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Lapel Pins

Where to Put a Lapel Pin: A Guide

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Where to put a lapel pin is a harder question than you might expect. Keep reading and learn the different ways to wear lapel pins.

You may have seen the recent unveiling of an impressive new lapel pin across the pond. This peacock-like lapel pin was designed by the Queen’s jeweler to celebrate her 70th year on the throne.

Lapel pins are often used to mark special occasions. Custom pins like the ones above can be sold or given out to commemorate an event. Many people collect lapel pins to wear to formal and semi-formal events, but they are also popular with artists and creatively minded people.

If lapel pins mark unfamiliar territory for you, you might wonder where to put a lapel pin. How do you know that you’re wearing your lapel pin the right way?

We’re here to help. Read on as we talk about traditional and not-so-traditional ways to wear your lapel pins.

First of All, What Is a Lapel?

If you have one on hand, pull out your suit jacket or blazer. Make sure that it has all of the proper folds and seams that it should so that we can help you to identify the lapel. (Spoiler alert: there are actually two.)

Look at the two pieces of outward-folding fabric on the front of the jacket or blazer. They should start above the buttons of the jacket and stop below the collar. Those are the lapels.

How Can You Identify a Lapel Pin?

What about lapel pins, themselves? What are they?

Where to Put a Lapel Pin
Papa Ron Tamale Biker Run 2018

There are several different types of pins that you can use as lapel pins. Broadly speaking, a lapel pin is any type of pin that you use to decorate your lapel. However, there are a few types that you’re most likely to see, and those include:

  • traditional suit lapel pins: these pins have a decorative metal or enamel front and a pin that goes directly through the lapel; they are secured with a butterfly clasp, rubber pin back, or magnetic pin back
  • boutonnieres: these pins are made from (typically) real flowers that still have their stem and are pinned to the lapel using a straight pin or safety pin
  • stick pins: these pins have a metal or enamel decoration located at the top of a thin metal stem (or stick); the stick goes through the front of the lapel and pokes out of the front of the lapel and can be secured with a small metal fastener
  • brooches: brooches are coming back in style in a big way and feature large decorative fronts with a hinged backing that goes through the lapel

As you can see, there is a lot of fun to be had with lapel pins. When you are ready to figure out the type of pin you want to make then you can begin learning about the type of lapel pin material and lapel pin style type you want to make for your lapel pin. Now, we’re going to tell you how to incorporate lapel pins into your repertoire.

Where to Put a Lapel Pin

Locating the lapels of your suit jacket or blazer won’t tell you quite where to put your lapel pin. See, there is a very specific way to do it, and you don’t want to place your lapel pin just anywhere on one of the lapels.

You will always wear lapel pins on the left lapel (your left when wearing the jacket, not when looking at the jacket). The lapel pin goes on the top portion of the lapel, about an inch below where the collar begins.

Where to Put a Lapel Pin

Nowadays, however, lapel pins aren’t just for formal wear. As we mentioned earlier, they’re becoming popular with artists and creative dressers who collect and even design unique and modern enamel lapel pins. You can use these pins to update an old jacket, add visual interest to a backpack, or accessorize your favorite shirt.

No matter the occasion or the outfit, there’s a lapel pin to match. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and add your favorite pins to anything from a suit jacket to a purse or bucket hat.

When to Wear Lapel Pins

When should you wear lapel pins? There are several appropriate occasions to sport a lapel pin, including casual and formal settings. Let’s look at a few examples of when a lapel pin is the right accessory of choice.

Formal Events

Special lapel pins like boutonnieres are often reserved for special occasions. For example, many people first wear a boutonniere when attending prom. In this case, the boutonniere often matches your date’s attire or corsage.

You can also wear lapel pins to galas, weddings, formal fundraisers, and more.

Work Events

It is not uncommon for work teams or company representatives to wear lapel pins to work events. This can include anything from internal events like team-building days to marketing events like tradeshows.

In these settings, lapel pins are often provided by the company in order to identify the company you work for or an outstanding achievement. Corporate lapel pins are a great way to boost brand recognition, build internal brand identity, and show employees recognition for a job well done.

