If you're planning to order custom Fiesta medals, one of the first questions you probably have is:
How long does it take to make them?
Whether you're ordering medals for a business, nonprofit organization, school, social club, or personal collection, timing is an important part of the process. You might need medals for a fundraising event, a product launch, a company celebration, or simply to have them ready before Fiesta begins in San Antonio.
Whatever your reason, understanding the production timeline can help you avoid unnecessary stress and last-minute surprises.
Custom Fiesta medals typically require several weeks for manufacturing after the final artwork has been approved, but the complete ordering process can take longer. Design development, artwork revisions, proof approval, shipping, and quality checks all add time to the overall schedule. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the medal, quantity, customization options, production schedule, and how quickly the artwork is approved.
At Monarch Trophy Studio, we've been serving San Antonio since 1972 and help customers turn their Fiesta medal ideas into finished products. Here's what you should know about the custom Fiesta medal timeline, what can affect your order, and how to plan ahead.
How Long Does It Take to Make Custom Fiesta Medals?
There are two different timelines to consider.
Manufacturing time is the period required to produce your medals after the final design has been approved. Total turnaround time includes everything from your initial design submission to receiving your completed medals. These are not the same.
Manufacturing general takes several weeks, but your total timeline also includes artwork development, revisions, proof approval, shipping, and final inspection. For that reason, you should not assume that an estimated production time represents the date your medals will be ready for pickup.
The safest approach is to begin planning well before your intended distribution date.
Why Do Custom Fiesta Medals Take Several Weeks to Make?
Unlike ready-made medals that are already sitting on a shelf, custom Fiesta medals are manufactured specifically for your design. The shape, artwork, colors, plating, size, and attachments may all be unique to your order.
Depending on the design, the manufacturing process may involve:
- Preparing production-ready artwork
- Creating tooling or molds
- Forming the metal medal
- Applying the selected plating or finish
- Filling enamel color areas
- Finishing and inspecting the medals
- Attaching or preparing ribbons and other components
- Packaging the completed order
- Shipping the medals
Each stage requires time. Custom medals are not simply printed like paper flyers or business cards. Their production involves physical manufacturing, which is why planning ahead is so important.
What Is the Custom Fiesta Medal Ordering Timeline?
At Monarch Trophy Studio, the process begins with your idea and continues through artwork preparation, proof approval, manufacturing, shipping, and final quality assurance.
Understanding each stage makes it easier to estimate when you should start your order.
Step 1: Submit Your Fiesta Medal Idea and Design Information
The first step is telling us what you want to create. At Monarch Trophy Studio, customers begin by completing a Fiesta medal questionnaire. The questionnaire helps us understand the details of your project, including:
- Your medal concept or theme
- Artwork or reference images
- Preferred medal size
- Desired colors
- Ribbon drape colors
- Special design features
- Other customization preferences
You do not need to have a finished professional design before starting. Some customers already have artwork prepared by a graphic artist. Others have a sketch, photograph, logo, or general idea. Both can be useful starting points.
Do I Need Vector Artwork to Order Fiesta Medals?
No. Vector artwork is preferred when available, but Monarch Trophy Studio accepts artwork in other formats as well. If you have a JPG, PNG, PDF, or another file type, you can submit what you have.
Many designs require adjustments before they can be manufactured, even when the original artwork was professionally created. It is generally better to submit the artwork you already have rather than delay your order trying to convert it into a different format.
How Long Does the Initial Design Submission Take?
Completing the questionnaire may be relatively straightforward if you already know what you want. However, gathering logos, selecting colors, deciding on size, and discussing the design with your organization can take additional time.
If several people need to agree on the concept, try to make those decisions before beginning the artwork process.
Step 2: Convert Your Design Into a Fiesta Medal Line Drawing
Once your concept and artwork are submitted, the design must be prepared for the medal manufacturing process. Fiesta medals use physical metal sections and enamel-filled areas. This means artworks often needs to be converted into a line drawing that shows how the design will be manufactured.
In this type of drawing:
- Black lines represent metal.
- White spaces represent areas intended for enamel color.
This is different from simply placing a full-color image onto a flat surface. The artwork needs to account for the physical construction of the medal.
Why Does the Artwork Need to Be Converted?
A design that looks great on a computer screen may not translate directly into an enamel medal. For example, a photograph may contain shadows, gradients, and tiny details that cannot be reproduced exactly through traditional enamel-filled metal construction. An artist may need to simplify those details.
