Our Products - Influencing Identity

Designing Your Perfect Name Tag

What information should I include when designing my name tag? From font choice to details you think you should include, name tags are, surprisingly, an intricate thing when it comes to designing. And, making sure they read well is something you must consider before ordering one. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure you are getting identification that helps your business.

Material & Color

blank name tags that feature both plastic and metal materials

Durability is a must! We carry both high quality plastic and metal materials. So, no matter your new name tag use, we have a material that will fit your designing needs. And with 30 plastic colors and 18 metal color combinations, we have a color that will suit your business needs as well. But, remember what Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy, said:

“The most effective background color for name tags is white. This allows maximum visibility for your logo, name and position. Dark blue, green or red backgrounds are used occasionally, but they have a tendency to ‘steal the show’ from the rest of your name tag.

“Write the font in black or dark blue. Never use yellow, orange or any other light color. Even if a dark color choice means an aesthetic digression, fashion must be outweighed by your name tag’s approachability and visibility! Finally, unless you work in an academic capacity, avoid gold name tags.”

Font Size & Style

two printed font choices that send different messages even though when designing a name tag they used the same text

From size to the color, the font is one of the most important aspects of your new name tag. Yes, font matters when designing your new name tags! You should always choose a readable font and size. If others cannot read your name tag from at least 10 feet away, your font size is too small. However, don’t stray the other direction. Too large of a font will distract and limit, if not remove, space for additional information. Even if you are attending a horror convention, the name tag font should always be legible. If someone can’t read it, that negates the use of your name tag, so why even wear one?

Always consider the following: What does my font choice really say? Melanie Bunch, Coller Industries’ graphic artist, says, “Make sure you are using a font that suits your business or event needs. Even the tone of the font choice is essential. A bookstore or cafe might opt for a more casual font, while fine clothing or five star restaurants might want a fancier or more formal font. Large businesses and corporations may want to choose a font that is consistent with their company branding, which tends to be something more utilitarian.”

On the other hand, some fonts are always a bit more professional than others. We offer many font choices that are fun, yet maintain professionalism for nearly any business. And, remember that some fonts are great for employee names, but not suitable for a business name or title.

Engraving & Printing

Before requesting any engraved (or printed) text for your new name tags, first, consider your size. Once you choose a name tag size, any names, titles or other information will then need to be tested to make sure they will appropriately fit. Shorter and smaller name tags may look better with your uniforms, but then you will most likely have to settle with first names only when designing. But, don’t think the larger your name tags, the more information you can have.

Once you have names, titles and your business name planned out, you can consider your logo. Always ask yourself, “Does this new name tag actually need my logo on it?” If the answer is yes, make sure to choose a name tag that best suits that logo. From engraving to full color printing we have a logo solution we are sure you will love.

The final guideline here is never to think your name tag is a business card.

There is a thin line between just enough information and too much when designing new name tags. Keep it simple, and keep it flowing. Yes, you need to represent the person wearing the name tag and in some cases, your business. But, remember that less is always more when it comes to name tags.

World Scout Jamboree & Name Tags

What does a scout jamboree have to do with name tags? Well…

Glen Jean, West Virginia – The story starts in London, 1920. The first World Scout Jamboree was held from 30 July 1920 to 8 August 1920 and was hosted by the United Kingdom at Kensington Olympia in London. Since then, the jamboree has been held in various places around the world. But, the last time it was in the US was in 1967. This year, that all changed!

Albin Dearing, BSA Contingent Troop 315 Assistant Scoutmaster, explains, “The first World Scout Jamboree was organized by the Boy Scouts Association in London. With exceptions of the war years, it has been held every four years in different parts of the world. The 2019 World Jamboree will be held at the Bechtel Summit Reserve in West Virginia. Over 45,000 scouts representing 152 countries will be attending.”

donation from coller industries incorporated

“Troop USA 315 is a temporary troop of 36 scouts and four adult leaders put together for the purpose of attending the 2019 World Scout Jamboree hosted this year in West Virginia,” said Dearing. “The donation towards our name tags will allow the scouts to learn each other’s names faster as they make new friends and relationships.”

What is a World Scout Jamboree?

The World Scout Jamboree is above all an educational event that brings together the world’s young people to promote peace and mutual understanding and to develop leadership and life skills.

The 24th World Scout Jamboree will feature the hallmarks of past world jamboree programs, such as the Global Development Village, special sustainability initiatives, and the socialization elements that allow participants to make lifelong friends from around the world.

From astronauts to a local scouts, everyone is having fun with scouting activities. Even name tags get a place in this year’s scout jamboree!