Casual Settings

Lapel pins also make an appropriate accessory in casual settings like informal events or outings. You can even incorporate them into your daily wear by using them to add flair to otherwise boring staples like backpacks.

Where to Put a Lapel Pin
Where to Put a Lapel Pin

Artistic lapel pins are perfect for any casual setting because they express something about the wearer and make a great conversation starter. You can even try your hand at designing your own.

What Will You Do With Your Lapel Pin?

Now that you know where to put a lapel pin, it’s time to start thinking outside of the box. What creative ways will you use lapel pins to accessorize or express yourself? What types of custom lapel pins will you design for your next big event?

As always, Metal Promo is the number one custom pin and coin maker that you can rely on from the comfort of home. Let us know what kind of projects you have in mind and we’ll offer you a free quote. We guarantee the best lapel pins and more.

Custom Lapel Pins: The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Pin

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Custom Lapel Pins: The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Pin

Are you interested in creating a lapel pin? Click here for the ultimate guide to designing a pin that you’re guaranteed to love.

Pins have always been a way to signify brand and interests. However, they are getting even more popular now, to the point where thousands are attending pin shows in New York City. So, is it possible for a regular person to design and create their own pin?

While it might seem complicated, designing a pin is actually very easy. You simply need to know the steps in the process. Let’s take a look at these steps so you can get started right away!

Why Should You Create a Pin?

Creating a lapel pin can be helpful in many ways. This gives them appeal in many different ways.

A custom pin can be a great way to brand a company. This can allow the company to show off its logo or an aspect of its industry. The same can be said about professional groups, which can always benefit by having a more visible brand.

guide to designing a pin
Custom Lapel Pin – Guide to Designing a Pin

A social group can also get a lot of use from pins. A customized pin can contain the group’s logo or can simply celebrate the group’s interest. Either way, when each member has one of the pins, they’ll feel closer to the group as a whole.

Event pins are another option. They give event attendees a physical keepsake that will remind them of the event.

Artists can find another avenue of expression through pins. Creating and selling pins with designs based on their artwork can be a new revenue stream.

Choose the Material

Pins are not one-size-fits-all and are made from different materials. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most common.

Enamel pins are notable for being colorful. Pins of this style can be used for a range of purposes, from bright and lighthearted artwork to accurate representations of logos. If the pin you are designing heavily relies on color, enamel may be the way to go.

If you decide on enamel for your pins, you will need to decide whether to go with hard or soft enamel. Hard enamel is sturdier and has a more uniform finish, but soft enamel has texture to it and allows color to pop better. Neither is necessarily better than the other, as they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you like colorful pins but don’t like the look of enamel ones, offset printed pins are another option. Offset printed pins often have the look of a small picture coated with a clear cover. In this way, they are able to achieve a little more detail than enamel pins would.

Because of this, they are a great option when you want a colorful pin filled with detail. This detail can be replicated perfectly on these types of pins. You need to make sure the pin is big enough to fit everything you need.

guide to designing a pin
Guide to Designing a Lapel Pin

Die-struck pins are another option. Unlike enamel pins, which can contain lots of colors, die-struck pins are usually just the color of the metal they are made with. In this way, they can be a statement on their own, as a police shield or a club shield can look fantastic as pure metal.

With die-struck pins, you do have a choice of the type of metal to use.

Creating a Design

After deciding what material you want to use, the next step in creating unique pins is to decide on the design. The pin’s design should reflect its purpose. This will vary depending on what the purpose is and who the target audience is.

In many cases, the pin’s design may already be done. If you want a business logo, a social group’s insignia, or a specific image then your design already exists. You simply need to obtain a digital file of the design.

If you are creating a fresh, new design, then you may have a little more work. You need to draw up an example of the type of design that you want. For artists turning their artwork into a pin, this shouldn’t be a problem.

In cases where you are creating a pin design from scratch, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. Make sure the pin you are designing looks good while also representing what you want it to. This is especially true in the case of colorful pins; you may even want to learn a little about color theory to see what looks good together.

Once you have your design done, you can start the ordering process.

Order Your Pin

With the other steps complete, actually ordering a pin is very easy. It simply requires a little more research.

