What Information Should Be Engraved on an Award?
Most award engravings should include the company logo, recipient’s name, award title, and date or achievement period. Larger awards can also carry a short citation, mission statement, or details about the accomplishment.
Most awards should be engraved with your company logo, the recipient’s name, the specific award title, and the date or achievement period. Keep the recipient’s name prominent and the message short enough to read easily. If the award has enough engraving space, you can add a brief citation explaining what the person accomplished.
Start with four essentials
A clear award inscription usually includes:
- Company logo: Normally placed at the top.
- Recipient’s name: Use the name the person is commonly known by at work.
- Award title: For example, “Employee of the Year” or “Sales Excellence Award.”
- Date or achievement period: This could be the event date, year, or a period such as “Q3 2026.”
A practical reading order is logo, recipient name, award title, then date. If you need help writing the message itself, see these employee recognition award wording examples.
Match the message to the award size
Don’t squeeze a long corporate statement onto a small award. Use the available engraving area as a guide:
- 4–6 inches: Keep it to the logo, name, and a simple award title.
- 6–8 inches: There is usually room for a one- or two-sentence citation or a note about annual goals achieved.
- 8 inches and larger: A mission statement, legacy message, or significant project milestones may fit comfortably.
Even on a large piece, shorter wording is usually easier to read and keeps the focus on the honoree.
Make sure it reads clearly
The Flawless Artwork Team prefers text of at least 12 points, but that is guidance rather than an absolute production limit. Clear block-style fonts generally remain easier to read when deep sand etched. Script and cursive fonts are avoided when possible, although each design is reviewed individually.
Good etching starts with properly prepared artwork. Text size, font choice, logo detail, and the award’s engraving area all affect the finished result.
Send your logo and names for proofing
AI or EPS vector line artwork is preferred for logos because it helps preserve brand accuracy and thin details. If you don’t have the preferred file, send the best version available; free expert art design services are included with every order, and the artwork team will prepare the design for production. Learn more about the best logo file formats for awards.
Send recipient names in an Excel or CSV file to reduce spelling errors and improve proofing accuracy. Flawless prepares a production-ready digital proof showing the layout, logo placement, and text. Production begins only after you provide written approval of the final proof. Most initial proofs are returned within 24–48 business hours after all required artwork information is received, although the complete proofing process varies by project.
Frequently asked questions
Should every award include the company logo?
The company logo is normally one of the four core engraving elements. It identifies the organization presenting the honor and is usually placed at the top of the layout.
Can I include a mission statement on an award?
Yes, if the award has enough engraving space. Mission statements and longer legacy messages are generally better suited to awards measuring 8 inches or more.
What name should I use for the recipient?
Use the name the recipient is commonly known by at work. Confirm spelling, capitalization, credentials, and preferred name before approving the final proof.
Can cursive fonts be engraved?
They may be possible, but clear block-style fonts are generally preferred because they remain easier to read when etched into a transparent material. The artwork team reviews the specific font and layout before production.
Can I see the engraving before production?
Yes. Flawless sends a production-ready digital artwork proof showing the applicable wording, logo placement, and layout, and requires written approval of the final proof before production begins.