A retirement award should feel connected to the person receiving it. In my Cabot, Arkansas shop, I start with their name, the organization they have served and the milestone being celebrated. Those details guide the design.
Start with the person and the milestone
The first thing I need is the story behind the award. Is it a retirement, a work anniversary or recognition for an achievement? Send the honoree’s name, title, service dates and the wording you want included.
A logo or emblem gives us a starting point for the shape and layered details. The Panthers award shown here uses a school identity as the focus. The Arrow anniversary award uses a large number to put the milestone front and center.
Review the layout before I build
I put the details into a design proof for you to review. This is where we check spelling, dates and the way the logo and message sit together. We make adjustments before the award is cut.
Bring the design into wood
Layered wood gives the award depth. Engraved wording carries the personal details, and epoxy accents can bring in colors from the organization’s logo. I cut, layer, sand and finish the piece in my Cabot shop.
The design comes from the person and occasion, so the finished awards can look quite different. A shield, a school emblem and an anniversary number each tell the story in their own way.
What to send with your idea
Send your logo, the name and title, the dates, and any message you want on the award. Include photos or a sketch if you have an idea in mind, and tell me when you need it. We can work through the design from there.