CHALLENGE COINS-2

Beyond Medals: The Timeless Tradition of Custom Challenge Coins

You might have heard about a member of the military getting a challenge coin and are wondering more about what it stands for. This tradition of giving challenge coins dates back to World War I, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Here are some interesting things you might not have known about these.

They Can Commemorate Certain Military Units

Did a relative serve in a certain unit in the military? This challenge coin might have been created to help commemorate the time they spent together. It’s something that can evoke memories for the recipient each time they look at it. They might remember a funny thing that happened at inspection or when they were out in the field doing patrols. It might also be a reminder of a former unit member who has passed on.

They Can Commemorate Certain Events

People can get a custom challenge coin for something that happened historically while they are in the military. It might have been a particularly noteworthy one and the members of that certain unit or even the leadership wanted to show that they remembered what happened.

They Can Be Used to Prove Loyalty

This is one use for it that can be a bit more pressure-packed. The people who had these coins would have to show them to others to demonstrate that they believed in the cause of their unit. In the past, these were also known as portrait medals and they dated back as far as the Renaissance.

Ultimately, the purpose behind a custom challenge coin was to both boost the morale of the people who got them and also bring the whole unit together as a cohesive group. This was something that would make them a true “Band of Brothers.” Medals could be awarded and they would mean something, but these unique coins transcended that and became a valued keepsake.

Probably the best thing about these challenge coins is that there’s often a really interesting tale behind their creation. If you ask a veteran or current member about the history behind a custom challenge coin, you will likely hear a fascinating story. Another great reason for them to be made!

Are you interested in learning more about a custom challenge coin? The Emblem Authority can take your sketches, ideas, and designs to create a beautiful, unique custom challenge coin.

METAL LAPEL PINS

The Timeless Elegance of Lapel Pins: A Fashion Staple That Speaks Volumes

Lapel pins are a great way to show affiliation with an organization or a cause. These small symbols of loyalty, look great and send a message as well. If you aren’t sure why lapel pins are starting to grow in popularity, we are here to help. This quick guide will give you everything you need to know.

What Are Lapel Pins?

Lapel pins, also sometimes called enamel pins, are small metal pins that have some type of decorative symbol or enamel on them. The pin itself is usually made of steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and even sometimes iron. They are often polished smooth with the recessed areas of design filled in with color or decoration.

These pins are often worn on clothing, but sometimes you might see them worn on bags, hats, or really any piece of fabric where someone wants to show off the pin. Lapel pins can come in any design. Organizations and businesses often have lapel pins created so that members or employees can show their loyalty or affiliation.

What Are Lapel Pins Used For?

There is no wrong way to use a lapel pin, and you can even have individual pins made to symbolize things that are important to you. You can think of these pins as an expression of personality, or more often, of association.

Lapel pins are a great way to share your brand with others. When you have created loyal customers or members, lapel pins can be given as little tokens of appreciation. In this sense, the pin can serve two purposes. The pin shows your appreciation for the member, and in turn, they can show their association with your brand or organization.

In its most simple form, lapel pins can be used as a marketing tool. This makes a great marketing tool because it is subtle yet effective.

What Makes Them Popular?

Lapel pins are growing in popularity because they are an affordable way of marketing your brand or organization. They are inexpensive to make and most people are delighted to receive the little gift. Because it is a subtle, small object, people are not turned off from actually using the pin and showing it off.

If you are interested in having lapel pins made for your industry or workforce, please contact us today.

two police officers gaze at a phone screen

Patch It Up: Elevate Your Department with Custom Emblem Patches

Emblem patches are a great way to show affiliation and support for a group or brand. Emblem patches are also a great way to differentiate between different departments in the same organization. Let’s look more deeply at the emblem badge and why these small symbols can make a big impact.

What Are Emblem Badges?

Emblem badges actually date back to medieval times. An emblem badge was often worn by knights. The badges could be attached to pieces of cloth worn on their person or on their horse. These badges showed everyone to whom they owed their allegiance and loyalty.

Today, emblem badges are worn by groups such as The Boy Scouts, police, first responders, motorcycle clubs, and many other types of organizations. Organizations such as these are not the only types of groups that can benefit from a customized emblem badge, though. These small tokens of loyalty and affiliation can also be useful for businesses that want to promote their brand.

Shows Professionalism

When emblem badges are added to work uniforms, it can really help your business look more professional. It is a known fact that when someone is wearing an identifiable work uniform, customers are more likely to trust them. A company emblem badge for employees can be made with a company logo, tagline, or other identifying information. Many companies also like to add an employee’s name to their own personal emblem patch as well.

