Can I See Artwork of My Custom Badge Before Ordering?

Written by: Kate Williamson, Sales Manager at BadgeAndWallet.com

Original Publish Date: November 4, 2026

Most Recent Update: November 6, 2026

In many cases, it is possible to see artwork of your custom badge before ordering! Badge & Wallet offers several ways to preview a custom badge before purchasing. For more complex projects, we typically create artwork after you place your order but before we .

The difference depends on whether you're customizing an existing badge design or asking us to create something new.

Customizing an existing badge using VisualBadge

Our online badge designer allows you to customize more than 1,400 Smith & Warren metal badge styles and see a preview of your design before placing an order.

You can choose your badge style, metal finish, center seal, lettering, badge number, and other available options. The preview updates as you make your selections, helping you visualize your finished badge.

These images are intended to help you evaluate a badge's general appearance, proportions, colors, and layout. They are not the technical artwork used to manufacture the finished product. FAQ: How do I adjust or correct the lettering layout on my custom badge?

what if I need something changed that i can't change with the online tool?

Our online badge designer offers a wide range of customization options, but there are additional changes we may be able to make that aren't available online.

Examples include:

• Custom center seals: We can create a center emblem for your badge using your city or town seal, logo or artwork. After you place your order, we'll prepare technical artwork for your approval before manufacturing.
• Reverse enamel lettering: We can offer reverse enamel versions of many badge styles, but these may require custom lettering dies. 
• Moving or changing lettering panels: Some badge styles allow us to change the position or arrangement of lettering panels. What's possible depends on how the badge is manufactured.
• Removing design elements: In some cases, we can remove features such as an eagle or other decorative elements from an existing badge design.

To find out if your change is possible please contact us.  We'll let you know what is involved in your project.

Will I Get to Review and Approve the Artwork Before Production?

For projects requiring custom artwork, you'll have an opportunity to review the design before manufacturing begins.

If you'd like changes to the artwork, we'll work with you to refine the design until you're happy with it. Our goal is to get the design right before manufacturing begins, and we encourage your feedback throughout the artwork process.

What If I Want a Completely Original Badge Design?

If your department wants a completely original badge, Smith & Warren's BadgeStudio program offers a professional design service to create a badge specifically for your agency.

BadgeStudio starts with a conversation about your department, its history, and what you want your new badge to represent. You don't need to arrive with a finished design! The BadgeStudio team works with you to develop one, incorporating meaningful details such as local landmarks, department history, and unique symbolism.

The process includes concept sketches, full-color illustrations, and realistic 3D renderings, with opportunities for your department to review and provide feedback as the design develops.

The design work is part of the BadgeStudio development program, so it begins after your department approves the proposal and commits to the project. However, the initial consultation and proposal are complimentary, allowing you to understand the process and costs before making that commitment.

Learn more about the design process and see examples of what's possible on our BadgeStudio page.

How Do I Get Started?

If you're customizing an existing badge style, start with our online badge designer. You can preview thousands of combinations of badge styles, finishes, lettering, and center seals before placing your order.

If you need something that isn't available in the online designer, or you're considering a completely original badge, contact us to discuss your project.

You don't need to know exactly how your badge will be manufactured or what artwork will be required. Tell us what you're trying to accomplish, and we'll help you determine what's possible, what the costs will be, and how to move forward.