When searching for someone to produce custom medals, using the correct terminology is important. The answer is straightforward:

A person who designs and creates medals is called a medallist¹. In commercial and industrial contexts, however, the work is typically handled by a custom medal manufacturer², which oversees the entire process from design to final delivery.

Traditionally, the term “medallist” refers to a solo artist working in a studio, sculpting and casting medals by hand. While this still exists, the modern production of high-quality custom medals usually involves a coordinated team of professionals. For example, manufacturers like INIMAKER® operate with integrated teams that include designers, engineers, and metalworkers. This is especially relevant in sectors such as defense, where clients may require detailed documentation, compliance certifications, and material traceability—services that a solo artist cannot provide.

Today’s medal manufacturing process is comprehensive. It blends art with industrial precision, and full-service manufacturers manage the project from concept to final delivery. The production process can generally be broken into three main phases:

1. Design and Engineering

This stage translates an idea into a digital prototype. Designers work with clients to develop detailed 2D and 3D models using design software. These digital proofs allow for review and revisions before any physical work begins.

Once approved, engineers create a steel mold based on the final design. This mold must meet exact specifications to ensure every medal produced is consistent and defect-free.

2. Production

The production phase³ involves casting the medals using materials such as zinc alloy, brass, or even recycled metals. The metal is melted and injected into the mold, then cooled, polished, and electroplated in finishes like gold, silver, or antique bronze.

Coloring is typically done using soft enamel techniques. For instance, manufacturers may use proprietary technologies like “ColorLock⁴,” which ensures the colors remain vibrant for over a decade.

3. Quality Control and Logistics

Every medal goes through a multi-step inspection process. Quality assurance teams verify material integrity, dimensional accuracy, and coating consistency.

Once approved, the logistics team⁵ handles the final packaging and international shipping. Many manufacturers work with carriers like DHL and FedEx and also manage the necessary customs paperwork to ensure timely delivery.

Who Creates Medals?

Medal production is not a one-person operation. It involves a multidisciplinary team. Below are the key roles typically involved in a modern medal project:

Project Manager

Serves as the client’s primary point of contact. They gather requirements, provide updates, and ensure communication flows smoothly between the client and the production team. Effective project managers can adapt to the needs of various clients—whether the client values technical precision or personalized service.

Designer and Mold Engineer

Designers take client ideas—whether rough sketches or logos—and transform them into precise digital renderings. These visual proofs help clients visualize the final product.

Mold engineers then translate those digital designs into physical molds. This stage demands precision, as any flaws in the mold will affect every medal produced.

Production Team

This group includes skilled technicians who manage the casting, plating, coloring, and finishing of the medals. Each task contributes to both functionality and appearance.

Here’s a table showing how specific production techniques match client needs:

Quality Assurance and Logistics

The QA team verifies that each medal meets the approved design and quality standards. This includes visual checks, measurement validation, and durability testing.

Logistics personnel then manage the packaging and global shipping, including documentation. Some manufacturers offer eco-friendly or custom packaging options to align with specific brand or sustainability goals.

Conclusion

While a "medallist¹" refers to the artist traditionally associated with medal creation, a "manufacturer" refers to the modern, team-based approach required for complex, high-volume, or specialized medal projects. From concept to shipping, today’s medal production relies on coordinated efforts among designers, engineers, technicians, and logistics experts to meet precise client requirements and deliver high-quality results.