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?

According to Yelp, there are at least 11,000 vape shops all around the US. While not all vape shops are created equal, the one way to tell them apart is their design and their logo. If you’re working on your vape logo, you need to take a few things into consideration.

Here are the 6 most important things to think about when you’re making your vape shop logo.

1. Know Your Niche

The first thing you need to assess when you’re designing a logo is who you’re designing it for. While every company wishes that their products and services appealed to absolutely everyone, it’s just not possible. There’s going to be a target market for your vape shop and you need to know who that is.

Start by doing the market research regarding who is in business near you. If you’ve got a brick and mortar shop, go visit all the shops near you before you announce the opening of your shop. If you’re already known competition, have some friends or colleagues go by and assess how the other stores are doing.

Get to know what kind of design style they’re relying on and get to know how much of the market they reflect. You don’t need to follow their lead but you should consider what they do reflective of the market at large.

Offer something new if you think there’s an untapped section of the market. If the professional vaper is catered to with the casual left behind, that could be your niche.

2. Pick A Texture

Textures reflect a lot about the kind of business you are. When you’re designing a logo, to give your logo some depth, consider what you want to reflect about your business.

Clean, metallic textures are very popular now. Because of the technology involved in vaping, it makes sense. People see vaping as the future and so people choose very metallic and modern looking logos.

However, if your vape shop is more about herbal or natural flavors and styles, you might want to go with an earthier texture. The texture of your logo can give your clients a view of the style of vape shop that you run and the kinds of products that you sell.

The texture of your logo could be a signifier that connects with your audience subconsciously and attracts them to you.

3. Corporate or Casual?

Now that you’ve figured out your target market, you need to think about what end of the spectrum they’re on. While some markets require you to have a more professional and corporate approach, some will be much more casual.

Even if you’re in a relatively relaxed college town, you might have to position yourself relative to what other businesses are around. Your vape logo needs to project the vibe you’re going for.

If a lot of new high-end restaurants have opened up near your vape shop, you’re going to need to take a more corporate or minimal approach. If your area is filled with independent record and bookshops, coffee houses, and pizza shops, you can be a lot more casual.

If you’re a high-end place for customers to refill their eliquid, you need to let customers know what you’re about from the moment they see you.

4. Colors Matter

When you’re projecting your image, the colors that you choose matter. Once you’ve decided on your target market, you need colors that connect with the lifestyle your typical client has.

If you’re trying to capture a more casual demographic, you could use more fun colors. Choose one strong color and a few muted tones to complement it. If you choose a really bright blue, you might want to pair it with grays, pastels, or other softer colors.

If you’re going for a more tech-influenced style, think about the kinds of colors used by companies like Apple. Whites, grays, soft pinks, and black are all possible contenders.

Limit your palette to about 2 colors and work within those strict parameters. Making your logo with too many colors could be distracting.

5. Use a Professional Design Program

When you’re ready to get your design into a digital program, you need to make sure you use a professional level program. While the free design programs that come with your computer might be a good place to start, they won’t give you the options you need.

You’re going to have to start design your logo with a real program, as much as you might enjoy good old MS Paint. With a professional design program, you also get the option to export your logo to a format that can ensure it always looks great.

Few things will make your audience doubt the quality of your company than a pixelated logo on a sign or on a banner. A professional design program gives you the option to export via a scalable vector format. No matter what size you stretch your logo, it will always look great.

6. Get Feedback

Once you’ve come up with an idea for your logo and exported your final version, give it to some friends and colleagues. Let them know that you want to hear some honest feedback about it. Take their feedback into serious consideration.

If it makes sense, average out their feedback. If you see their point, find ways you can accommodate their ideas without losing your original vision. While your friends and colleagues may not be your ideal audience, they can offer general tips from the perspective of consumers.

A Good Vape Logo is Memorable

Even if you don’t remember the name of a certain vape shop, a good vape logo can help you pick it out from the crowd. By sticking in your memory, a strong logo can impact your feelings about a brand. Look into the psychology of branding before you settle on any aspects of your vape shop’s design.

When it’s time to start thinking about fonts, check out our guide to picking the best font for a vape shop.

In today’s crowded marketplace, it’s never been more important to make a good impression. Your logo plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression on your customers. This is especially important in the hyper-competitive world of tech startups.

There are over 100,000 software companies currently operating in the United States. That statistic alone illustrates why a good tech logo is necessary for your business to stand out.

To help get you thinking about what constitutes a good tech logo, here are seven of the coolest tech logos of all time!

The Coolest Tech Logos EVER!

Graphic design is always changing. Tastes and trends are mercurial, shifting like the tides and the seasons.

That being said, a great graphic design should aspire to be timeless. It should weather the passing trends and transmit something essential about the brand’s identity.

To help you decide on a timeless tech logo of your own, here are some of the most iconic logos for tech companies of all time.

1. Apple

Let’s start with the classics. While Apple’s iconic tech logo has become omnipresent, it still effortlessly radiates cool, modern, and chic.

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak are more than just programming savants. They’re also marketing geniuses, judging from the fact that Apple’s logo has managed to remain synonymous with high tech for several decades.

To settle on their logo, Steve Jobs contacted designer Rob Janoff with a very open-ended design brief. “We’re calling it Apple,” was the only direction Janoff received.

Janoff’s iconic design is a testament to solid design principles. The missing chunk out of the apple was to help the tech logo be recognizable at any size, as well as to maintain a weighted balance.

You can’t enter a coffee shop or boutique without seeing Apple’s logo glowing from at least half-a-dozen screens. This will likely still be true in 50 years.

