To design a great pin, you need to know something
So are you considering designing and selling custom pins? That's great! Pins can be a very hot item in your online store.
But while working with a great factory can help you solve most of your manufacturing problems... You still have to have a clear understanding of the type of pin you will be selling and the design that will help you sell it.
(Simply put, boring or ugly pins are really hard to sell!)
If you're a designer who already sells your art on stickers, prints, or other products, chances are you already have some design ideas in your head that you want to bring to life with bold textures. You just need to know a few pin specific design tips to help you create successful pins.
If you're not a designer... Well, good news! You don't have to be a great artist to design great pins. Just like we can provide free professional design services for each order and make many modifications according to your needs.
As long as you have some kind of vision for your pins, you can always come and create beautiful, marketable pins.
Design issues to consider
Before you start designing a pin, you have to figure out a few details about the purpose and strategy for selling the pin. Answer the following questions before you start doodling:
What are you going to do with your pin?
If you plan to use custom designed pins to personalize the items you want to sell, be clear about what you want. What color clothes or accessories will you wear with these pins? Do you want a retro aesthetic or a more futuristic vibe? Do you need to fit smaller sizes, or will you be adding pins to a structured denim jacket? Knowing how your pins fit into the rest of the look can affect the design.
What will your customers do with your pins?
If you plan to sell custom designed pins individually, you must think more carefully. You can't get into the minds of your customers, and some of them will inevitably do their own thing... But having a clear understanding of how your target customer is likely to use your pin is crucial. Are they going to decorate a gray duffel bag? Adding quirky elbow pins to a favorite sweater? Add 10 pins to a cool leather jacket? Iron them onto lightweight T-shirts? Although you want to use your creativity to a certain extent when designing the pin, this can (and should) influence your final design.
How big is your pin?
Pins are not like stickers. Depending on the size and type of pin you create, some details or text may be less readable. Decide how big your pins will be from the start and keep the size of your design prototype.
How will your patch match up with other products you sell?
If you already have an online store, consider how your new custom pins will match up with the other products you sell. What type of pins would your existing customers be interested in? Do these custom pins fit the brand you've been creating for your store, or do they look like they belong to a completely different store?4 elements of good pin design
Now that you've started thinking about how your pin design fits into your overall business and sales strategy, it's time to learn some pin specific design tips to help you create attractive pins. Here are the four key elements of good pin design:
Color scheme
Pins are meant to stand out! If it suits your brand, choose a bold, contrasting color. Black and white are always popular with the masses and are one of the most popular pin color combinations. But why not try red and blue, black and yellow, white and electric blue?
Simple composition
Remember, the pin is small. This makes any detail smaller. While ultra-detailed, cumbersome designs may work well on large prints or graphic tees, they usually don't work well with pins. Less is more - don't let things get too confusing.
Clear writing
If your design includes text, make sure they are large enough and clear enough to be truly legible. Include as few words as possible to convey your message.
The right pin type
Generally the most commonly offered are 2 different types of pins in hard enamel and soft enamel - although they are both high quality, some are suitable for different types of designs. For example, if your design relies on very thin lines and small text, soft enamel pins may not achieve the clarity you want. But if you're creating a high-contrast design with texture, soft enamel pins can make your gorgeous designs pop even more. Interested in learning more or just creating a pin? This is where the creative process begins.
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