20 Amazing Nameplates to Inspire your Next Design

Deidre Kruser

Wed, Mar 24, 2010

Nameplates | Product Identification

It should come as no surprise to you that I spend a fair amount of my waking hours working with and thinking about nameplates. Whether fine tuning a color, recommending a process, working on a display or considering a topic for the next Nameplate Blog post, it's all about nameplates. You might call them emblems, labels or badges. It's product identification, the representation of your brand.

I've recently asked my co-workers to share their thoughts on their favorite nameplate. Their first response is often that it is hard to pick one. I agree. It is hard to pick one nameplate as my favorite. I appreciate the subtle or unique application of a process. A number of people have asked for my suggestions on making a great nameplate. Well, here they are!

I was hesitant to do this as there are so many great nameplates to choose from. It's overwhelming and would be hard to be comprehensive. Instead, I wanted to find 20 nameplates that stand out in their design and will increase your understanding of options available to you in nameplate design.

So this list is far from being comprehensive. It is a few of my favorites. I hope you find inspiration from them and share some of your favorites in the comments below!

		AMX Home Automation System Nameplate- The engine striped AMX logo is the feature that grabs my attention on this nameplate. The low gloss authentic metal finish lends a premium look to this series of nameplates used on controllers, control pads and remotes.

		Volant Nameplate- I love the spin in the background of this oval nameplate. It is natural to think of using spin on a circular badge or emblem. Combining spin with other shapes can create interesting effects as shown here. This spin is printed with a transparent deep blue tint of color. The result is subtle movement with natural metal highlights.

		Madone Road Bike Emblem- Engine turn is used on the embossed Madone logo to create one of my favorite nameplates. I think the nameplate has a classic look with a little bit of edge. The engine turn is disguised. It creates movement but it is not obvious what is going on.

		WMS Gaming Nameplate- This is one of the newer nameplates in the list. I like its use of a multi-level emboss in combination with a phalynx diamond cut. The diamond cut area contrasts against the bright aluminum and the faceted graphics. All of this is combined into the small nameplate for a jewel effect.

		Infinity Vision System Nameplate- It's the diamond cut accent on this logo that I like. The crisp clean diamond cut graphic brings a look of precision to the nameplate. The challenge behind this look is diamond cutting only the circular area and dot on the i without cutting the Infinity graphic. This is achieved with a multi-level emboss.

		Trimira Cancer Screening Device Nameplate- This small aluminum nameplate is big on impact. I picked this one because of its use of a pattern throughout the background. This attention to detail is nice. Often a background is a solid color. The pattern adds interest with a printed texture on the transparent blue background.

		Cielo Bath Domed Emblem- I like the metallic silver in the background of this emblem when it is combined with the doming process. The narrow accent border printed in transparent gold tint completes the elegant look. It gives the aluminum nameplate a mixed metal look. I like it.

		Sub-Zero Refrigerator Nameplate- This has long been one of my favorite nameplates. I love how the anodized background looks when combined with doming. This nameplate is simple yet elegant. Definitely one of my favorites.

		Iron Horse Motorcycle Emblem- I like the combination of the rugged pattern in the background of the emblem combined with the crisp diamond cut logo. The striking contrast of bright silver graphics and the printed texture are bold.

		Sephora Compact Appliqué- You know an appliqué is unique when it catches the attention of those that work with their design and manufacturing everyday. This aluminum appliqué caught our attention with its embossed metal scrollwork pattern against the brilliantly colored background.

		Dell Adamo Plaque- The use of spin on the Dell graphics draws my eye and my attention to the logo on this metal plaque. The design speaks of style, craftsmanship and performance. It doesn't shout but nevertheless commands your attention.

		Princess Elizabeth Compact Appliqué- This is a stand out attention getter on our sample boards because of the depth of color in the rich transparent blue tint. The lens effect created by the urethane dome magnifies the highlights and shadows in the naturally reflective metal.

		Mustang Engine Cover Emblem- This is a beautiful example of a multi-dimensional emboss on aluminum. Subtle details in the emboss are highlighted by the bright metal. The reflective surface is complimented by the high gloss metallic silver background.

		Sunkist Label- Forming makes this a unique domed label on metal. The curved metal surface reflects light from all angles. The transparent tint of color combines with the urethane dome creating a liquid blue effect. The part almost appears to be backlit.

		Estee Lauder - DKNY Fragrance Packaging - The hammered metal surface on this aluminum trim is a timeless metal finish. It is one of those surfaces that is often requested because of its familiar handcrafted and rugged appearance.

		Trans Am GTA Emblem- This is probably the oldest nameplate on the list, showing how good design stands the test of time. The detail on this part that I love is the coined texture in the firebird. The granular texture is overprinted with a metallic gold. It caught my attention years ago and still does.

		Giorgio Cologne Insert- Intricate embossed detail is the hallmark of this aluminum insert. The multi-level 3D emboss pushes the limits of detail and dimension in embossing metal. The overall transparent gold tint allows the embossing to be the focal point.

		Gladiator Garage Storage and Organization Nameplate- The overall rugged durable look of this nameplate is what draws me to it. I like to consider how the same processes used on a nameplate that is elegant or jewel-like are combined to make a tough nameplate.

		Photo Album Tip-on- This one maybe isn't a traditional nameplate. It is a metal insert using brushing and lithography to create a holographic effect on the camera. A printed texture adds to the illusion. This is an example a a flat piece that looks great.

		Kohler Faucet Nameplate- I like the combination of surfaces integrated into this aluminum nameplate design. The technical finish in the background compliments the low gloss brushed and high gloss bright metal.

Topics: Nameplate, Favorite Nameplate

20 Amazing Nameplates to Inspire your Next Design

Nameplates | Product Identification

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