How To: Making Name Badges

From holiday decorations to home and office furniture, making something yourself feels great!

These days, it’s all about making something with your hands of which you can be proud. And name badges are no exception. Here are several examples of available DIY name badges.

Let’s start with the popular products:

Speedy Badges

This three piece system is customized using only a printer. Print on the removable insert and then add it to the window-style frame with the plastic cover. These inexpensive and simple to assemble badges are perfect for high-turnover positions.

Mighty Badges

Add a logo to the metal backplate on these reusable name badges. Then customize each one with a printed name and snap everything into place using the plastic lens cover. They are perfect for a professional look while maintaining a budget.

These two reusable name badge systems are designed specifically to help make your name badge needs effortless. Making each name badge is easy and quick, which makes them perfect for high turnover and seasonal positions in offices and retail establishments.

Badge Holders

Badge holders come in several sizes and either a horizontal or vertical orientation. Printable inserts are available in eight different colors and are perforated for easy use.

If your printer can print it, you can make it! From printing names and titles to graphics and multiple colors, these badges have it all. Making these personalized badges is as easy as adding the information you need and hitting print. And, each badge holder is reusable.

Need something you can write on?

use adhesive name badges when making your own name tags

use name tag blanks when making name badges

Adhesive Name Badges

Because they are so easy to use, these stick-on name badges are perfect for temporary use and are ideal for meetings, parties, conventions and other events.

Name Tag Blanks

Use these Name Tag Blanks in a variety of ways. Add names and titles with a sticker or label maker. Or, use a marker for a more permanent solution.

Logo Only Badges

Add a logo to any reusable name badge to make them stand out. Choose from laser engraved, UV Color or hot-stamped printing processes.

Adding names, titles and more to these name badges is the easiest thing you will do all day. Grab your nearest pen or permanent marker (careful if you’re using name tag blanks as you may not be able to reuse them) and write down all the information you need on your name badges. It’s a real DIY!

Need something a bit more permanent for personal identification? We have that too!

Halloween Costume DIY: Name Tag Level

It’s that time of year again, Halloween! Do you know what your costume is yet?

Sometimes trying to come up with a unique costume is difficult. And trying to make it personalized can be even harder. That’s where we come in. Name tags and name badges often play a necessary part in work life, but when it comes to everyday use, they are often overlooked. However, here are some great ways to introduce this simple workday element into your holiday plans!

Be Someone Famous

From Flo at Progressive to Shaun of Shaun of the Dead, if you’re looking for an easy DIY costume this year, put on a name tag. Customize from multiple colors and printing choices to get what your costume needs this year.

wear a name tag for a shaun of the dead costume for halloween

wear a name tag for a flo from progressive costume for halloween

wear a name tag for a lily from at&t costume for halloween

make a ross geller from friends costume with two adhesive name badges and a red sweater

Can’t decide which character you want to be? Ask Ross Geller from Friends for help! All you need is a red sweater and two adhesive name badges to complete his look.

Or, dress up like an alter ego version of your favorite superhero. Use Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Bruce Banner, Diana Prince or Barbara Gordon name tags with a suit or everyday wear. It’s easier than you might think to pull something you already own out of your closet and pair it with a great name tag.

Use custom plastic or metal colors and engraving for logos, or try out full color and UV printed tags to make what you need to complete the best costume ever. And then let the name tag do the rest!

Make A Punny Costume

If you are super creative, make a name tag your whole look. From Dr. Frank Enstein (worn with a lab coat) to a custom shaped pumpkin or bat (worn with a DIY headband), create a name tag that makes your costume the punniest in your neighborhood. Make your best Halloween joke into the best name badge anyone has ever seen!

Be creative with colors, fonts and names, or even titles. Be the best pirate on your block, or act like you’re in politics with a creative title and punny name.

But, no matter what you choose to be this Halloween, complete your costume with a fun name tag!

The Unnecessary Reinvention of Name Tags

A reinvention of anything requires a substantial analysis of what it is.

This reinvention is even true when it comes to name tags and other personal identification. Branding and using identification is something businesses have done for many years. And, it doesn’t matter what the brand is, or what they are selling to the masses.

Let’s take a look at Prada:

Identify Yourself: How Prada Reinvented the Corporate Name Tag

Identity is something every fashion label is obsessed with right now – what it should be, how to get it, how to bank on it. Prada is one of the houses whose distinct, powerful identity is fodder for many lesser talents, which is perhaps why the label’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collections – for him and for her – featured a sly wink and nudge to that idea in the form of ID cards clipped onto models’ collars and chests. They were the kind of name tag a faceless factory worker, office drone or out-of-office visitor might be instructed to wear and keep visible at all times – Prada’s even came stamped with faux corporate identities, logotypes and symbols ironically invented by the fashion house for purely decorative purposes.

Prada has failed to peg the real issue with name tags: discovering brand and personal identity.

After all, this is what a name tag is all about. We will always encourage people to wear name tags with their name and a business or corporate logo. And while it seems that Prada has attempted this with their, albeit ironic, version of a corporate name tag, there appears to be a lack of something fundamental.

Professional tools such as name tags are essential in marketing and communication. They are necessary in providing not only personal identity but corporate branding as well. And, the primary reason for wearing a name tag is to provide an identifying feature for each person.

With so many choices of name tags available, businesses only have to decide which product best fits their needs. From Hot-Stamped Logo Name Tags to Reusable Speedy Badges, the name tag world is best suited to those who know how to use it. Understanding this leads to the fact that a reinvention of this simple tool is not necessary.

Name Tags and Branding

By adding a business or organization logo to a name tag, every employee or volunteer will be identified quickly and easily. Office and retails settings are often the place to see name tags. But, inevitably employees wear these tags when going to lunch or even on the way home. And, while they continually wear these name tags in public, a company’s name and brand becomes available to everyone they pass by. This type of branding can also be beneficial to announce special promotions, sales or events.