Great Advertising

Emblem badges are also a great, inexpensive way to advertise your company. Badges can be given out as promotional gifts. Customers can add badges to bags, clothing, or hats to show their enthusiasm for your brand. They can be placed on shirts, jackets, backpacks, and more.

Choose High Quality Badges

If you do decide to use emblem badges to promote your group or business, be sure to choose high-quality products. The last thing you want is for people to associate you with poor-quality items.

If you are in search of high-quality promotional items we can help. Contact us today to learn more about emblem badges and other types of promotional materials. We will be happy to help you find the right products today.

patches

From Idea to Reality: The Journey of a Custom Patch or Pin

From aesthetic elements to ID tags, patches are a great way to distinguish ourselves from others by adding a crucial focal point to our clothing. A patch means more than a simple piece of cloth on our outfit. Moreover, it represents something valuable and can represent the identity of a business or organization. A quality customized patch can tell a story of bravery and professionalism when done correctly. Let’s learn why custom patches and pins are important for a uniform to have.

Identify Your Profession

Whether you work in security for an event or are a police officer, you know the importance of identifying yourself. A custom patch can work as a means of identification for those officers who need to make their stance clear. It also gives them the ability to walk around while letting citizens know who they are. It’s more than a requirement for your uniform, rather, it’s a way to protect people by letting them know you’re there for them.

Promotes Unity

Carrying a customized patch on your uniform can demonstrate solidarity and unity with your coworkers. According to TheBeacon, there are over 800,000 law enforcement officers working in the US, a statistic that represents the highest figure in US history. Showing sympathy and respect for your fellow coworkers can be as easy as using the same custom patch. Showcase your unity and enhance your relationships with your coworkers by using a simple yet effective clothing add-on.

Exemplify Professionalism

Nothing says professionalism and order like a well-made, reliable uniform. A custom patch does more than add an aesthetic element to an outfit, as it can also provide information about the agency and the officer’s rank. A uniform should follow the organization’s guidelines and bring part of the organization’s identity with it. If you want to show professionalism and care for your craft, you should keep your customized patch clean, as it’s a way to show your commitment to the organization’s values.

A custom patch starts from a simple idea and becomes something entirely unique and meaningful. Whether you work at an agency or a restaurant, you understand the importance of carrying something that states your occupation and makes you proud. A custom patch will provide all the mandatory identification while setting yourself apart from others. Contact The Emblem Authority today to get started designing a patch for your needs!

Creative Uses for Custom Patches and Pins: Beyond Clothing and Accessories

A customized patch is more than a piece of cloth attached to your uniform. It’s also a way to express yourself and show your affiliation with a project or organization. Patches and pins are great accessories to demonstrate our preferences and bring those cultural pop references and other elements that match our personality into our clothing. However, these clothing elements can mean more than likes and preferences. Let’s analyze how a patch and pin can transform an outfit and be more than an aesthetic element.

Name Patches and ID Pins

A custom patch can help people learn your name or occupation before even introducing yourself to them. You might see name patches at conventions and meetings, as it’s an easy way to talk with someone and learn their name without asking. Moreover, name patches can be the perfect tool to memorize someone’s name and avoid an awkward situation at an event.

Add a Custom Logo

A patch can contain more than words and names. Moreover, they can have your company’s logo and rank to make people aware of your association. It’s hard to remember a police uniform without its classic badge and embroidered patches, as these are the core elements of their uniforms and an easy way to recognize them. According to True List, limit yourself to two colors when designing your business’s logo. This advice is excellent for your business identity and keeps the logo simple and effective.

Using Flag Patches

A custom patch can be whatever you want, and some people enjoy adding a patriotism factor to their outfit by using a flag patch. Although it’s common to see state uniforms and clothing with flags, you can use what the flag represents to add a new touch to your uniform and showcase your patriotism and ideals. Lastly, a custom flag patch can help you connect with those who follow and share the same values.

Custom patches can be more than an aesthetic or custom add-on to your clothing. You can use patches to express yourself, share your personality, or connect with others by following a passion or work. There are countless uses for custom patches, and they are powerful tools to identify yourself and help others learn more about you. Reach out to us today to get a quote for your own custom patch and more!

How the Right Emblem Patch Can Change How You Work

According to the Washington, DC Police Memorial and Museum, police badges likely originated in London, England, in 1845. Since then, badges have become essential elements of police equipment. However, emblem patches also matter greatly to those who constantly work to keep communities safe. They even affect how police officers go about their work.