Start looking up companies that create custom pins and find a few that you like. Look over their examples and compare them to examples on other sites. Narrow this field to the company or companies you like best.

At this point, you can contact them to request a quote for your pin. Most websites have a form that you can fill out in order to indicate exactly what you are looking for. Most also include a way for you to upload a picture of your design.

The company will then get back to you regarding the cost and how the rest of the process will go. If you like their terms, you can submit your order.

Once your order is fully submitted, you are done! All you really have left to do is wait for your new pins to arrive.

Designing a Pin for You

As you can now see, the process of designing your own pin is straightforward and relatively simple. You need to determine your need, pick your material, create your design, and place your order. Once you do this, you will have your own custom pins on the way in no time.

If you want to start designing a pin now, ask for a quote from Metal Promo.com!

Enamel Pins 101: What Are They and How to Make Them

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Enamel pins offer a variety of options when it comes to design and manufacturing. Like many other pin types, they can be made into a wide array of shapes, sizes, finishes, and designs. They are also popular among trading pins since they are relatively easy to make and can yield premium results in the hands of good manufacturers and designers. If you are interested in getting your own enamel pins, there is a lot you should know before making your final decision. Here is everything that you need to know about enamel pins and how they are made.

What Are Enamel Pins?

Enamel pins are a specific type of lapel pin that utilizes enamel to create colors and images in a manner that is different from other lapel pin manufacturing techniques. This is done by applying a layer of enamel over another layer of metal to create contrasting colors that display a level of depth. Enamel pins were originally created for jewelry and decorative pins. They were later adopted for lapel pins and badges and are now used in different types of products and industries. Enamel lapel pins can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are usually made with two layers with the top layer being translucent enamel and the bottom layer being metal.

Enamel Pins have a variety of uses and designs.

How Are Enamel Pins Made?

Enamel pins share manufacturing processes with many other types of pins. The key difference is in the coloring process where the enamel is added. Every manufacturer can use a slightly different process as well to achieve a different quality result. However, the overall process is consistent among manufacturers and the differences come down to the quality of each step as well as the materials used. Here is a more detailed look at the manufacturing process that we use to make enamel pins.

Completing the Design

Before any manufacturing can begin, the design team works with the client to finalize the design. They not only verify that the design is possible, but they also help with artwork and setting up the systems needed to make the pins. Once the final proof is finished, it becomes the template to make the dye that is used to make all of the pins of a specific design.

Dye Making and Stamping

The first step in the manufacturing process is to create a dye, which is a stamp made from a hard metal. This dye is placed in a high-powered press and used to stamp designs into other, slightly weaker pieces of metal.

The design, however, is not exactly the same as the design. Rather, it is the reverse (or negative) of the design. The dye is used to push in all of the areas where the enamel paint is added later. So, a design that consists of outlines will be reversed to create a dye that has no raised outlines. Instead, the outlines will be indented in the dye so that they are unaffected during the stamping process.

Once completed, the same dye is used repeatedly to make all of the pins of a particular design. Most dyes can last for hundreds, if not thousands of uses. However, the pins that are stamped as well as the dye are checked to make sure that they are accurate, consistent, and undamaged as a part of the quality control process. 

The dye is used to stamp the design into either metal sheets or metal disks, depending on the design. Larger designs are often stamped onto sheets and then cut from that sheet while medium and smaller designs are stamped directly on metal discs called blanks. The blanks are removed, deburred (any sharp edges or burrs are removed), and inspected for quality before moving on.

Color Filling

The color filling process is where the type of enamel pin is decided. It can either be a hard enamel pin or a soft enamel pin. Both are made using a similar process with a slightly different process. 

Both are filled with enamel paint according to the design. Enamel paint comes in a wide variety of color options, and custom colors can be created as well. Making the pins with a dye method makes it much easier to create fine details that the enamel paint can fill. 

Soft enamel pins are filled to about 99% depth so that any outlines in the design are raised about the paint’s surface. Hard enamel pins are filled to 100% depth. Both are then heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to cure, making the paint hard and durable.

