How to design a lapel pin

Designing a lapel pin for your own needs and uses can be a very exciting project. Many people have a general idea of ​​what they want their lapel pin for (fundraising, social gathering, business meeting, conference, or trade show) but they are not exactly sure what they want the lapel pin to look like or how to get started. design one for that matter.

If you don't have the time or creative freedom to design your own lapel pin, don't worry; Many custom pin manufacturers will actually design your pin for you (most of the time for free with an order). If you are like me and you like to have control over things, you prefer to design, or at least start designing, your lapel pins.

Ok, let's get started, okay?

Assuming you already have a purpose for a lapel pin, we'll start by identifying key points in the design of your lapel pin. Let's start by determining the colors you will use. For a company / corporate lapel pin or logo, most of the time you will want to stick to your company color scheme. If you can, be sure to find the matching Pantone colors so that you can supply them to the design firm. You will also want to choose your metal cladding at this stage. Some options include 14K gold, silver, or brass based on your personal preference.

After selecting your colors, start outlining a sketch of your pin layout composition. Will the lapel pin be a circle or a square perhaps? Maybe you want your lapel pin to be in the shape of your logo without a solid background, that's entirely possible!

Find out if you want to include other elements besides your corporate logo. Perhaps a slogan or legend and something that means the direction or objectives of your company. A visual symbol that tells people what it's about, or something that communicates a theme for an event or fair. For example, suppose your company is holding a conference in Las Vegas, it may be an idea to display the well-known "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign on your pin design. Perhaps an image of a hand full of cards or a slot machine. Something that communicates your ideal or goals. Remember, lapel pins are a very powerful communication device, and although they are small, they can express your business ideals to people who walk by and see the pin on your tie, shirt collar, or custom lapel pins.

Creative ideas to communicate the message of your company
Sometimes a simple logo pin will suffice, but what if you want to get a message across without including a bunch of little words on your pins that nobody will be able to read?

Time to get creative!

Let's say your company builds boats. It has a logo and knows the colors of your company. You know you want to include your logo (maybe the logo has a picture of a ship, maybe it does). This is the perfect way to display your company's image. Your lapel pin would ideally consist of your corporate logo, along with an image of an attractive ship that your company sells or manufactures. Possibly in the water, with the sunset or rising in the background, perhaps some cat tails or other aquatic vegetation on the edges of the design to show some details. How about adding some seagulls flying on the horizon? Think pale blue skies and deep blue water with wavy details etched in 14K gold. Do you see where I'm going with this? Open your mind's eye and let your creative imagination work.