Very thin lines may need adjustment. Small lettering may need to be enlarged. Certain shapes may need to be separated into distinct metal and enamel areas.
The goal is to preserve the appearance of your concept while making it suitable for manufacturing.
Does Complex Artwork Take Longer?
It can. A relatively simple logo or design may require fewer adjustments than an intricate illustration. Designs with many small details, overlapping elements, or photographic references may need more preparation.
This does not mean complicated medals cannot be made. It means they may require additional artwork development and review before production.
Step 3: Review the Design and Request Revisions
After the artwork has been prepared, you may need to review the design and provide feedback. This is an important stage because the drawing establishes how your idea will translate into a physical medal.
You might request changes to:
- The shape
- Text placement
- Logo size
- Design proportions
- Small details
- The arrangement of design elements
- The overall appearance
Some projects require very few changes. Others go through several rounds of revisions.
Do Artwork Revisions Delay Fiesta Medal Production?
Yes, they can. Every revision takes time to communicate, make, and review. If several people are involved in approving the design, delays can also occur while waiting for feedback.
For example, a business might need approval from its marketing department. A nonprofit may need approval from a committee. A school may need an administrator to review the design.
Try to collect feedback from everyone involved and submit it together. This can reduce repeated revision cycles.
Step 4: Review the Production Sheet and Final Digital Proof
Once the design is ready, the production details must be finalized. At Monarch Trophy Studio, the production proof identifies the specifications needed to manufacture the medal.
These may include:
- Medal dimensions
- Front and back views
- Plating options
- PMS color specifications
- Attachment method
- Other manufacturing details
A final proof is then provided for customer review before production. This is one of the most important stages of the entire process.
What Should I Check on My Fiesta Medal Proof?
Review every detail carefully. Pay particular attention to:
- Spelling: Check names, business names, slogans, and all other wording.
- Dates: Make sure the Fiesta year and any event dates are correct.
- Logos: Confirm that the correct logo version is being used.
- Colors: Review the specified colors and their placement.
- Layout: Make sure the text and artwork are arranged correctly.
- Size: Confirm the medal dimensions.
- Front and Back: Review both sides when applicable.
- Attachments: Confirm the selected ribbon or attachment method.
The proof is your opportunity to identify mistakes before manufacturing begins.
Can I Make Changes After Receiving the Proof?
Yes. Revisions can be requested before final approval. At Monarch Trophy Studio, artwork revisions can be made until the design is approved. However, every additional revision may extend the pre-production timeline.
Once you approve the final artwork, the order proceeds based on that approved design.
Why Is Final Approval So Important?
Because the medals are manufactured according to the final approved artwork and specifications. A spelling mistake or incorrect color that is approved may be reproduced across the entire order.
That is why it is important to review the proof carefully rather than approving it simply to save time.
Step 5: Manufacturing Begins
Once the final artwork has been approved, the manufacturing stage can begin. This is when your design becomes a physical Fiesta medal.
Manufacturing typically requires several weeks, although the exact schedule varies depending on the order and production conditions. The manufacturer must produce the medal components, apply the selected finishes and enamel colors, complete the necessary assembly, and prepare the order for shipment.
What Happens During Fiesta Medal Manufacturing?
The exact sequence depends on the medal design, but production generally includes several processes.
Creating the Medal Shape
The metal medal is formed according to the approved design.
Custom shapes and details may require dedicated tooling.
Applying Plating or Finishes
The medal receives its selected metal finish.
Different finishes create different appearances, such as gold-tone, silver-tone, or other available plating options.
Adding Enamel Colors
The specified enamel colors are applied to the appropriate recessed areas.
The design must be manufactured according to the approved color specifications.
Finishing and Assembly
The medals are finished, inspected, and prepared with their required components.
More elaborate medals may involve additional manufacturing or assembly steps.
Preparing the Order for Shipping or Pickup
Once production is complete, the order is packaged for transportation or pickup.
Step 6: Shipping to Monarch Trophy Studio
After manufacturing is complete, the medals must be shipped. Custom Fiesta medal orders are shipped to our location before being released to customers. This allows us to perform quality assurance and, depending on the order, complete ribbon-related assembly.
Shipping time is separate from manufacturing time. Even when production is finished, the medals are not necessarily ready for customer pickup immediately.
