Many pin companies will let you send them whatever design you have in mind and turn it into something manufacturable. This will save time and energy on both sides and ensure the final product lives up to your vision.

A customized lapel pin is a great way to promote your business, honor those who serve, and commemorate special events. Getting the design right is key to creating a successful pin.

Colors

Color is one of the most important factors when designing a custom pin. You will want to choose vibrant colors that will catch the eye of your target audience. These colors will help you connect visually with your customers and potential future clients.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of your pin. The longest dimension, width, or height typically size lapel pins. You will want to verify that your pin graphic displays the correct size, as this will impact price and manufacturing.

If you have text on your custom pin, selecting a font style that is easy to read is important. The font should also be in a high-contrast color to make it easier for people to see. You can design your pin with a custom logo or an existing font. If you use an existing font, send it along with the design to speed up production. 

Shapes

A well-designed pin is crucial; you can add a lot to your designs with upgrades like 3D artwork or gemstones. Choosing your shape is another important part of the process. Choose one unique that will make your brand stand out from the competition.

You’ll also want to decide how big or small your pin will be. Smaller pins, such as 7/8 or 1 1/2 inch sizes, only allow for a little detail and are best used for logos, icons, or simple text. If there is text, choose a block-style font that is easy to read.

If you need to determine how your design will do on the marketplace, consider ordering a small run first and then scaling up if it sells well. Once your pin is produced, you can use it to promote your business, commemorate service members, or show support for your cause. You can also use them to connect with customers more personally by including them in care packages you send to prospective clients or as a giveaway at your next tradeshow event.

Text

Whether for spreading awareness, showing off that team spirit, or commemorating an event, custom pins are an excellent way to show your business’ brand. Creating the perfect pin design can be tricky, so keeping some key things in mind is important.

For starters, deciding if your pin will have text is important. To add personality and character, many pins feature iconic phrases, song lyrics, or motivational quotes. However, it is important to remember that pins are small and that text can be difficult to read. Therefore, it is best to use minimal text only when necessary.

Another tip is always to double-check your art proofs. Sometimes customers get so focused on the pin graphic that they must remember to verify what the final product will look like. When this happens, it can be frustrating for the customer because they may not have ordered what they wanted. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to print out the pin size on paper and hold it up at arm’s length to ensure that it will be readable.

Materials

Choosing the right materials will help your pin design stand out and feel durable. Hard enamel pins are ideal for award and recognition events because of their jewelry-quality finish and durability, but die-struck and soft enamel pins are good options. Alternatively, spinners can add a unique flair to your pins and allow them to rotate independently from the rest of the design.

When it comes to text, make sure the font style you select is easily readable at the size your pin will be. Big, bold fonts will catch attention, while sleek conventional styles relay ideas and tone. Also, double-check spelling and grammar if your pin contains any text.

Once you’ve finalized your design, ask the manufacturer if they will send you digital proof of the pin before production. This will allow you to see your pins’ appearance before committing to the order. Also, find out if the manufacturer will include a free sample pin in your package and what they will do if you have any concerns or want to change something.

Size

Lapel pins come in nearly every shape imaginable, from small and subtle to large and bold. They can be a small accent to your outfit or be used to commemorate your favorite movie or TV show, sports team, political movement, musical group, or anything else you love.

When designing your pin, be sure to keep the size in mind. You want the design to be easy to read, so choose block-style fonts rather than a script, which tends to get lost on a smaller surface.

Once you’ve designed your pin, it’s time to submit it for production! You can sketch on paper, doodle, write a detailed description, or even send a photo of your vision. The expert designers will take whatever you give them and bring your pin to life.