Dearing said, “Our troop will be part of the USA Contingent going to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia in July. 36 scouts and four adult leaders will be part of our Troop USA 315. Since scouts from multiple local units will be coming together for this adventure, we decided the other day to get the boys name badges.”

Plastic Name Tags (UV Color Logo)

Full-color logos are genius when it comes to the professionalism of your business name tags. And, with UV colors, bright gradients and images show up vividly for everyone to see. All text is engraved into the two-color plastic material. Choose from a large selection of sizes and other custom options to make the best out of your branding.

Dearing is proud to be a part of the scouting tradition. “We are Boy Scout Troop USA 315 from the Great Trail Council in Ohio,” he said. “The three primary aims of scouting for today’s youth are growth in moral strength and character, participating citizenship and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.”

Acrylic Awards & Recognizing VIPs

One-of-a-kind acrylic awards are the best way to make someone feel truly special! Everyone from your favorite coach to your boss loves to be recognized for their contributions to your success. And, with the newest addition to our plaque line, we’re positive that we have the perfect award for your needs.

5 x 7 Crystal Acrylic Plaque

With an average yet versatile size, you can use these awards to recognize almost anyone in your life. Add full color UV logos, engraved graphics and engraved text to your plaque to make it a unique gift for someone special in your life. And, with an 11/16 inch thickness, they are self-supporting, so they are perfect for displaying on a desk, bookshelf or in a trophy case.

crystal acrylic plaque with uv color printed graphic and engraved text

Give the Best Gift Ever!

Is your best friend getting married? Or someone else close to you? Use the text from their wedding announcement, and this will be a unique gift for the special couple. Find out their favorite quote or a poem that is suitable specifically to them. Add colorful UV printed graphics along with the saying. Talk about a great way to help the couple celebrate their special day! Then wrap them in a personalized ribbon to complete the look.

These acrylic plaques are the perfect answer for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life. Customize one for your dad or mom for Father’s Day or Mother’s Day. Find some vector artwork of a fish or a flower bouquet to go with a personal thought. Your parents or grandparents are guaranteed to love this one-of-a-kind gift. Get a graphic that suits a sibling, niece, nephew or other family member and create a gift meant for one. Any recipient will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Use these crystalline blocks for holiday decorations. From pumpkins to Christmas trees and everything in between, add graphics and sayings to make your home sparkle during every holiday. With back engraving, the details from the text and graphics will be reflected and refracted within the plaque in various ways.

Honor a veteran with these fun plaques. Just like any other award we offer, these acrylics can be customized with messages of honor and presented as a keepsake. And, they look great on display on darker surfaces due to their transparency and white engraving. They are durable and lightweight, so they are easy to add to your decor. And, with a little personalization, they are the perfect way to honor someone for their service.

From the Home to the Office

crystal acrylic plaque for employee of the year reya sunshine

Don’t forget about your office! Whether it is for adding something fancy to your desk or to use as directional signage in your office, these acrylic plaques are definitely something to look into. They will look great on a receptionist’s desk to welcome customers. Use them to identify a courtesy phone or other item your office has for visitors.

Add your company’s logo and motto and present it to your boss for National Boss’ Day. Then they can decide where they want to display your thoughtfulness. And, with full color UV printing, any logo is sure to stand out and be just the right touch for your office decor.

The elegance of these Crystal Acrylic Plaques will make any office achievement shine. So, for your next “Employee of the Month,” grab one of these incredible awards and make your team feel important and appreciated.

No matter who you want to thank, make it shine with these beautiful plaques. Remember that coach in your life whether it be for little league baseball or the professionals. Everyone enjoys being recognized for their hard work and achievements.

3 Sets of Products That Work Better Together

From the simplest of pairs to the most personalized sets, here’s a list of all of our products that work better when paired together.

Badge Holders & Lanyards

Let’s get started with the most basic and well-known personalized product: badge holders. They are so underrated, and we think that’s a shame. Badge holders are great for so many things. From identification needs at conventions to at-home DIY projects, these unique products are downright perfect.

And, with printable inserts, badge holders are products that are only limited by your imagination, and maybe your printer. Add graphics, logos and any text you need for any event or craft. They come in several sizes and either a horizontal or vertical orientation. From lightweight to heavy duty, these vinyl badges are perfect for any need.

Don’t limit a badge holder to an event staple at your next conference, convention or trade show. They are so versatile that they will last through any meeting. And, they are an excellent benefit for schools to use as visitor passes. Retail environments also get significant reuse from these identification products when using them for seasonal employees.

