How Unique Name Tags Provide Fun for the Holidays

A name is what makes you unique. Well, that and your personality, quirks and other traits. But, without your name, you wouldn’t be who you are. Having a name is important. It makes you feel wanted and that you are a part of something. Well, the same goes for having unique name tags.

And what better way to show off your individuality than by wearing a tag with your name on it. There are many types of name tags to choose from: metal, plastic or paper; all sorts of different colors; different printing processes or engraving. The custom choices that you can make for your name tag will make them just as unique as you are.

From custom shapes to blank plastic, name tags have all sorts of uses. Especially around the holidays. Some of our customers use their name tags exclusively for identification. And others use them for creative and fun projects. There is no wrong way to use a name tag. And we have proof that everyone (and everything) needs a name tag! Check out this recent news article.

Here’s What Makes this Christmas Tree Farm Different

Nathan Wilcox started selling Christmas trees when he was 11 years old, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.
“I would have a hard time quitting this because I’d feel I’d let a lot of people down,” Wilcox, 51, said.
The trees come from Wilcox’s farm in Floyd County, about 20 minutes from Radford University, and other parts of Virginia and North Carolina.
And get this: His trees all have names.
His older sister, Becky Belote, came up with the idea of naming the trees and when she stopped selling Christmas trees about 30 years ago, Wilcox decided to carry on the tradition.
Each year, his wife, Karen and their three daughters, Candice, Summer and Julia, would spend Thanksgiving filling out tags with names from family members, friends and classmates. (Karen) said she averages a box of 50 to 100 names a night while watching TV. In the past couple years, she has used popular celebrity names like Justin Bieber.
Both Karen and Nathan try their best to match the names to the right trees, i.e., putting “Charlie Brown” on a small, dinky tree rather than a big one. Once purchased, the trees are given a fresh cut and the employees remove the tree’s price from the name tag. Nathan said customers have told him they keep the name tags and use them as tree ornaments.
“A lot of people actually keep the name tag, for 10, 12, 15 years and use them as ornaments,” he said.

We love that someone is being so unique with their name tag usage.

Even here at Coller Industries, we have been known to get creative with name tag uses. Gift tags, shelf labels for organizing ribbons and so much more! We have even used them for prizes for picking a creative elf or reindeer name for our company Christmas parties. This creativity should know very few limitations. And adding names isn’t the only thing you should be able to do with name tags.

From brand recognition to conversation starters, name tags are just like names: useful in getting to know someone. And the holidays are no exception. Name tags are often seen as props for party games during company and family get-togethers. They are also great for family reunions and just hanging around with a group of friends.

Name tags are the glue that holds conferences and other events together. From decorations to meeting new clients, creativity is the key to making your name and name tags stand out. Add bright logos, graphics, names, titles and nearly any creative thing you want. Just remember to keep them as unique as you are.

Designing Your Perfect Name Tag

What information should I include when designing my name tag? From font choice to details you think you should include, name tags are, surprisingly, an intricate thing when it comes to designing. And, making sure they read well is something you must consider before ordering one. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure you are getting identification that helps your business.

Material & Color

Durability is a must! We carry both high quality plastic and metal materials. So, no matter your new name tag use, we have a material that will fit your designing needs. And with 30 plastic colors and 18 metal color combinations, we have a color that will suit your business needs as well. But, remember what Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy, said:

“The most effective background color for name tags is white. This allows maximum visibility for your logo, name and position. Dark blue, green or red backgrounds are used occasionally, but they have a tendency to ‘steal the show’ from the rest of your name tag.

“Write the font in black or dark blue. Never use yellow, orange or any other light color. Even if a dark color choice means an aesthetic digression, fashion must be outweighed by your name tag’s approachability and visibility! Finally, unless you work in an academic capacity, avoid gold name tags.”