Step 7: Quality Assurance and Ribbon Assembly
Once the medals arrive at our location, they are checked before being released to the customer. This is an important part of the process.
The finished medals should be reviewed against the approved order specifications.
Depending on the order size and configuration, ribbons may also need to be attached or prepared.
Why Do the Medals Come to Monarch First?
Receiving the medals at our location allows us to inspect the order before the customer receives it. Custom manufacturing involves many details, including metal finishes, enamel colors, artwork, and attachments.
Quality assurance helps identify issues before the medals are distributed.
The time required for this stage depends on the order.
Step 8: Pickup or Final Shipping
Once the medals have been checked and the order has been paid in full, they can be released to the customer. Customers may arrange pickup at Monarch Trophy Studio.
If needed, medals can also be shipped to the customer. If you need your medals shipped to another location, be sure to account for this additional transportation time.
The date the medals arrive at Monarch and the date they arrive at your home or business may be different.
What Can Delay a Custom Fiesta Medal Order?
Several factors can affect the timeline.
Incomplete Design Information
Missing logos, undecided colors, or unclear instructions can slow down artwork preparation.
Multiple Artwork Revisions
Changes to the design require additional preparation and review.
Slow Customer Approval
If the final proof sits unapproved for several days, the production start is delayed.
Complex Medal Designs
Intricate shapes, detailed artwork, and additional components may require more work.
Special Features
Moving parts, additional attachments, and other specialized features may introduce extra manufacturing steps.
Manufacturing Demand
Production schedule can become busier during periods of high demand.
Shipping Delays
Transportation delays can occur even after manufacturing is complete.
Final Assembly Requirements
Some orders may require additional handling or ribbon assembly after arriving at Monarch.
Do Larger Fiesta Medal Orders Take Longer?
Not necessarily in direct proportion to quantity, but order size can affect production fulfillment. For example, an order of 1,000 medals does not automatically take ten times as long as an order of 100.
Many manufacturing steps involve setup processes that are performed for the entire production run. However, larger quantities can require additional manufacturing capacity, inspection, packaging, and assembly.
The actual timeline depends on the design, manufacturer, and production schedule.
Do Custom-Shaped Fiesta Medals Take Longer?
They can. A simple circular or rectangular medal may involve different manufacturing considerations from a complex custom silhouette. However, shape alone does not determine the production timeline.
The level of detail, number of components, tooling requirements, and other specifications also matter. A simple custom-shaped medal may be easier to manufacture than a standard-shaped medal with an extremely intricate design.
Do Spinner or Dangler Fiesta Medals Take Longer?
They may. Spinner medals and dangler medals include additional physical components.
A spinner has a moving element, while a dangler typically includes a separate piece suspended from the main medal. These features can require additional tooling, manufacturing, or assembly.
If your design includes moving or attached elements, mention them early so the production requirements can be evaluated.
Does the Number of Colors Affect Production Time?
It can, depending on the manufacturing process and complexity of the design. Enamel medals require individual color areas to be filling according to the approved specifications.
A design with many separate color regions may involve more manufacturing work than a relatively simple design. However, color count alone does not determine turnaround time.
The overall construction of the medal is also important.
Can I Rush a Custom Fiesta Medal Order?
Rush production may not always be available. Because custom Fiesta medals require artwork preparation, manufacturing, shipping, and inspection. There are limits to how much the process can be accelerated.
Even if manufacturing can be completed sooner, transportation and final quality assurance still require time. If you have a firm deadline, communicate it before beginning the order.
Do not assume that a rush option will be available after artwork has already been approved.
Can I Change My Fiesta Medal Design After Production Starts?
Changes become much more difficult once manufacturing has begun. Depending on the stage of production, a change may require new artwork, new tooling, additional costs, or restarting part of the manufacturing process.
Some changes may not be possible at all. That is why the final proof is so important.
Review all artwork, wording, colors, dimensions, and specifications before approval.
When Should I Start Designing My Fiesta Medals?
As early as practical. Even if you are not ready to place a final order, you can begin gathering ideas and discussing the design. Starting early gives you time to:
- Develop your concept
- Gather artwork
- Choose colors
- Decide on the size
- Review the line drawing
- Request revisions
- Approve the final proof
- Allow for manufacturing
- Account for shipping
- Complete final inspection
It also gives you more flexibility if your original concept needs adjustments.