Hard enamel pins are polished so that they are flush with the metal surfaces outlined on the coin. This also gives it a harder feel and glossy finish, leading to more vibrant colors and a higher-quality finish. If you want an enamel pin but you want to upgrade it a bit, try switching from soft enamel to hard enamel. 

Quality Inspection

At the end of the manufacturing process, all pins are checked for quality issues. Each pin is picked up and inspected for flaws, sharp edges, or other potential problems. If everything checks out, they are individually packaged and prepared for shipping. 

Enamel Pin Design Options

One of the reasons why enamel pins are widely popular is because there are relatively few limits on your designs. As enamel pins are made with a metal base, they are available in a wide variety of finishes that can make your pin stand out. Here are a few basic options to think about during the design process. 

Size

Enamel pins can be made to nearly any size. The final size of the design is limited by the size of the dye and the matching blanks. Most pins are between one and three inches in size, although other options are possible. Changing the size of a pin design is an easy way to make it stand out from other options. 

Shape

Since enamel pins are made of metals, they can be cut into nearly any shape. As long as your bins are not made small enough or thin enough to be flexible, the design is possible. With a creative design, you can use the overall shape of the pin as an important feature to differentiate it from others. 

This also includes cutouts, or removed sections within the design of your pin. As long as the pin is designed to be structurally sound, parts can be cut out to give it a more dimensional presentation. 

Metal Plating and Coatings

While the pins are stamped from aluminum blanks, they can be metal plated or coated to look like just about any other type of metal. Nickel, brass, and gold are common plating options, while spray black is a common coating option. Each coating or plating option has a unique set of features that you can use to enhance your pins overall design. 

Paint Colors

Enamel paint comes in a wide variety of color options. This gives you the ability to use color to your advantage. Most other pin options have limit color options, giving you a very small palette to make your designs work. Enamel pins have a lot of options to choose from, giving you numerous ways to make your pins unique. Many customers often order several designs with different color schemes so that they have more variation in their options. 

Pros of Enamel Pins

Enamel pins are one of the most popular pin options because of their advantages over other styles. Here are a few of the reasons why enamel pins are popular. 

Customizability

They can be designed with a wide array of colors, patterns, and designs and can be made into almost any shape. They can be made in both simple and complex designs and in small and large quantities. 

Durability

Enamel pins are durable and can be made with materials that are resistant to corrosion, scratching, and bending. They can be made in a wide variety of metals and can be plated with other materials to increase their durability. 

Affordability

Enamel pins are relatively affordable and can be made in small batches or large quantities. They are also easy to design and can be made with a variety of different materials.

Upgrade With Hard Enamel Pins

The enamel can be applied in different thicknesses to create different effects. Thin enamel will create a subtle effect while thick enamel will be more noticeable. 

Get Your Enamel Pins From an Industry Leader

The company that you choose to make your pins plays an important part in their quality. For the best quality pins, work with an industry leader that has years of experience making pins for sports teams, individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Call us at 877-312-9794 to start your next pin order today. 

How to Raise Awareness with Lapel Pins: A Guide

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How to Raise Awareness with Lapel Pins

Are you looking to raise awareness for a cause you are passionate about? Read this guide for everything you need to know!

Did you know that what you wear affects how you’re treated? We are hardwired to remember certain things about what others wear. We even treat people differently based on what they wear.

Rather than showing off random brand names, what if you could raise awareness for your own brand or a special cause? If there is something you believe in or a cause that you want to support, then you should consider getting lapel pins. Whether it’s breast cancer awareness or social media awareness of your own brand, you can use custom lapel pins to raise awareness.

No matter what cause you want to support, you can use custom lapel pins. Keep on reading for the ultimate guide on how to raise awareness with lapel pins.

Raise awareness with lapel pins
Raise Awareness with Lapel Pins

Why Lapel Pins for Raising Awareness?

Raising awareness through fashion isn’t an innovative idea. The pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness is an iconic image. Anyone who sees the pink ribbon knows what it’s about. It’s become a powerful symbol on its own.

That’s not the only symbol that has become as familiar as the Nike swoosh. The rainbow flag is a beautiful symbol of LGBTQ social awareness. The color purple is associated with domestic violence awareness.