2. IBM

While it might not seem as “sexy” as Apple, it’s hard to argue with a tech logo that’s remained timely for over 45 years. Paul Rand’s updated logo for IBM is a landmark of timeless design that still somehow seems contemporary

Rand’s tech logo design is also a primer on solid design principles. The rounded inlay between the ‘I’ and ‘B’ is meant to approximate a globe. This was to emphasize the “International” of “International Business Machines.”

Chances are, you never even noticed. Paul Rand’s design is subtle and unobtrusive, as the best designs should be.

3. Pinterest

Pinterest’s logo has become so omnipresent we might not think twice about it. Take a second look, however, and you’ll notice some surprising details.

For Pinterest’s most basic icon, which is the letter P in a simple circle, it’s a testament to the timelessness of a monochromatic design. There’s something about red and white together which has created successful visual branding for countless entities, from Coca-Cola to The White Stripes.

It’s just as subtly cool when Pinterest does it. It also looks great against both light and dark backgrounds, making it appropriate for most print situations.

The full Pinterest logotype is what really stands out, however. Take a closer look and you’ll notice the bottom of the P is actually a pen nib, designed to appeal to Pinterest’s craft crowd.

4. Jelly

A relative newcomer on the scene, Jelly’s logo says a lot in a short amount of time. In today’s content-heavy world, a great tech logo should communicate as much as possible in a split-second.

Jelly is a search engine company, geared around conversational search engine queries, predicting the rise of speech-based search several years ago. Jelly was acquired by Pinterest last year, which is a sure sign their branding is working.

Jelly’s logo blends two ideas into a seamless whole. It’s a jellyfish which is also a brain. Without ever saying a word, it reminds us that we’re all just floating nervous systems within this complex ecosystem.

5. Orbotix

Coming across as playful while still being able to be taken seriously is no easy task. Boulder, CO’s Orbotix pulls it off gracefully with the robotic tech logo it uses for its smart robot products Sphero and Ollie.

The Sphero logo looks like a cross between a Pac-Man ghost and a Star Wars droid. Which is appropriate, as Orbotix also manufactures some Star Wars merch. The tech logo manages to be recognizable while also still seeming novel and contemporary.

6. Snapchat

Snapchat is one of the most popular apps with teens, who are notoriously difficult to please when it comes to being “cool.” Snapchat’s monochromatic yellow-and-white “Ghostface Chillah” logo pulls it off effortlessly.

It’s not hard to imagine a league of 18-year-olds getting the ghost logo tattoos. It’s also not hard to imagine a room full of investment bankers bending over backward to hand Snapchat cash, to capitalize on their hipness.

Snapchat’s logo hasn’t always been so graceful. Ghostface Chillah used to have a face, which created a busier, clunkier design. The new minimalist reimagination makes the tech logo design speak to nearly any demographic you could think of, with no text required.

7. Nest

The Japanese have a word called “Ma,” which means “a constructive use of negative space.” In logo design, Ma is your friend, as you have very limited real estate to communicate the most important ideas about a product or brand.

Nest communicates its vision of a smart home easily, using a lower-case ‘N’ as the doorway for a home. Smart, simple, chic, and to the point, if only all designs could be as graceful and elegant.

Are You Looking For A Tech Company Logo?

There are thousands of tech companies being created each and every year, so it’s hard to pick less than ten great tech logos. Hopefully, our roundup has given you some ideas on how to showcase your tech company in its most stylish light.

Over two million brands have created top-notch visual designs using our online logo maker! Create an account with us today and let us showcase your tech business in its best possible light.

Does your company plan on using a flag? Flags are great promotional tools. There’s a reason why nations use flags. Flags are memorable and offer a great physical promotional tool.

Your company logo printed on a flag will attract new customers and will increase your brand awareness. But your efforts will pay off more when using effective flag design.

Do you need to learn a thing or two about flag designs? Creating an eye-catching flag is easy when you know the right tricks. Here are tips and tricks for effective flag design using your company logo.

Be Diverse

Anyone can relate to flags. Flags are created for social causes, for entertainment and for other industries.

Since you’re using a flag as a promotional tool, try and appeal to everyone. If you plan on using more than just your logo, go for an image or slogan that’s universal.

Niche flags will only attract a specific group. Unless your company specifically wants to attract a niche group, this can ruin your marketing.

For example, a USA flag with patriotic colors and an American-based message will only attract American customers.

If you work in the domestic American market, this shouldn’t be an issue. But international businesses may experience problems.

Always Keep It Simple

Images are worth a thousand words, and flags are no exception. So keep your flag design simple.

Most businesses only use their logo or slogan. Color schemes should be simple, such as solid colors or any color that compliments your business logo design. Make sure your logo font is easy to read.

You have a small space to work with. Lots of design and impact can clutter the flag.

Your Flag Shape Can Be Unique

Do you still want a catching flag design? Stand out with a unique flag shape.

There’s no reason to only use a square or a rectangle. Triangles, octagons, and arrows all make great flag shapes. You can also collaborate with a flag designer and create unique shapes.

Remember Distance and Movement

Flags are usually seen from a distance. What looks great up close may not look great from far away. Keep your flag simple with a large logo and solid background.

In addition, find the perfect spot for your flag. If your building is too large, display the flags on a windowsill or even on the ground.

Your flag will likely be displayed high and outside. The wind will cause it to move. Make sure your design looks catching while the flag is moving.

To best test your flag, place your flag in different areas to ensure your flag is convincing.

Now You Know Effective Flag Designs

It’s hard to stay relevant with physical promotional items, but flags never falter.

Unless you’re an expert at flag designs, choosing the best flag for your company can be difficult. As long as your logo is printed and you choose an effective background, you can ensure better brand visibility.

For more design tips, use different flag shapes, stay vague, and keep distance and movement in mind.

Do you need to create a company logo? Use our logo maker.