you want the logo to convey about your company. What do you want people to feel when they think about your products?
You should also know what your unique selling proposition is and who your ideal client is.
If your business offers the best concrete driveway sealer, your logo should reflect that.
Finally, look at logos that you like and don’t like. Take the time to examine them and explain what it is that you like and don’t like about them.
That will help you design a logo you and your clients love.
What’s Your Competition Doing?
You will need to know what your competition is doing. You certainly don’t want elements of your competitor’s logo in yours. That will only cause confusion in the marketplace.
This type of research will open up ideas as well. You can find creative ways to stand out in the marketplace, whether it’s by using a certain color or a font type.
Think about Where the Logo Will Be Used
How are you going to use the logo? Will you use it mostly on brochures, business cards, and your website? You might want to have your logo engraved on a trophy at some point, especially if you sponsor a golf tournament.
By thinking through how your logo will be used, you can see how your designs will look in certain applications.
For example, you can print out a design and see how it would look as letterhead or on a brochure.
Color Has a Big Impact
Our minds respond to certain colors in a certain way. Your logo’s colors should convey what you want people to feel about your company.
For example, blue typically indicates trust, while people relate to red as youthful and bold.
Try a Few Designs and Test Them Out
Before settling on a single design, it’s smart to test a few ideas. You can test your designs through social media, surveys, or by split testing on your website.
I wouldn’t test a logo just by showing to friends and family because they’re probably not your ideal clients. If you do, ask them to put themselves in your ideal clients’ shoes and decide which design they like.
Start Designing Your Logo
Designing your home improvement logo doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience.
OnlineLogoMaker has helped over two million brands create their logos. You can make yours in about 10 minutes.
Create your logo today!
The 2014 World Cup Logo
Posted on July 30, 2010 by reynaldo
The new logo for the world cup was released and shown to the public on July 8th, 2010. It’s really appealing having bright colors of green and yellow that appears to be lively and somewhat eye-catching. The logo consists of three intertwined hands with smooth flowing lines. The arms are shaped like a curved vase where it leads to the hands that reveals a ball shaped figure and the year 2014 is written below the center of the right corner. The name “Inspiration” was given to this icon that is actually based on the shape of the world cup trophy being held in a victorious glory. The Brazilian based company “Africa” gave life to this piece of simplified symbol.
The world cup will be held in Brazil and 2014 and the logo was unveiled by their president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The logo is said to represent the talents of the Brazilian, its taste for work and the colors of their country. A lot of controversy sparked on choosing the logo. A celebrated graphic designer and a known personality in Brazil even called it garbage and described it as a face being hidden behind the pair of hands because of shame. This is something utterly distasteful to say coming from a piece of ingenuity that shows true symbol of character.
A logo doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated or something that should show detailed intricacy but it needs to be simple that can send out a clear message, it should be something that can easily be retained to the minds of the people. The Iconic representation conveys a positive message. Maybe it’s just the people trying to find ways and means giving themselves more attention and thinking that they are always better. I believe choosing the “inspiration” has given justice to all of these factors and can always give pride to Brazil.