Design Tips

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What looks best? I've only got an inch!

Whether you've got a working logo, or just a rough idea floating around in your mind, there are some simple steps to creating a good pin design. You can also take a stroll through the samples of our work, and make note of any color schemes or shapes that really catch your eye.

Downsizing
Since most pins are usually around an inch in size, a simple design makes the most attractive pin. Complicated designs will get lost, or look crowded. Here are some ways to simplify your design:

  • Delete items that will be too small to see
  • Stick with basic, easy-to-read fonts
  • Reduce complex items to simple outlines
Pin sizes are determined by measuring the largest dimension. So if a pin measures 1" wide by 1/2" high, you've got a 1" pin. Prices are higher for a larger pin, and designs can be more creative. But bear in mind that a 2" hunk of metal can be quite a heavy piece of equipment when pinned to your jacket.

Stained-Glass Technique
Most pin processes involve colored areas separated by fine metal borders. The technique is similar to that of a stained-glass window, in that each color is completely surrounded by metal so that it doesn't touch the other colors. Keep this in mind while designing your pin. For instance, colored letters will all be bordered with metal, so the actual colored area must be larger to be visible. If larger letters are not feasible, solid metal letters can be a better way to go.

Custom Artwork
We provide custom artwork at no extra charge. All you've got is a sketch on a cocktail napkin? No problem! Our designers will take that sketch and come up with a pin you can be proud of. We create a design just for you, and post it to a more private area of our website. You can view the design from the comfort of your computer, and let us know how to tweak it until you're completely satisfied. Then it's off to the factory to create your designer original.

If you already have your own artwork, you're one step closer to the finished product. And if you're one of those people who likes to dabble in computer art, download our lapel and see how your pin will look on a blue suit. It's fun, and gives you an idea of what your finished masterpiece will look like!