Can I make my own press pass? Can I make my own press badge? We actually get these questions quite a bit from either prospective members or others that are simply curious about being able to cover an event they may be interested in.
It's really not a difficult question to answer or to understand.
While you may have the chops to create a really good looking press badge of sorts, the question is "what good will it really do"? Your press ID, press badge, press pass itself is not really what is going to get you considered for things like being able to photograph a concert or event. The question those decision makers are primarily concerned with is, "what website or publication are you part of" and "what are the number of daily/monthly listeners, viewers or readers"? If you have some slick looking press badge that you've created but no outlet or an outlet with 400 monthly visitors, chances are you're not going to be considered or receive a media pass for that particular venue or event, as they are looking for a larger audience. Of course, if it is a relatively small or local gathering, there could be other considerations.
When it comes to the type of press pass that will be given to you if you are accepted, that would be a design that is unique to either the venue, event or management. And the answer to whether or not you can make one of those is "NO". That is forgery and it is illegal. It would be blatant misrepresentation and unauthorized use of any trademarked or copyrighted names, art, symbols or material. Keep in mind too, that there is also a significant difference between the credentials that are issued to photographers, writers, bloggers and other types of "all access" passes (backstage passes) etc. Attempting to forge one of those could land you in some serious trouble as well.
So to sum it up, sure you can create your own badge of sorts but you do not want to misrepresent yourself, anyone or anything else.
If you have a (website, internet radio station, publication), use that name on your homemade badge.
Under no circumstances should you use the name, logo, symbol, artwork or anything else that does not belong to you.
When it comes to the primary consideration of most decision makers "the number of visitors, listeners or viewers you have", see how the US Press Association can help you satisfy most requirements.
The US Press Association can also customize business ID’s, press passes, press badges, event credentials, venue credentials, backstage passes, VIP passes for your business or event. Let us put two decades of experience making, issuing and tracking credentials to work for you.