Font Size & Style

From size to the color, the font is one of the most important aspects of your new name tag. Yes, font matters when designing your new name tags! You should always choose a readable font and size. If others cannot read your name tag from at least 10 feet away, your font size is too small. However, don’t stray the other direction. Too large of a font will distract and limit, if not remove, space for additional information. Even if you are attending a horror convention, the name tag font should always be legible. If someone can’t read it, that negates the use of your name tag, so why even wear one?

Always consider the following: What does my font choice really say? Melanie Bunch, Coller Industries’ graphic artist, says, “Make sure you are using a font that suits your business or event needs. Even the tone of the font choice is essential. A bookstore or cafe might opt for a more casual font, while fine clothing or five star restaurants might want a fancier or more formal font. Large businesses and corporations may want to choose a font that is consistent with their company branding, which tends to be something more utilitarian.”

On the other hand, some fonts are always a bit more professional than others. We offer many font choices that are fun, yet maintain professionalism for nearly any business. And, remember that some fonts are great for employee names, but not suitable for a business name or title.

Engraving & Printing

Before requesting any engraved (or printed) text for your new name tags, first, consider your size. Once you choose a name tag size, any names, titles or other information will then need to be tested to make sure they will appropriately fit. Shorter and smaller name tags may look better with your uniforms, but then you will most likely have to settle with first names only when designing. But, don’t think the larger your name tags, the more information you can have.

Once you have names, titles and your business name planned out, you can consider your logo. Always ask yourself, “Does this new name tag actually need my logo on it?” If the answer is yes, make sure to choose a name tag that best suits that logo. From engraving to full color printing we have a logo solution we are sure you will love.

The final guideline here is never to think your name tag is a business card.

There is a thin line between just enough information and too much when designing new name tags. Keep it simple, and keep it flowing. Yes, you need to represent the person wearing the name tag and in some cases, your business. But, remember that less is always more when it comes to name tags.

The Three A’s of Professionalism

From doctors to school teachers and everyone in between, name tags are essential for professionalism!

Whether your job is in the food service industry or you are a CEO of a major corporation, showing professionalism by wearing a name tag is sure to make your job a bit easier. By attaching this simple item to your uniform or daily attire, you will stand out from all of your competitors. And, they make corporate branding a breeze by identifying employees at a store even easier.

Here are some pointers on how name tags can help perfect your professionalism.

APPEARANCE

Maintaining a corporate uniform, whether certain colors or specific attire, is significant for many businesses. Adding a name tag to that uniform helps with your appearance and identifying where in the company you fit in. From a mail room attendant to the president of the company, not everyone will immediately know your name. But, by wearing a name tag as part of your uniform or daily attire, you are encouraging interaction and promoting company branding.

From color choices to adding a text, a name tag is an important piece to add to your wardrobe. And, with so many colors and materials to choose from, finding that perfect name tag is easy. Logos and graphics are also an ideal way to promote your company from within and throughout each day as every employee interacts with clients, customers and the general public.

Remember that appearance is key to most professions. And, maintaining that professionalism is easy with the proper name tag.

ACCOUNTABILITY

It is always important to hold yourself accountable for your actions when working. By wearing a name tag, not only will you maintain that accountability, but you will also increase your professionalism. Name tags can also increase productivity because when someone is wearing identification, it tends to make them more responsible and aware of their actions.

Whether it’s a difficult situation or merely representing the company at an event, name tags are sure to help with keeping employees accountable and maintaining professionalism.

ABILITY

Professionalism is about focusing on finding a solution. And with a name tag, finding that focus has never been easier. By holding yourself accountable, you will develop necessary job skills, keep up with time management and find any needed solutions for your company. These abilities are essential for keeping a strong work ethic and showing others you can be professional.

So, stay on task and show your professionalism by wearing a name tag! By identifying yourself, you show others you know what you’re doing and that you’re proud of it. This becomes part of who you are and helps to maintain the stigma of a job well done.

The Unnecessary Reinvention of Name Tags

A reinvention of anything requires a substantial analysis of what it is.

This reinvention is even true when it comes to name tags and other personal identification. Branding and using identification is something businesses have done for many years. And, it doesn’t matter what the brand is, or what they are selling to the masses.

