Our Products - Ribbon Impressions

Avoiding Boring Badge Ribbons – Part 2

The boring badge ribbon has proven functional at many professional gatherings. Keep this in mind when choosing badge ribbons as they are meant to improve the effectiveness of a name badge. The five previous tips were aimed to help decide which type of badge ribbon was the best for each ribbon project. Here are five more tips to help with the overall design of any badge ribbon.

TIP #6 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Choose a distinctive font.

The easiest way to drastically improve how your ribbon looks, and to keep it from being boring, is by using a nice font. There are many fonts available that will meet most any need. Keep in mind that most fonts will require a metal die.

Badge ribbon printing requires the use of dies, which are made to imprint onto the ribbons. A die is basically like a stamp as it presses a printing foil down on to the badge ribbon. Wherever the stamp touches the foil to the ribbon, the foil will stay printed, or dyed, onto the badge ribbon.

Many badge ribbons may be printed using a polymer die. Polymer dies are faster and less expensive, but they do have a few drawbacks. They are made from a softer material than metal dies; they also wear out quickly, so they can’t be used for large runs of the same ribbon; and they don’t hold detail well, so only thick, plain letters and shapes can be used. Small holes in the design, like the inside of a letter “a” or “e” may fill in because the die can’t press hard enough to ensure a clean impression.

A metal die, which is much stronger than the polymer die, can hold much more detail and will ensure a much cleaner imprint. Using a metal die no longer limits the choice of font; text may be made smaller or even add a logo or other image. Metal dies give much more freedom in the design of a badge ribbon and are well worth the additional cost. They can also be saved to use again and again.

TIP #7 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Have fun with your text.

Text doesn’t have to be boring like straight side-to-side or up-and-down. Depending on the badge ribbon chosen, the text can be set at an angle or even on a curve. This is a great trick to get longer words to fit on a narrower ribbon and doesn’t always require a metal die.

TIP #8 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Don’t limit yourself to one color.

For a better looking badge ribbon, use a combination of colors. A plain badge ribbon suddenly seems less boring when changes to a few elements are made. If the badge ribbon really needs to make an impression, try a Full Color Custom Ribbon. This badge ribbon will be printed in full color and has no limits to fonts or number of colors and no metal dies. You can even get a photograph printed on these badge ribbons.

TIP #9 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Plan the shape and size of your ribbon.

Each ribbon should take content and function into account when adjusting the length or shape. If there is extra empty space, make the ribbon smaller or request options for making the text fill it better. Each badge ribbon should fit the text comfortably and not be crowded or empty. Make the badge ribbon unique by replacing the pinked ends with a fishtail.

TIP #10 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Add a company logo.

Nothing spices up a badge ribbon like an image. Use a company logo or find a basic image that will set off the design on the ribbon; it will instantly increase the ribbon’s appeal. Remember, a metal die will be required.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a ribbon for that upcoming event, keep these 10 tips in mind and the planning stages should be a bit easier and more enjoyable.

*Tips and graphics provided by guest author Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist at Coller Industries.*

Avoiding Boring Badge Ribbons – Part 1

The boring badge ribbon makes its debut at many business conventions, corporate retreats, or any number of other professional gatherings. One can usually find these badge ribbons attached to someone’s name badge or possibly just pinned onto someone’s shirt or jacket. The boring badge ribbon is meant to be functional in presenting a word or short phrase, usually in all capital letters and a very plain font. Please note that there is nothing wrong with this ribbon type if the purpose is to simply designate a particular person as a “Speaker” or any other title.

Badge ribbons that are going to be given out as prizes or promotions are ribbons that aim to get the viewer interested in asking about a particular topic, business or cause you are representing. These badge ribbons are meant for something more, but sometimes they look just as plain as the examples described above. It is this ribbon type that deserves a little extra planning to really perform in their function the best way possible.

TIP #1: Remember what medium you are working with.

You are printing on a ribbon not a brochure or flier. Your text should be concise and to the point.

TIP #2: Consider the badge ribbon size you are ordering.

A horizontal ribbon that is four inches wide can fit words like “promotional” or “team leader” and still be big enough to read from a short distance. But, if you’re getting a vertical ribbon that is only two inches wide, try to use shorter words.

TIP #3: Vertical text should be limited.

Vertical ribbons typically have printing running vertically stacked down the ribbon. Usually you can only get away with having one word like that; any more and it becomes hard to read.

TIP #4: When lots of text is acceptable.

There are promotional ribbons with entire poems that are used as bookmarks, ribbons with wedding details for favors, and keepsake ribbons from family reunions or church events. But, if you want your ribbon to say a lot, plan on having small letters and be prepared to order a metal die to be able to imprint the fine details that are required to have this small print.

TIP #5: Consider the tone of your words.

A corporate meeting would be a great setting for the boring badge ribbon with a simple ribbon saying “President” but, if you have a smaller or less formal meeting why not have a ribbon saying “Man In Charge” or “Big Cheese” instead?

Take some time to consider these five tips when choosing which badge ribbon is the best for your purpose. There will be five more tips to follow up after you make your choice to help solidify what you really need. These final tips will help you maximize your badge ribbons and promotional ribbons.

*Tips and graphics provided by guest author Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist at Coller Industries.*

Buying The Right Personalized Ribbon Type

You have the perfect logo and the perfect personalization, but do you know what ribbon type you need to buy? This simple guide might be just the ticket to help you figure out which ribbon type you need. While we do have an idea gallery available for several ideas, sometimes you just need to know which type of ribbon is best for what type of project you have.