Now, let’s pair these badge holders with the power of a lanyard!

Whether it’s a chain or full-color printed ribbon, lanyards have a power all to themselves. They are perfect for branding for any company or event. Keep essential items close at hand with a lanyard. And, you can find these tools anywhere you find badge holders. After all, badge holders come with a slot at the top specifically designed to go hand-in-hand with a lanyard.

And, with the variety of available lanyard styles, materials and colors, they provide an excellent source of advertising. Design your lanyards with logos, graphics and text to make them stand out. Even more important, make sure that your design flows with your badge holders. When used together, these two identification products provide multiple functions for a variety of events and situations.

Badge Holders & Badge Ribbons

badge holders and badge ribbons are two identification products that pair well together

We’re beginning to sense a theme here. Badge holders are making another appearance.

Badge holders and badge ribbons, it’s all in the name! They really do go hand-in-hand with each other. But, this time they are being paired with badge ribbons. These ribbon products are a fantastic tool at any conference. They help identify different participants and vendors. Badge ribbons are available with stock or custom titles so no one will be left out.

Badge ribbons are often used to promote brand recognition, events, sales and to market services or products. Add a ribbon to the bottom of a badge holder to make someone stand out in a crowd. Or use them for DIYs and home crafts. But, no matter what you use them for, remember to grab a badge holder to go with them.

Name Tags & Name Plates

Yes, you may not think that these two identification products work better together, but we beg to differ.

pair a name tag and a name plate together and make all of your identification products work well together with matching colors and logos

No matter how big your company is, using your brand is what makes you stand out. Your logo represents not only you and your company but also your brand and overall commitment to your clients and customers. And, in the name tag world, using your logo consistently on all personal identification products helps to define and identify you and your company.
From colors to logos, consistency matters. So, finding the right consistency with logos, colors and fonts helps to solidify your message. By defining what your brand is up front, you help establish your company as an industry leader. Find a way to keep your logo and text the same on all name tags and name plates. A company who ensures that their brand is well developed will retain and obtain connections with their clients and customers.

So, lesson learned. Never underestimate the power of combined identification products. Let them work for you, and your job will be even easier.

Influencing Identity: A Better Way to Blog

Influencing Identity is here to help you figure out how to use name tags and identification products.

Plastic engraved sign with an explanation of Coller Industries Incorporated's personal identification blog Influencing Identity

From name tags for your business to badge holders for your next conference, we have it all. Get all your identification needs in one place and find out how to use them at work, while networking and at any event you are planning. Use our how-to articles to get your ideas flowing for working with all of your personal identification.

From Name Tag Experience to an All-Inclusive Influencing Identity

We started as “Name Tag Experience,” but over the years we’ve branched out to so much more than name tags. And to keep up to date with that expansion, we have changed our name to Influencing Identity. We have thrived as Coller Industries Incorporated over the past 20 or so years, as our focus and mission have always remained the same “To Serve Our Customers.” We accomplish this mission by providing fast and friendly service with only the highest-quality personal identification products.

It isn’t just the name tags!

Coller Industries Incorporated's personal identification blog Influencing Identity

Yes, we sell name tags, reusable badges, name plates, badge holders, lanyards and signs. But, we’re so much more. Influencing Identity has a wealth of information with product highlights and how-to articles to get your creative ideas flowing. This blog (by Coller Industries Incorporated) has helped customers like you learn how to best utilize name tags and other products for their specific needs. From tutorials to strategies, discover how custom identification will help you grow your business and promote your brand.

Coller Industries Incorporated broadens the blogosphere with a new long-form content platform and renames two product and idea based blogs.

Coller Industries Incorporated's event planning and informational blog The Learning Center

The Learning Center is full of articles about learning how to host the best event ever, networking with colleagues and so much more. We guarantee that the information you find here will help you and your business. With a wide range of products such as ribbon rolls, rosettes, name tags, lanyards and award plaques, we want to make sure that you know how and where to use them. Whether you’re planning the best conference anyone will ever attend or hosting a simple dinner party, The Learning Center is here to make sure you are using these tools in the best possible ways.

Coller Industries Incorporated's personalized ribbons blog Ribbon Impressions

Ribbon Impressions provides information about everything from custom ribbon roll ideas for your wedding to badge ribbons for a conference or convention. And don’t forget about rosette ribbons for your award needs, such as fair or festival prizes. Find all your ribbon needs in one place and learn how to best use them at events, during promotions and for your corporate gifting. Discover inspiration for using personalized ribbons and find useful how-to articles.