From Artwork to Awards: Kent Open Sambo Championships

A competition medal should feel like part of the event it celebrates. For the Kent Open, our customer came to Gravesham Trophy Centre with their own designs and a clear idea: traditional moulded metal medals, a substantial size and ribbons to match.

Having previously ordered stainless steel medals from us, they were ready to explore a different finish for their next event. Here is how the project developed from the first enquiry to completed medals ready for collection.

Caption: The original customer concept: gold, silver and bronze medals with coordinating ribbons.

The initial enquiry

The enquiry arrived in August, with the event scheduled for 24 October. Our customer supplied a design and asked us to explore traditional metal medals, ideally around the same 70mm size as their previous order.

They also wanted custom ribbons, with standard red, white and blue ribbons as a possible alternative. The brief gave us a useful starting point: retain the impact of a large medal, work with the supplied artwork and find an option that suited the quantity and budget.

Choosing the right specification

We discussed a 70mm medal with coloured enamel infill, supplied with a ribbon. We also explained how the mould and production costs affect the price of a smaller bespoke order, and explored possible savings if requirements for future events were combined.

The customer decided to proceed with gold, silver and bronze medals for this event.

That discussion helped settle the order around their current requirements, while leaving scope for future repeat orders.

From concept to approved proofs

With the order confirmed, our customer supplied individual artwork for the three medal colours. We then sent back medal and ribbon proofs for approval or any requested changes.

Both sets of artwork were approved on 20 August, giving us the go-ahead to proceed with production.

This stage brings the separate parts of a bespoke order together. Reviewing the medals and ribbons before manufacture helps the customer see how the finished set will work as a whole.

Caption: Medal production artwork showing the three finishes, front and reverse views, and raised-detail layout.

Caption: Custom ribbon artwork with a navy background, Union flags and a repeated horse motif.

The artwork translated the original idea into a 70mm soft-enamel medal, with clear lettering, red and navy colour details and a laurel border. A matching printed ribbon carried the theme through the complete award.

The finished medals

Caption: The completed gold, silver and bronze medals, photographed with their custom ribbons.

The finished set combines bright metal finishes with white lettering, navy and red enamel details, Union flags and a laurel motif. The custom ribbons echo the colours and imagery of the original concept.

By 12 September, the medals had arrived with us, well ahead of the October event. We had been able to coordinate production with other orders, bringing the completed medals in sooner than expected.

Our customer was away at the time and asked for a sneak peek. We sent photographs of the finished medals, and their reply said they looked fantastic. Collection was then being arranged.

From the original designs to approved proofs and completed medals, this project shows how a conversation about size, finish, quantity and ribbons can turn an event organiser's idea into a coordinated set of awards.

Caption: An angled view of the finished medals and printed ribbons.

Planning medals for your own event?

Send Gravesham Trophy Centre your logo or design, the quantities you need and your event date. We can help you explore suitable medal styles, finishes and ribbon options, then provide a quotation for your project.

Get in touch to discuss your bespoke medals.