We know that it works. Rather than having a brochure that is torn up and forgotten, your cause can stay front and center. It will be the first thing people will see, and it will raise awareness on an ongoing basis.

Lapel pins are unique in their applications. You can add a lapel pin to a blazer or dress when heading to work. Simply put it on and forget about it.

When people see it, they’ll ask questions that will continue to raise awareness. It’s also a way for people to get to know who you are.

You can pin it on your purse or laptop bag, and it’ll always stay with you. You can also pin it onto a jean jacket or your shoes to add to a unique style. You can support something worthy by simply being yourself.

How to Use Lapel Pins Raise Awareness

Now you know the different ways a lapel pin can raise awareness, but how can you incorporate it into your fundraising strategy? Well, custom lapel pins are really unique and easy to use. They can be the perfect addition to your strategy to raise awareness for your cause.

Raise awareness with lapel pins
Raise Awareness with Lapel Pins

Gift for Employees

The best way to showcase your pin is by ensuring that your staff and employees are wearing them for every event. A beautifully designed lapel pin is actually worth every penny. You should be proud to wear that symbol.

When your employees wear it every day, it also becomes a symbol of your cause or organization. You want those colors and designs to remind people of your cause, so it continues to raise awareness.

For a Particular Event

Another way to raise awareness is to hand out lapel pins for a particular event. Ask people to wear the lapel pin rather than put it in their bag and forget it. Make them feel part of the community.

If people associate good memories with the lapel pin, they’ll wear it again. They’ll wear it often and in this way, you’ll be raising awareness. The most important part is to keep people interested in wearing the pin.

If they see your employees wear them, then they’ll be more inclined to wear them as they’ll feel part of the bigger whole. The more customized and unique it is, the better it is to raise awareness.

Thank You Gifts

If you have an event, it makes for a perfect thank you gift. You can add it to the swag bag at the end of a fundraising event. If it was a good event, then people will be excited to wear the pin.

They will be inspired to show support for the cause while wearing the pin. You can include a thank you letter and explain how thankful you are to them for wearing the pin and raising awareness.

Direct Mail Packaging

You can also include the custom lapel pin as part of your direct mail packaging. For those who donated last year, you can include it as a thank you gift. Give them ideas on how they can wear the lapel, whether it’s pinned to their sneakers or their blazer.

A custom lapel pin is small and easy to include in your direct mail packaging without impacting the cost of delivery. It can help you stand out from other companies.

Walk, Race, or Other Competition Registration

A good way to raise awareness is having a competition. Whether it’s a 5K walk or race, or an obstacle course, it’s something that people have trained for. They want to show others their achievement.

A lapel pin that shows that they are participating in this event can encourage people to wear it. If you have many events, they can collect the different custom lapel pins for the different events. For each 5K they run, they have a lapel pin to commemorate the moment.

Medals are nice, but people can’t wear them outside without feeling a little awkward. However, a lapel pin that provides proof that someone completed a 5K or a 10K is an easy way to show off one’s accomplishment.

Get Your Free Quote Today

Now you know exactly how something so simple as a lapel pin can help to raise awareness for your cause. You can stand proud that you are supporting something important and not simply a brand name. You can design something beautiful and have that artwork displayed in your everyday attire.

If you have designed your pins for a cause, contact us for your free quote. Custom lapel pins are a great choice for promoting your brand, recognizing employees, or raising awareness of a cause for a fundraiser. Just send us your sketch, and our talented team of artists will design the perfect pin for you.

Where Can You Find High-Quality Lapel Pins? A Closer Look

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Where Can You Find High-Quality Lapel Pins? A Closer Look

Finding high-quality lapel pins can be hard if you don’t know what to look for. Keep reading and learn where to look here.

Although the process of applying enamel inlay to metal artwork goes back thousands of years, it may surprise you to know that the history of the lapel pin isn’t that recent either. The earliest examples of work that could be considered quality lapel pins come from somewhere between the 13th and 14th centuries, in China.

Things haven’t changed a lot throughout the centuries, either. Many lapel pins still come from China.