The most important bit of information is to figure out what ribbon type is going to suit your project best. We have three main ribbon types: rosettes, badge/promotional ribbons, and ribbon rolls.

Rosette Ribbons

Rosette ribbons are typically used to recognize achievements. They are perfect for fairs, festivals, contests, shows and more.

Badge/Promotional Ribbons

Badge ribbons help identify roles or rewards, or just break the ice when attached to a name badge. These are perfect for conventions, meetings and other events for which this type of identification is necessary.

Promotional ribbons are great for getting the word out for promoting a sale or event. Or you can use them for a “save the date” notification, bookmarks, gift tags or keepsakes.

Ribbon Rolls

These ribbons are probably the most versatile of the bunch. Use these ribbon rolls to promote a sale or event, decorations for a party or convention, product packaging or gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and more. Ribbon rolls are also very flexible as they come in different ribbon types, colors and sizes. Each type of ribbon comes in four sizes and at least 30 different colors; some even have over 100!

Satin Ribbon Rolls

This comes as single face, satin sheen on one side with matte finish on the other, or double face, satin sheen on both sides.

DYNA Floral Satin Ribbon Rolls

A soft floral ribbon with a slight satin sheen which is great for flowers or decorations for parties.

Grosgrain Ribbon Rolls

These are a heavily corded, or ribbed, the texture shows through any imprinting creating a unique look.

Organza Ribbon Rolls

Organza ribbons are translucent and light weight; these work well for product branding or wrapping.

Summer Reading Reward Ribbons

summer reading alpha mom award ribbons reward ribbons

It’s hot outside, the barbecues have been dusted off, the lawn chairs have been pulled out, and all the kids are out of school for the summer. They are running through the neighborhood without a set schedule to keep them entertained and out of trouble. Places like libraries and book stores seem to experience a decline in seeing the younger crowd around for now. Enter the summer reading programs!

But, enticing kids to keep their minds active can be a difficult and sometimes daunting task. How do we help kids stay reading throughout the summer? Why not a summer reading program with reward ribbons as recognition for completing the program? Many libraries, school districts and book stores are all on this summer reading bandwagon.

From reading charts to freebies, there are many ways to keep those youngsters involved in their books. Local libraries strive each summer to provide these reading programs, yet it is still difficult to keep any child’s attention when it’s so nice outside. This is where providing reward ribbons for any made effort to keep on reading helps out. It also helps them to stay interested and not distracted from completing the books they have selected.

Reward Ribbons

Personalized ribbons are a great way to keep the kiddos involved. Design each reward ribbon to make a great marketing and reward tool for all of these reading programs. When selecting prizes your company might use for a summer reading program, make sure they are both diverse and as inclusive as possible. Make sure to know how tactile your prize needs to be; if the reward ribbon is high in contrast, it will better suit a wide age range.

Getting the word out using personalized ribbons makes any summer reading program easier for children to find and join. Give them a reward that says “congratulations” or “good reader,” or just create your own saying. Try a ribbon bookmark with pinked edges to brighten up any book. Or, create full color bookmarks as a reward for children who meet their summer reading goals.

Coller Industries: 20 Years and Counting

After starting from humble beginnings, Coller Industries Incorporated is proud to announce 20 years of being in personal identification business.

Coller Industries Incorporated started as a part-time retirement business in the Coller’s basement and quickly turned into a nationally recognized brand for personal identification products. From name tags and name plates to ribbons, lanyards and signs, Coller Industries is a one-stop-shop for all needs pertaining to these personalized products. With 20 years now in the industry, Coller Industries provides their customers with outstanding customer service and guaranteed products.

Find all of your identification needs:

~ Name tags for employees, volunteers or party goers

~ Reusable badges for high turn-over positions or one-time use needs

~ POP signs for restaurants and other venues

~ Custom ribbons for product wrapping, labeling or prizes

~ Custom ribbon rolls for decorations or wrapping (e.g. napkin wraps, centerpieces or )

~ Lanyards for recognition or as a name tag/badge holder

Coller Industries Incorporated is a five time winner of the MWCN (Mountain West Capital Network) Utah 100. They are also a BBB (Better Business Bureau) Accredited Business and are part of the ARA (Awards and Recognition Association). Coller Industries Incorporated has been providing outstanding customer service since 1995.

Coller Industries works hard at making sure our customers and employees are happy with our services and products. Coller Industries has somewhere around a 99.4% success rate; meaning that our error rate is less than one percent. Coller Industries strives for this quality, and then shows that top quality really is attainable. Not many other companies can take pride in such a high quality rate.

A few words from our employees:

Vance, Design Manager, “I’ve worked here for 5 years and I’ve enjoyed how close everyone is able to get because of how small the company is.”

Aimee, Customer Service Manager, “I’m not exactly sure how long I have been here, it’s around 13 years. I have enjoyed working with the Coller’s and watching the company grow. I am really proud to be a part of the history of Coller Industries. I enjoy the work that I do and I also enjoy being a part of making decisions that help us grow and expand our staff and our product lines.”

Lydia, Receptionist, “I have worked here for 7 years. I’ve enjoyed watching the company grow over the years and I’m glad I can be a part of a wonderful company.”

Rod, Programmer, “I have worked here for the last 4 ½ years. What I have enjoyed most is the challenge the work has been and the people I have had the opportunity to work with. It is rare to have a company that values it employees, and customers, as much as Coller Industries does. The owners and managers of the company regularly meet with the employees seeking their input on the issues and challenges we face. It is good to know that the work we do is noticed and valued.”

William, Machine Operator, “I’ve been here for almost 9 years and the aspect I enjoy the most about my job is working with a team that helps and supports each other.”