How Far in Advance Should I Order Fiesta Medals?
Plan several months ahead whenever possible, especially if you need your medals for a specific Fiesta event or distribution date. This is a planning recommendation rather than a guaranteed production requirement,
Your actual order deadline depends on the design, approval process, manufacturing availability, shipping, and final fulfillment. If your organization has a firm event date, work backward from that date and include time for every stage.
The earlier you begin, the more room you have to handle revisions or unexpected delays.
Should I Order Fiesta Medals Before the New Year?
For customers planning to distribute medals during the following Fiesta season, starting before the new year can be a sensible approach. It provides additional time for design development and production planning.
However, not every customer needs the same schedule. A business distributing medal at a spring event may have a different deadline from a nonprofit planning a fundraise months earlier.
The most important date is when you actually need the medals in hand.
Can I Order Fiesta Medals After Fiesta Has Started?
You can inquire about placing an order, but do not assume custom medals can be manufactured and delivered before Fiesta ends. Because manufacturing takes several weeks after final approval, an order started during Fiesta may not be ready for that year's events.
If your intended distribution date has already passed, you may need to consider a later event of a different schedule.
Do I Need to Know Exactly What I Want Before Contacting Monarch?
No. You can begin with a general idea. Many customers need help translating their concept into a design suitable for enamel medal production. You might have:
- A hand-drawn sketch
- A company logo
- A photograph
- A previous Fiesta medal
- A theme or slogan
- A collection of reference images
The more clearly you can explain your concept, the easier it is to begin the design process. However, you do not need to arrive with production-ready artwork.
How Can I Speed Up the Fiesta Medal Design Process?
The most effective way to keep your order moving is to prepare your information and make decisions promptly.
Have Your Artwork Ready
Gather your logo, sketches, photographs, and other references before starting.
Know Your Preferred Size
If you already have a general size in mind, include it in your questionnaire.
Choose Your Colors
Provide your preferred enamel and ribbon colors.
Confirm Your Wording
Double-check business names, dates, slogans, and other text.
Choose One Main Contact
If several people are involved, designate one person to communicate decisions and revisions.
Combine Your Feedback
Rather than sending multiple separate requests, collect all changes and submit them together.
Review Proofs Promptly
Artwork approval is a major factor in determining when manufacturing can begin.
Avoid Unnecessary Last-Minute Changes
Finalize the design before approving it for production.
These steps cannot eliminate manufacturing or shipping time, but they can help prevent avoidable delays.
What If My Organization Needs Multiple People to Approve the Design?
Build that approval process into your schedule. For example, a nonprofit may require board approval. A school may need an administrator's approval. A business may require marketing or leadership approval.
If your organization has several decision-makers, review the concept internally before requesting final artwork changes. It can also help to establish who has authority to approve the production proof.
Waiting for multiple approvals at the end of the process can delay manufacturing.
Should I Order Extra Fiesta Medals?
It is worth considering. Once your custom medals have been manufactured, ordering additional pieces may involve another production run. If you underestimate demand. you may not be able to obtain additional medals in time for your event.
When deciding how many to order, consider:
- Expected sales
- Giveaways
- Fundraising
- Promotional distribution
- Collector demand
- Staff or volunteer allocations
- Event inventory
- A reserve for unexpected demand
Planning your quantity before production can help you avoid the need for a last-minute reorder.
How Long Does It Take to Reorder a Previous Fiesta Medal?
Reordering an existing design may reduce the amount of new artwork development required, particularly if the original files and specifications are available. However, the medals still need to be manufactured and shipped.
A reorder should not be assumed to be immediately available.
Changes to the year, wording, colors, shape, or other specification may also require additional artwork preparation. If you plan to use a similar medal design every year, maintain the original artwork and production information.
Can I Use the Same Fiesta Medal Design Every Year?
Yes, many organizations build on an established design concept. You might retain the same basic shape or logo while changing the year, colors, or artwork. This can create a recognizable series for collectors.
However, any changes still need to be reviews and prepared for manufacturing.
Reusing a previous concept does not eliminate the need for final proof approval.
How Do I Know When My Fiesta Medals Are Ready?
After production and shipping, your medals must arrive at Monarch and complete the necessary quality assurance and fulfillment steps. Once the order has been checked and is ready for release, pickup or final shipping can be coordinated.