Let’s take a look at Prada:

Identify Yourself: How Prada Reinvented the Corporate Name Tag

Identity is something every fashion label is obsessed with right now – what it should be, how to get it, how to bank on it. Prada is one of the houses whose distinct, powerful identity is fodder for many lesser talents, which is perhaps why the label’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collections – for him and for her – featured a sly wink and nudge to that idea in the form of ID cards clipped onto models’ collars and chests. They were the kind of name tag a faceless factory worker, office drone or out-of-office visitor might be instructed to wear and keep visible at all times – Prada’s even came stamped with faux corporate identities, logotypes and symbols ironically invented by the fashion house for purely decorative purposes.

Prada has failed to peg the real issue with name tags: discovering brand and personal identity.

After all, this is what a name tag is all about. We will always encourage people to wear name tags with their name and a business or corporate logo. And while it seems that Prada has attempted this with their, albeit ironic, version of a corporate name tag, there appears to be a lack of something fundamental.

Professional tools such as name tags are essential in marketing and communication. They are necessary in providing not only personal identity but corporate branding as well. And, the primary reason for wearing a name tag is to provide an identifying feature for each person.

With so many choices of name tags available, businesses only have to decide which product best fits their needs. From Hot-Stamped Logo Name Tags to Reusable Speedy Badges, the name tag world is best suited to those who know how to use it. Understanding this leads to the fact that a reinvention of this simple tool is not necessary.

Name Tags and Branding

By adding a business or organization logo to a name tag, every employee or volunteer will be identified quickly and easily. Office and retails settings are often the place to see name tags. But, inevitably employees wear these tags when going to lunch or even on the way home. And, while they continually wear these name tags in public, a company’s name and brand becomes available to everyone they pass by. This type of branding can also be beneficial to announce special promotions, sales or events.

Name tags are often the most effective element of a person’s uniform in meetings, at conventions or during any event. Trying to offer a reinvention of this simple feature is redundant and unnecessary.

Employees who wear name tags offer a sense of responsibility that remains unmatched by those who don’t wear identification. These identifiers have become an essential and vital part of many companies. And, they allow each employee to wear any required daily business style or uniform while remaining unique in their aspect and personality.

So, why offer a reinvention of something so tried and true? Let’s leave name tags where they need to be as a part of everyday business life.

Accessorizing Pets with Their Own IDs

Personal identification is a needed accessory for pets too!

Most companies offer employees personal identification. And this identification usually comes in the form of a name tag or name badge. While name badges are versatile and easy to change for volunteers and temporary staff, name tags provide a uniform look for all personnel. So, why not incorporate office pets into the mix?

Many employers these days have pet policies that allow for workers to either bring pets to work or have therapy animals available during lunches and other breaks. By identifying these animals with a name tag, employees will know that these pets are welcome in the building.

And, if there are service animals around, using proper identification helps people know how to respond to them. Some service animals require that they are left alone, and using name tags will help identify that need.

Name Tags vs. Photo ID Badges

Name tags are perfect for quick information such as your pet’s name and your phone number. And, choosing a custom shape such as a bone, dog or cat can be a fun way to add some creativity to your pet’s tag.

Photo ID badges make the identification process easy. You can include a photo, all pertinent information such as a phone number, address, pet’s name and so much more. These photo IDs are perfect for service animals and including company logos for office pets.

Don’t forget to include all the essential information!

Each ID should include at least a name and an owner’s phone number. Other things to add would be an address, the owner’s name and additional information about the animal. If the pet works in an office, the company logo is always a great idea to include. As most owners do not remove name tags or identification from pets, this becomes free company advertising.

Finding A Lost Pet

Not only is a name tag a good idea at work, but it is also good in a general sense. Keep identification on your pets at all times in case they decide to take themselves for a walk. People are more likely to approach a seemingly lost pet if they have a name tag. And, if your information is current on this tag, you won’t have any problems getting them back.

So, whether you are around service animals or have a pet dropping by your office, let’s take a moment to appreciate every pet’s name tag.