Blog | Maxwell Medals & Awards

Crafting A Remarkable First Place Medal: Design Tips & Ideas

Written by Maxwell Medals & Awards | Dec 4, 2024 3:00:00 PM

When it comes to celebrating champions, a well-crafted first place medal can make all the difference.

Whether you’re organizing a major sporting event or a local competition, creating a memorable first place award is essential for honoring top achievers.

Here are a few key design tips and ideas to help you craft a first place medal that stands out.

Choose the Right Size

Size matters, especially for a first place medal. Winners love large, eye-catching medals; bigger is often better for a first place award!

A typical medal size ranges from 3 to 5 inches, but opting for an even larger design can give the medal extra prominence. The size of the medal not only makes a statement but also serves as a symbol of the winner’s significant achievement.

Increase Thickness for Added Weight

Another essential design factor to consider is the thickness of the medal. Adding extra thickness increases the medal’s weight, which in turn boosts its value.

A heavier custom medal feels substantial and adds to the recipient’s sense of pride. Enhancing the weight and feel of the first place medal creates a premium award experience.

Incorporate Unique Shape and Custom Cutouts

A basic round medal is classic, but why not think outside the box? Incorporating custom shapes or cutouts can set your first place medals apart from the rest.

Whether it’s a design based on your event logo or a symbolic shape that resonates with the event theme, custom shapes can add a creative touch to your first place award and make it unforgettable.

Use Vibrant Colors and Detailing

Color can make first place medals come alive. Choosing vibrant colors that align with your event’s branding or theme can add visual appeal.

Consider adding bright colors to complement an iconic gold finish to elevate the sophistication of your first place medal.


You can even explore glow-in-the-dark or glitter color fills for extra flair. Don’t forget about fine detailing—raised or recessed areas, intricate designs, and texture contrast can all enhance the overall appearance.

Add Personalization and Customization Options

One way to make your first place medal even more meaningful is to add personalization.

This could include engraving the winner’s name, event date, or any custom message. Personalized first place awards show a level of thoughtfulness and care, making the recipient's moment of winning even more special.

Consult Medal Design Experts

A well-thought-out design is vital to creating a truly remarkable first place medal. While you may have a vision in mind, collaborating with experienced medal design experts ensures that your ideas come to life in the best way possible.

Our team can help you transform your concept into a stunning first place award that captures the essence of your event.

Incredible First Place Medals For Extraordinary Efforts

Creating a remarkable first place medal requires attention to design elements like size, thickness, color, and personalization. By incorporating these tips, along with others from our experts, you can create an unforgettable first place award that genuinely honors the achievements of your winners.

Whether you’re designing for a sporting event, academic competition, or corporate challenge, our team at Maxwell Medals & Awards is ready to help you bring your vision to life.