But if you want to find the best lapel pins, it’s a good idea to know what to look for, and where to look. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Quality Lapel Pins Custom
Ben Kwok Custom Art Pins

Choose Your Supplier Wisely

There are a lot of enamel pin suppliers out there.. It means you have many options when it comes to ordering your pins, whether it’s for your business, your club, organization, or even personal collecting.

But it also means that it can be challenging to know whether a given supplier is the real deal or not. In order to find a reputable supplier, check out their customer reviews to review real customer experiences. Another smart idea would be to check out previous work in their image gallery or on their social media channels.

Know Your Supplier’s Policies

Before you submit your order, you should also know all of the policies your supplier has for the process. If you’re purchasing custom lapel pins, you should know ahead of time how many revisions to the design you’re entitled to, and also what return policies exist.

Many companies won’t accept returns on custom orders, so make sure you understand all of the policies and how to make sure you’re satisfied with your purchase.

Hard Enamel or Soft Enamel

One key question to ask yourself when you consider your lapel pin purchase is whether you want hard enamel or soft enamel pins. Some suppliers specialize in one method over the other, and some suppliers offer both. The criteria for a high-quality soft enamel pin are different from what you should look for in a hard enamel lapel pin, as well.

Soft enamel products tend to have more texture, because of the way that the enamel is applied and cured. The colored enamel fills in the recesses on the pin so that the colors don’t mingle, and the result is that the edges of the design stand out more clearly.

You can feel the outlines and recesses on the design, which is one reason that people prefer soft enamel for certain pins.

Hard enamel receives a gentle grinding over the surface, which results in a smooth finish with no ridges from the outlines of the recesses. For certain materials, like silver and gold, hard enamel is the best choice.

Die-Struck and Die-Cast

Other lapel pin options include die-struck pins and die-cast, both of which can be enamel products. Die-struck pins are made by using a machine to put a huge amount of pressure on a piece of metal, molding it without heating it very much. The pressure forces the metal into the correct shape for the design, and from there the piece can receive the enamel finish.

Die-casting involves melting down the metal and pouring it into a mold, letting it cool before applying enamel or other decorative touches.

For die-struck pieces, look for a crisp, clear definition of the design, and for higher density. Die-cast lapel pins should be clear of blisters, cracks, and flow marks.

Custom Quality Lapel Pins

Keep Budget in Mind

Budget is always an important factor in any purchase, but it’s important to keep mindful of the many upgrade options available when it comes to quality lapel pins. You should have an idea of the range of prices for the type of quality lapel pin you are wanting to make for your pin order.

Upgrade options can really enhance your custom lapel pin. Upgrade options range from plating option, glitter enamel, glow in the dark, and even show stopping blinkers! Just keep in mind that the more upgrades you add to your custom quality lapel pin, the more the price will increase. Another note worth mentioning about pins is that you can actually save money by ordering more lapel pins! Buying 100 pins may estimate at about $3.00+ per pin but if you buy 300 that price drops to $1.95 per pin!

Keep your budget in mind, but understand that quality and durability is more important than the lowest price.

Put a Premium on Shipping

Once you’ve ordered your lapel pins, you will want to receive them as quickly as possible. So before you pull the trigger, make sure you understand what the shipping options are, and how they’ll work for you.

Most quality lapel pin suppliers can offer competitive shipping rates since they do a high volume of shipping and get a discount. Depending on what you want your lapel pins for, choose the shipping type that keeps your purchase secure, while still getting it to you quickly. We, at MetalPromo, offer priority shipping FREE of charge!

Get The Most out of Your Lapel Pin Purchase

By knowing what to look for and where to look for quality lapel pins, you can get the most out of your purchase and know that you’ll enjoy your pin for years to come. Lapel pins are a great marketing tool, as well as a handy and creative way to celebrate your organization, a major victory, or any number of other causes.

Check out what you can do with custom lapel pins and more!

7 Common Lapel Pin Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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7 Common Lapel Pin Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Having the right design for your custom pins requires knowing what not to do. Here are common lapel pin design mistakes and how to avoid them.

Lapel pins have been in existence since the 13th century when they were first seen in use by the Byzantine Empire. For centuries, we associated lapel pins with military organizations.