If your medals are being shipped to you, additional transit time applies.
Always confirm that your order is ready before making pickup arrangements.
What Happens If My Fiesta Medals Arrive Later Than Expected?
Delays can affect event planning, especially when medals are intended for a specific fundraiser, promotional campaign, or Fiesta celebration. This is why it is important to communicate your deadline at the beginning of the process.
If your schedule is especially tight, discuss the available options before approving production. Avoid advertising a guaranteed distribution date unless you have confirmed that your order can reasonably meet that schedule.
For fundraising and sales, it may also be useful to prepare your marketing materials in advance without promising availability before the medals have arrived.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Order Fiesta Medals?
The best time is when you have enough time to complete the entire process without rushing. For medals intended for San Antonio's annual Fiesta celebrations, beginning the planning process months in advance is generally preferable.
For businesses and organizations that create medals every year, it may be helpful to make design planning part of the annual marketing or event calendar. You can begin discussing next year's medal shortly after the current year's event ends.
That gives you time to review what worked, what customers liked, and what you might want to change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fiesta Medal Production Time
How Many Weeks Does It Take to Make Custom Fiesta Medals
Manufacturing typically requires several weeks after final artwork approval. The full order timeline is longer because it also includes design preparation, revisions, shipping, and final quality checks.
Does Production Start When I Submit My Design?
No. The design must first be prepared, reviewed, and approved. Manufacturing begins after the final artwork and specifications have been approved and the order is released for production.
Does Approving My Artwork Faster Help?
Yes. Prompt approval can reduce delays before manufacturing begins. However, it does not necessarily shorten the manufacturing process itself.
Can I Make Changes After Approving My Proof?
Changes may be difficult or impossible once production has begun. Contact us immediately if you discover a problem, but do not assume changes can be made without affecting the order.
Do Custom Fiesta Medals Take Longer Than Stock Medals?
Yes. Custom medals require manufacturing specifically for your design, while stock medals may already be produced.
Does Shipping Count Toward Production Time?
Shipping is a separate stage. When planning your deadline, include manufacturing, transportation, quality assurance, and any final delivery.
How Early Should Businesses Order Fiesta Medals?
Businesses should begin planning several months before their intended distribution date whenever possible, particularly when medals will be used for promotions, events, or fundraising.
Do I Need Professional Artwork to Start?
No. We accept different file formats and can work from concepts, sketches, photographs, logos, and other reference artwork. Vector files are preferred when available.
What Is the Biggest Cause of Delays Before Manufacturing
Incomplete information, repeated artwork revisions, and delayed proof approvals can all extend the pre-production timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Make Custom Fiesta Medals? The Bottom Line
Custom Fiesta medals generally require several weeks for manufacturing after final artwork approval, but the complete process takes longer. The full timeline includes:
- Submitting your concept and questionnaire
- Preparing the line drawing
- Reviewing and revising the design
- Finalizing the production sheet and digital proof
- Manufacturing the medals
- Shipping the completed order
- Quality assurance and ribbon assembly, when needed
- Customer pickup or final shipping
Every order is different.
A simple design that is approved quickly may move through the early stages faster than a complex medal requiring multiple revisions. Special features, order quantity, production demand, and shipping conditions can also affect the schedule.
The most important thing you can do is start early and provide your intended deadline before production begins.
Order Custom Fiesta Medals in San Antonio at Monarch Trophy Studio
If you're planning custom Fiesta medals for a business, nonprofit, school, organization, or personal project, we can help you get started. Serving San Antonio since 1972, Monarch Trophy Studio helps customers turn their ideas into custom Fiesta medals with personalized shapes, artwork, colors, finishes, and ribbon options.
You do not need to have professional artwork ready before beginning. Start with your idea, complete our design questionnaire, and provide any sketches, logos, photographs, or reference images you have available. Our team can help guide your design through artwork preparation, proof approval, and the manufacturing process.
The earlier you begin, the more flexibility you'll have the create a medal you're proud to share.
Call (210) 344-3777, email sales@mtsawards.com, or come by our showroom at 16227 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78232 to discuss your Fiesta medal project. Visit mtsawards,com to browse our selection of customizable awards and gifts now.
Whether you're planning for next year's Fiesta or preparing medals for a specific event, getting started early is the best way to keep your project on schedule.