Name tags are often the most effective element of a person’s uniform in meetings, at conventions or during any event. Trying to offer a reinvention of this simple feature is redundant and unnecessary.

Employees who wear name tags offer a sense of responsibility that remains unmatched by those who don’t wear identification. These identifiers have become an essential and vital part of many companies. And, they allow each employee to wear any required daily business style or uniform while remaining unique in their aspect and personality.

So, why offer a reinvention of something so tried and true? Let’s leave name tags where they need to be as a part of everyday business life.

A Conversation With A Name Badge

Have you ever talked with an inanimate object? Well, today, we’re sharing a recent conversation we had with a name badge!

We sat down over the long, holiday weekend with a Name Badge and asked several questions about how a name badge works and why they think their job is so important. Here are the top three questions from that interview.

Question 1: Describe Your Job

Reporter: I would like to start with a simple question, Name Badge. Please explain your job and what it is that you do on a daily basis.

Name Badge: Whoa! Slow down there! That’s a super detailed question, and it will take more than just a few minutes to answer. Are you sure you want to start with that one?

Reporter: Yes, I am sure.

Name Badge: Alright, glad you’re sitting down. So, here it goes. Although my job isn’t a simple one, it is reasonably easy to do. You see, the basic concept of my job is to let people know my name. But, here’s where it gets complicated. My name changes. My design changes. Sometimes I have color and sometimes I’m plain or even blank.

Reporter: That is a lot to take in, Name Badge. But I think you’re deviating from the question. What is your job?

Name Badge: First off, call me NB, it’s easier. In a nutshell, my job is to tell others who I am.

Reporter: That doesn’t sound too hard, NB. So, why do you think it’s so complicated?

NB: My job is complicated because of the many different ways people customize and use me.

Question 2: What Customizations Are Available?

NB: As I mentioned before, my design changes. Some people use their first name. Others use first and last names, while still others add titles, company names and sometimes even logos. And, I come in many different colors. I’m a chameleon that way. Oh, and sometimes people write on me.

Reporter: So, basically what you are telling me is that you have many faces? If that is the case, how do people know how to use you?

NB: Yes, I do have many faces. And sometimes that makes it a bit harder to use me. Although, to most people, using me is a natural thing; especially when those people work in stores or offices with tons of employees. Most know that I wear best on the right side of their shirt, but sometimes people put me in their pockets or place me where I’m hard to read. I do my job best when worn correctly.

Question 3: Finding Your Best Feature

Reporter: So, NB, if you’re appropriately worn and used correctly, what is your best feature?

NB: You like asking loaded questions, don’t you?

Reporter: What do you mean?

NB: Well, my best feature is the one the consumer likes the most. So, if they worked hard on their company’s branding, the logo would be my best feature. But, if the person wearing me needs others to know that they are a volunteer, then my title would be my best feature. Does that make sense?

Reporter: Yes, I suppose it does. So, your best feature is what others need it to be?

NB: Exactly!

Reporter: Wow! I’ve learned a lot from you today, NB. Thanks. I should probably be wearing a name badge, too!

Signs & Finding Your Uniqueness

custom signs made for directions and creative messaging

You see signs everywhere: offices, schools and even homes. But we are not talking about street signs or warning signs. And while we love each sign equally, we are referencing engraved signs that will help your business or home run smoothly.

Custom signs are great for the creative mind, and your business may be designed with your text, logo and graphics. Use them for your business, name a cabin or room, or present an inspirational quote. Choose the size, color, font, text and an optional logo or graphic to create the perfect sign for your office or home or to give as a gift for a friend, loved one or yourself.

From being able to choose the color, font and text to adding a logo or graphic, each custom design is only limited by your imagination. The best part of choosing a custom sign is being as creative as you like. From logos to graphics, let us help you design the sign of your choice. Add personal text and make it just as unique as you are.

Getting creative in the office

signs designed for directions and to provide quick and easy to read information

Displaying information in an office or store can significantly increase productivity and customer relations. Provide directions or give meaning to organization with a simple, stock sign. Or, create your unique style with a custom sign. Add text and graphics for a truly one-of-a-kind style for your business.

These signs are perfect for directions and instructions for every business and office; they are available to meet your company’s unique needs. Use wall and door signs to direct clients and customers to the right place. Use a warning or instructional sign to inform everyone of hazards and policies. You select the size, text color and graphics.

Signs for personal and home use

Two custom designed signs for children's rooms.

From creative kid signs to practical kitchen and laundry room directions, custom signs just became your best friend for your home. Provide washing instructions in your laundry room. Or, give specifics on how to use kitchen appliances. Let your kids participate in designing each custom sign. Their imagination will surely make your sign unique and something you will hold onto for the rest of your life.

Or, make a custom sign for someone you love with special sayings, quotes or so much more. Put one of these into a frame and give it as a gift. Perfect for birthdays or holidays such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, these special and unique signs are sure to please the hard to buy for person on your list.

Here are a couple of examples of some custom signs that we got creative with. Adding quotes and graphics is easy, and people so rarely think about the full potential of custom signs. So remember to express how fun you can be and create a sign that makes you smile.

A quote from Harry Potter displayed on engraved plastic.

Quotes and thoughts about mothers on engraved plastic in a frame.

A quote from Neil Gaiman on engraved plastic.

They don’t just have to be for directions, so don’t limit yourself by what you see.

Always remember that we can customize to meet most needs. So, no matter your need, we’ll have something that fits you, your business and your budget. No matter your signage needs, we are sure to have something that fits your style, business and budget.

>> Find a sign that meets your needs. <<