What Should I Send a Designer for a Custom Fake Diploma?
Send us the exact wording, the name of the recipient, the occasion, university or college name, preferred dimensions, specific signatures required, color preferences and any original artwork you would like us to copy. Note what information should not be changed and where the designer can offer alternatives. A clear brief gives the designer enough information to create a personal novelty fake diploma without having to guess what is most important to you.
Begin with the words that are going to be printed
Type the exact wording you want to appear on the diploma. Include the title, university or college name, recipient’s name, main message, date and signatory details. Check for punctuation before sending it.
Separate instructions from the printed wording. For example, a design note such as “Please make this line larger” should be removed from between the recipient’s name and the award message.
If you’re still deciding between two titles, call them alternatives. Otherwise the designer might reasonably think both belong on the diploma.
Give the practical details and describe the occasion
If the diploma is for a birthday gift, club award, party keepsake or fictional prop, please let the designer know. This helps establish the tone: a warm family message needs different treatment than an extravagant puzzle-night trophy diploma.
What size and orientation do you want for your paper? Include units. Not half as clear as ‘A4 landscape, Letter size portrait’. A normal diploma certificate if you have a frame.
Also include the quantity and when you want the item finished. Ask what can be delivered before you plan around a delivery date. See our certificate order timing guide for details on proof preparation, revisions, printing and shipping, all of which are separate. Additionally you may also want to consider if you are using a printed diploma or a digital file.
An Original Example: Maple Street Puzzle Club
Imagine a neighborhood club in a make-believe setting awarding a prize after its fall puzzle nite. See a full example brief here.
Purpose: Memento of our club celebration, for fun. Not an academic qualification.
Required printed language(s):
Title: Maple Street Puzzle Club
Award Name: Missing Piece Award
To: Nora Bennett
Message: For spotting the corner pieces, keeping the tea flowing and reminding us that every impossible puzzle makes sense eventually.
Date of presentation: 17 October 2026
Starring: Your Friday-Night Puzzle Crew
Production details: One diploma, preferably Portrait landscape. To be confirmed by 15th October. It will be displayed in an unframed frame.
Design preference: Forest green, warm cream and a touch of mustard yellow. Nora’s name must stay in the spotlight. Use a simple puzzle piece border with lots of white space .
Artwork: Original club badge supplied as an SVG file. Make sure it is suitable.
Creative freedom: The designer is free to choose fonts and to change the spacing. Do not alter the printed wording and send a proof for approval.
These details gives the designer a clear destination but leaves room for design judgment.
Certificate Brief Copy and Paste Template
Required wording – print exactly:
* Title of Diploma:
* Award name:
* Name of recipient:
* Key message:
* Date of presentation:
* Organisateur(s) :
Practical requirements:
* Intended use and purpose:
* Orientation and size preferred:
* Frame or mat details, if any:
* Date needed by, subject to confirmation:
Design Preferences (optional):
* Colors:
* Style (overall):
* Attached art:
* Don’t do things like:
* Designer may change details:
* Areas I would like advice on:
Remove unused fields or write “please advise” before sending. This is clearer than the designer wondering if something has been missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to choose the fonts myself?
No. Tell us the feeling you want, friendly, understated, playful. Discuss any readability issues and ask the designer to offer some suitable options.
What if I don’t have a logo?
A logo or seal is optional. If you are looking for a personal memento, a simple border, an original decorative motif or carefully arranged text may be sufficient. For a college diploma a seal is needed.
Can I send a screenshot or proof for inspiration?
Yes your proof will be replicated based on your instructions, our goal is to provide you with the best fake diploma. Any updates you require will be made, where possible, provide original artwork separately and use references as a guide.
Would you like me to send changes in separate messages?
Where possible, corrections should be gathered in a single numbered list and the proof version you have seen should be identified. This makes it easier to distinguish between final instructions and earlier suggestions.