Now, all sorts of organizations are creating custom lapel pins. Lapel pins can be as bright or subtle as you want them to be. They can be used for everything from fundraising to marketing to boosting organization pride!

The question is, can you go wrong with your lapel pin design? There are some lapel pin design mistakes that you’re going to want to avoid–and we’re here to help.

Read on for seven lapel pin mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Going Custom

If you’re looking for lapel pins to use as a fundraising item or to promote your branding, it may seem tempting to go with a pre-designed lapel pin that you’ve found online. However, this isn’t the best choice if you want your organization to stand out.

Coming up with your own design (or collaborating with one of our artists) gives you the opportunity to truly represent your organization. By creating something unique, you create something memorable. Plus, a pre-designed lapel pin won’t capture the essence of your branding nearly as well as one that incorporates your branding into the design.

2. Overcomplicating Your Design

Once you’ve made the choice to custom design your lapel pin, it’s time to start thinking about aesthetics. What should it look like? One thing you want to avoid is overcomplicating your design.

Overcomplicated designs tend to have too many small images or too much text. Remember, lapel pins are usually about one to three inches wide or tall. You want the design to translate well to this small size and maintain legibility and clarity.

If you have to reduce the amount of imagery or text on your design, don’t worry. We recommend sticking to your organization name, the relevant year, and possibly a slogan if it’s only a few words long. Your design may not be as detailed as you originally wanted, but we guarantee that it will still represent your organization well.

3. Not Thinking About the Message Your Color Scheme Sends

Did you know that there’s a psychology to color? When you’re putting together a simple design, it can be helpful to think about color psychology and how your color scheme can send a message.

Color psychology can get a little complicated. A quick, good rule of thumb is to remember that warm colors (like red and yellow) tend to evoke feelings of excitement and happiness while cool colors (like blue and purple) tend to evoke feelings of calmness and professionalism.

4. Using Too Many Colors

Just like you don’t want to crowd your design with too many images or too much text, you don’t want to overwhelm your design with too many colors. Whether you’re going with a printed or enamel-filled lapel pin, you may want to limit your design to four colors or less.

When you’re creating a design out of metal, it’s best to use single tones. In other words, shading may look great when you design your pin on the computer or on paper, but it won’t translate well to the pin, itself. Instead, you’ll want to choose single tones and pick colors with high contrast so that your lapel pin pops.

5. Not Thinking About Sizing

Lapel pins come in a variety of sizes, and sizing truly does matter. Choosing the wrong size for your lapel pin can mean that fewer people will actually wear them–or be able to see your design.

Typically, the more complicated your design is, the bigger you’re going to want your lapel pin to be. That being said, size is a big part of pricing. If you’re making your lapel pins on a budget, it may be best to opt for a smaller size with a simple, pared-back design.

6. Not Thinking About Purpose

As we mentioned earlier, lapel pins can be used for a number of reasons and on a number of occasions. Just like any other swag or marketing material, you should think about the purpose of your lapel pin as you put together the design.

For example, if you’re marketing with lapel pins, you’ll want the design to reflect your overall company. Create brand recognition by including your logo and company name on your marketing lapel pins.

However, you may be using your lapel pins to commemorate a specific occasion. If that’s the case, you may want to include the year and the name of the occasion or event in question.

At the end of the day, purpose does dictate design. It’s often best to start out by brainstorming the purpose of your lapel pins before you start designing them.

7. Choosing the Wrong Lapel Pin Company

A good design can easily be ruined by the wrong lapel pin company. Custom metal products are growing in popularity, which means that more and more lapel pin companies are cropping up–and not all of them will suit your needs.

We offer a variety of sizes, materials, and attachments to ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for. We also work with you to create the perfect design and offer free revisions to make the process more affordable. At MetalPromo, our goal is to make your vision come to life.

Avoid These Lapel Pin Design Mistakes and Create a Timeless Momento

Lapel pins are a great way to celebrate or commemorate your organization. By avoiding these lapel pin design mistakes, you can create a timeless memento that everyone will proudly wear!

If you’re interested in our custom lapel pins here at Metal Promo, get started with us by requesting a free quote. We’re transparent about our pricing so that you can make an informed decision.

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