How to Design Custom Dog Tags in 3 Simple Steps
Here’s a quick guide on how to make a meaningful dog tag design that your whole team will love!
From Military Roots to Modern Statements
There’s such a strong association between dog tags and military units that they’re often overlooked as an option when crafting a custom design. But there are few things that perfectly capture a sense of belonging and camaraderie quite like a dog tag. We’ve helped military units create custom dog tags to boost morale and celebrate big moments, and they’re growing in popularity outside the military as well!
If you’re in the market for a custom dog tag, you’re in the right place! Here’s a quick guide on how to make a meaningful dog tag design that your whole team will love!
Step 1: Come Up With a Design
Every great design starts as an idea. Think about what the dog tags are for, who will receive them, and how you plan on distributing them to get some inspiration. Are they for a specific ceremony or contest? Will they be shared with potential customers at a trade show? Or are you going to use them to celebrate your team and boost morale? Whatever the case may be, take some time to think about how you’re going to use them to get some inspiration.
If you’ve got an eye for art, try sketching out a few ideas!
If you’re not a great artist, don’t sweat it! Our design team does all the heavy lifting when it comes to creating artwork. You just need to supply the ideas! If you’re having trouble thinking of how best to share design details, here’s a list of things to share with us. We’ll use all that information to come up with something special!
- Important names and mottos
- Team logos or important symbols
- Important dates
- Color schemes
- Reference images or examples of similar projects
Step 2: Pick a Perfect Size and Choose Features
Up next are size and features. Military issue dog tags are generally thin and small - roughly 1” x 1.5” and just a few millimeters thick. Custom dog tags are slightly larger and usually much thicker so we have enough material to stamp highly detailed artwork into the metal. We recommend 2” in length and 1.125” in width.
Even more important than the size are the features. There are functional features and a few design features to consider. Functional features include:
- Bottle opener hooks and cut outs - A fun, functional upgrade that’s always a hit!
- Split key ring attachments - Perfect if you’re planning to use the dog tags as keychains
- Beaded necklace - The classic chain that gives your dog tags an authentic look and feel.
A few design features include:
- 2D or 3D Artwork - 2D is more traditional, but 3D creates amazing detail!
- Metal Plating - Gold, silver, copper, black metal, and more!
- Die struck or Full Color - Leave the exposed metal untouched or add enamel colors to brighten up the design!
Once you know what size you need and know all the design features and functional features you need, it’s time to move on to step 3!
Step 3: Get a Free Design and Order When You’re Ready!
All of the artwork and revisions we provide are 100% free! Just fill out a free quote form, and we’ll set to work on your design.
The quote form is the best place to share all your ideas, reference artwork, and preferences for features like size, metal plating, 2D vs 3D artwork, and more. So all the things you’ve gathered in steps 1 and 2 will give us everything we need to bring your ideas to life! It doesn’t take a lot of time either - we will send you a digital proof and pricing quote within 24-48 hours.
When you get your digital proof, double-check the layout and review all the details like spelling, logo placement, and overall design. If everything looks perfect, order your custom dog tags as soon as you’re ready!
Custom Dog Tags For Every Occasion
The custom dog tags we create are more than just accessories; they’re designed to be a symbol of team pride, unity, and purpose. With a little planning and the right partner, you’re sure to create something that people will wear with pride and cherish for years to come! Get started on your own custom dog tag design today, and see why so many other teams trust Coin Depot to deliver the best custom products on the market!
