Even at the best of events, hard-to-read name tags can make for an uncomfortable experience. A name tag serves an important purpose: people learning each others’ names. If that’s hindered, your name tag’s as good as useless.
In this blog post, we’ll learn about 7 common mistakes even the most advanced of event planners can make while designing name tags.
What Are Some Common Name Tag Design Mistakes?
Here are 7 mistakes to look out for while designing name tags for your workplace or conference event.
1. Using a small font
Illegible name tags can often be traced back to a small font size. It’s a classic mistake that anybody can make. A great way to solve it would be to get someone to read it from 3-4 feet away.
The fix: Your font size should be 24-36 points for the name. This is changeable based on tag size and the length of one’s name. Anything under 24-points is too small to read at a glance.
2. Choosing decorative fonts
Everybody likes to add a little pizzazz to their event. However, that shouldn’t come at the cost of illegible name tags.
The fix: Use simple bold sans-serif fonts such as Montserrat or Verdana. If you want a decorative element, use it for a small accent instead. If you’re new to designing event merchandise, use a free online name tag maker to simplify the process and create branded layouts in minutes.
3. Picking low-contract colours
Pastel colours may look beautiful on screen. However, the printing process can merge the colours together and under dim venue lighting, text can completely disappear.
The fix: Choose high-contrast and vibrant colours so the text is easier to read. Black or blue text on a plain white background works the best in any type of lighting. You can also colour-pick a high-contrast brand colour and use it as a border, underline, or header strip.
4. Adding too much textual information
Name tags have very little real estate. You can’t add everything. Anything that isn’t important enough to be known at first glance shouldn’t be on the name tag at all.
The fix: Add the individual’s name and their professional role (smaller font size). If you have logos on your name tags, keep them small so you can prioritize the attendee’s name instead. If it’s important to brand your merchandise, use a company lanyard.
5. Giving the first and last name equal weight
Typically, company events are on a first-name basis. If you print both names at the same size, the tag becomes difficult to scan.
The fix: Simply, make the first name the largest element on the tag. Then, add a last name on a separate line so it improves readability.
6. Ignoring tag dimensions and print specifications
It’s important to remember that name tag designs look different on screen and on physical prints. They can often get cropped or stretched during printing. That’s why it’s important to check your tag size and its correct dimensions before you start designing.
The fix: A one-click resize tool can adapt your design into varying dimensions without needing to rebuild from scratch. Make sure you’re leaving adequate margins around the edges so nothing gets trimmed off.
7. Skipping the test print
Lots can go wrong during the printing process: typos, off-center text, and mismatched or darker colours. It’s a lot more convenient to fix one sheet than 400 badges.
The fix: Print a sample and check for three things: legibility at arm’s length, spelling of the longest name, and how the tag hangs on a lanyard or a clip. Similarly, you can print the name on both sides so a flipped badge still works.
Conclusion
The best name tags prioritize three important elements: readability, strong contrast, and a bold name. Nothing should compete for attention. Once you have the basics sorted, designing and printing is as easy as ABC.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about name tag designing.
1.How to design name tags for people with long names?
Don’t shrink the font to make a long name fit. This mistake can impact the tag’s readability. Instead, split the name onto two lines. The first name should be larger and bolder than the last name. For names that are hard to pronounce, add a small phonetic spelling or a preferred nickname.
2. Should I use name tags with pronouns, and where should they go?
It’s a common practice to include pronouns at conferences and workplace events. If you choose to add them, place them in a smaller text line below the name. You can also offer pronoun stickers or a blank line for guests to fill in themselves.
3. How can I colour-code my name tags?
Use a consistent and high-contrast text color on all name tags. Use a bold colour strip, header, or border instead of adding a different background to each name tag. Make sure dark text is on a light area. Don’t color code for more than 3-4 categories.