Emblem Patches Help Police Officers Take More Pride in What They Do

Not everyone has what it takes to serve the community as a police officer. It takes a certain mindset and dedication to make it in law enforcement. After years in the service, some police officers may lose sight of that. The emblem patches can remind them of the critical work they do.

When you don a police uniform with a special emblem patch, you take on a special responsibility. You renew your commitment to your community to keep it safe from anyone who would inflict harm upon its citizens. The patches are reminders that police work is essential. Police officers deserve to take more pride in their work.

Emblem Patches Allow Police Officers to Visibly Represent Their Communities

Many of the patches that appear on police uniforms feature elaborate and thoughtful designs. In some cases, designers will include elements in the patches connected to the communities that the police officers serve. For example, the custom patch may feature the image of a state animal or a recognizable landmark.

Those specially designed emblems help bring police officers closer to their communities. They proudly wear the symbols of their community on their uniforms, and the citizens can see that as well. Citizens can connect with those police officers better because they see them as true community representatives.

Emblem Patches Can Spark Conversations

The emblem patches that appear on the uniforms of police officers also make a difference because they can start conversations. When a citizen sees a particular patch made for breast cancer or autism awareness, they may be inclined to ask a police officer about it. The police officer can then use that opportunity to educate a community member about important causes. Those conversations are meaningful, so it would be ideal if the police could play a role in them.

Emblem patches can impact the way police officers approach their work. Keep that in mind when you’re thinking of what custom patches to offer. Contact us today if you need custom patches made for your department!

Embroidered-Badge, Patches, and Emblems

How a Badge Describes Your Department

You may have seen all kinds of badges while watching cop shows or out in your own community and noticed their different designs. After seeing them, you may have wondered if those different designs have any meaning. Interestingly, specific elements of police badges may carry significance. Learn more about those elements so you can better understand a badge patch when you see one.

The Significance of the Badge’s Shape

First, let’s discuss what the shape of a police badge means. You’ll see shields, stars, and ovals among the common badge patch shapes. The shapes may not all be identical but generally fall under those categories. Shield badges usually belong to police officers. This shape is a reminder that every police officer has taken an oath to serve and protect their community.

You’ll also see some members of police officers wear oval-shaped badges. These oval shapes are reminiscent of shields as well, although the pattern is less distinguishable. Sheriffs will often be the ones to have star-shaped badges. However, the star shape itself is not an important aspect of the badge. Instead, its points may convey specific characteristics that the sheriff’s office represents.

The Meaning of the Badge’s Color

According to Review 42, colors affect 90% of a person’s first impression. When you see a badge, it’s natural to note its color before anything else. So, does that color mean anything? It’s tough to say what the color of the badge patch means because it can vary from one police department to the next. For example, gold colors may be used in the badges of high-ranking officers, but that’s not always the case. You’ll have to learn more about your police department to find out what the colors of their specific badges represent.

The Importance of the Badge’s Material Composition

Next, we must discuss the meaning of a badge’s material composition. An officer sporting a cloth badge patch is likely new to their department. If an officer has a metallic badge, that indicates they have spent time in the force. Material can have a symbolic representation of time spent in the force or the rank of their current position.

The Symbols on the Badge

Lastly, you may see some symbols on certain badges. These symbols matter because they likely present a clue about the officer’s department. Pay close attention to the badge’s appearance to figure out what its symbols hint at. Always feel free to ask an officer if there is any specific meaning to their badge, they will typically be glad to explain!

You can learn a lot about police officers and the departments they belong to just by closely examining their badge patches. Hopefully, the information provided here will help you better understand those often overlooked details. Are you interested in creating new designs for your badges? Reach out to us today, and let us help bring your ideas to life!

How Can a Patch Company Help Your Department

Graphic design is an underrated part of the first responder’s toolkit. Many graphics tend to look under-professional and overly canned because they were taken from simple clip art. According to Non-Profit Pro, a professional logo design builds brand trust and engagement with 64% of the public. A customized patch can help your Department project its voice, tell its story, and craft identity and professionalism among your ranks. Be sure that others understand who you are by using the right images, and teaming with professional designers.

Your Department Has a Voice

Police, fire, or EMS, your department communicates without words. Its patch projects your team’s voice without a sound. Reach out to a designer to give it a megaphone.

Every Patch Tells a Story

The police department of Apple Valley, Minnesota uses a tiger on its patch. Is this a symbol of fierceness? In this case, no. The banner below the tiger explains: “Home of the Minnesota Zoo.” The story of the Apple Valley Police Department is one of home and public service. A city’s image is bound up in the customized patch worn by its first responders.

Crafting an Identity for Your Team

The patch you wear shows the identity that your department wants. It tells your story and makes your department’s uniforms more than just a pressed blue shirt. You can be sure that with a custom insignia on your arm, you’re going to be projecting the right image: One of professional identity.

Impart a Sense of Professionalism

Your department’s professionalism is associated with the emblems it wears. A customized patch builds an image of professionalism. It says without words what your department stands for. When you and your department have a unified visual voice, you will help people trust that you’ll do what’s right even when it’s hard.

Inspire Others

Just like military unit patches, a Police, Fire, or EMS Department patch can serve as a point of inspiration to the next generation of first responders. When they see your patch, others who are interested in being a first responder will understand that this could be them. Your department-style kit will make it easier to see who you are and what you belong to.

To know what you need to communicate to others, you need to live those values. Talk to the professional designers at the Emblem Authority to begin the discussion of how you want to project yourself creatively.

fire dept patches

What to Consider While Designing an Emblem

A customized patch is an excellent way to make your group stand out. When you are creating a customized patch with an emblem, there are a few things that you should consider before you submit your design. You should consider three things when creating a customized patch from your emblem design.

1. Pick the Right Shape

You first need to decide what shape you want your emblem to be. Crest-shaped, square, rectangular, or circles are the most common types of shapes. Choosing the right type of shape will ensure that your emblem design fits well.

Choosing the right shape will ensure your emblem is scaled correctly. The shape of the emblem patch is the backdrop for every other design element of your emblem. Emblems can be as elaborate as you want them to be as long as it is in the right shape.

2. Pick Your Colors

You may have the desire to make your emblem and customized patch as colorful as possible. Fight the urge. According to True List, a two-color pattern is best for an emblem. Keeping your colors classic and simple will ensure that the details of your emblem remain crisp and clear.

An emblem with too many colors loses some of its punch when scaled down to a customized patch size. Your neon green, gold, blue, and red emblem might be stunningly emblazoned across a t-shirt, but it will all melt together in a patch.

3. Keep Text To a Minimum

You may have a lot you want to put on your emblem, but less is more when it comes to text on an emblem. Scaled-down text that fits on a custom patch can be hard to read and distract from the overall appearance.

Keeping any text simple will make it easier to read and avoid making the patch look crowded. Loading up the emblem with text takes away from the beauty of the design. Ultimately, the best emblems are simplistic and easy on the eye. Consider keeping your emblem simple.

Custom patches with custom emblems are a great way to unite a group, share organizational pride, brand businesses, and more. Get help designing an emblem for your custom patches today.

Why Should You Invest in Challenge Coins?

A challenge coin is a great honor to receive and provides the deserved recognition. According to the United States Department of Defense, the tradition of issuing a challenge coin by the military started in WWI. There are several reasons why investing in a challenge coin is a good idea.

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

We know how challenge coins started in the United States military, but that’s not where they started. It’s thought that these tokens date back to ancient Roman times. In Roman times, when soldiers fought a good fight, they would get their regular purse of coins and an additional bonus coin.

The paid bonus coin was minted separately to indicate that it was a “bonus pay” for exceptional service. The bonus or challenge coin was revered.

What Is the Significance of Challenge Coins?

A challenge coin can serve several purposes. They can be given as a token of appreciation. They can promote loyalty to an agency, signify special achievements, and improve morale. Challenge coins are a great way to recognize contributions to an organization.

Challenge coins are highly appreciated by the recipient as an honor. Challenge coins are reserved for the highest honors.

What Organizations Can Benefit From Investing in Challenge Coins?

While military organizations are most often associated with challenge coins, that doesn’t mean these coins do not have a place with other organizations. Police departments, fire departments, hospitals, and other groups can all enjoy the benefits of investing in challenge coins.

Whether private or public, any organization that wants to recognize people with a meaningful token should invest in challenge coins. There are no specific criteria to invest in these coins other than the desire for a custom coin to recognize stakeholders.

Why Invest?

Challenge coins are a good investment because of the joy they bring the recipient, but that’s not the only reason. Challenge coins can grow in value. A historically significant challenge coin can be a valuable item.

The rarity of the challenge coins can make them more valuable with time. More importantly, these coins become family heirlooms.

These coins are a great investment for any group. Custom challenge coins are a great investment that has the potential to grow in value. Give us a call to learn more about challenge coin investments today.