Have you ever seen a small pin on someone’s shirt, bag, or jacket? Some have animal, cartoon, or logo shapes. These little cute things are lapel pins. Most of them are flat, but some resemble 3D. They look like they are sticking out, but they are 3D lapel pins.
Creating a 3D pin is similar to creating a small piece of art. But it’s not all about drawing. You also need to consider size, shape, layers, and glaze. It might be small, but a lot of intelligent thinking goes into making it just right.
Most designers attempt to design awesome pins. But not all designers are aware of the special tips that actually make 3D pins stand out. In this blog, we will be discussing those secret tips with you.
You will get to know how to prepare your artwork, select the correct shapes, and present your design in a realistic yet fun way. These tips are simple to understand, even if you’re just starting with pin designing.
And so, if you’re eager to design lapel pins that amaze people, you’ve come to the right place.
3D Lapel Pin Artwork Secrets That Every Designer Must Know
It is fun and cool to design 3D lapel pin badges. But it’s also kind of like figuring out a little puzzle. You need to consider the shape, colors, and how it will look when it’s turned into metal. A 3D pin is unlike a flat pin because it has depth. It pops out and appears more real.
Let’s have a look at some easy secrets to help you make great 3D lapel pins
1. Begin with a Good Concept
Take a moment to consider what you want your pin to be. Is it an animal? A logo? A silly face? A really cool shape?
Put your idea on paper or write it down. Keep it simple. Small details will not work well on a small pin. A bold, clean design is best.
- Tip: Leave your design big and bold. Thin lines get lost in the finished product.
2. Think In Layers
3D lapel pins are not flat. They have raised and lowered parts. So, think in layers. Which part should be higher? Which part should be lower?
For example, if you are designing the face of a cat, the nose and eyes may pop out, while the mustache stays in the background.
- Tip: Keep light and shadow in mind when sketching your pin. This helps show depth, even before the pin is made.
3. Pick The Right Style
There are various ways to design a 3D lapel pin. Some use soft enamel, and some use die-struck or molded metal. Each style looks different.
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Soft enamel
Colors go inside the metal lines. It looks colorful but not fully 3D.
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Die-struck or molded
No color, just metal. But it has a smooth 3D look and nice depth.
- Tip: For a true 3D effect, die-struck or molded pins are the best.
4. Keep the Size in Mind
Lapel pins are very small. Most of them are just 1 to 2 inches wide. This means that you don’t have a lot of space.
It is not good to fit a lot of things into your design. If it’s too detailed, it will look messy when it becomes a pin.
- Tip: Use simple shapes and strong lines. Less is more.
5. Use Shadows and Highlights
To make your 3D pin look real, use shadows and highlights in your artwork. This makes the raised parts look like they are popping out.
You don’t need to use real colors for this. You can just show depth using light and dark shades in your sketch.
- Tip: Ask your pin maker to add shading if you want an extra 3D effect.
6. Pick the Right Colors
Some custom 3D lapel pins use colors, and some don’t. If you’re adding color, choose only a few.
Too many colors can make your pin look crowded. Also, some shades are hard to see on metal.
- Tip: Use 2–4 colors only, and make sure they go well with the metal color (gold, silver, black, etc.).
7. Use Good Pin Artwork Services
Not every designer knows how to prepare artwork for production. Some services can help with this step.
Artwork services can:
- Turn your sketch into a perfect design.
- Add 3D effects
- Make sure your design will look great when turned into a pin.
- Tip: Using professional artwork services saves time and improves the final result.
8. Double-Check Your Design
Before sending your pin design for production, check everything:
- Are your lines clean?
- Does the 3D effect look right?
- Did you keep it simple?
- Are the colors balanced?
If you’re not sure, ask someone to give feedback. Even a small change can make your PIN much better.
- Tip: Look at sample pins or finished 3D lapel pin artwork online to see what works well.
It’s A Wrap
Designing 3D lapel pins is exciting. But it takes more than just a good drawing. You need to think about shape, size, depth, and color. A small pin can carry a big idea if it’s done in the right way. Start with a strong concept. Keep your design bold and simple. Use layers to show which parts should pop out. Think about how light and shadow will make your pin look real.
Pick the right style, like soft enamel for color, or die-struck for a smooth 3D look. Use just a few colors, and make sure they match your metal finish. Always remember, less is more. Before you send your design to be made, double-check everything. Clean lines, balanced colors, and a clear 3D look can make all the difference.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Good artwork services can turn your idea into a pin that truly stands out. Follow these secrets, and your custom 3D lapel pins won’t just be good but they’ll be unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the rule for lapel pins?
The right positioning for a lapel pin is to place it on the left side of your chest. The simple way to keep this position in mind is to follow your heart, in the best way possible. Most of the suit jackets come with a tiny buttonhole on the left lapel to show where the lapel pin should be set.
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How to get started with the lapel pin business?
Here are some simple steps to get started with your lapel pin business:
- Design your own custom enamel pins.
- Pick the right materials.
- Decide on the sizes of enamel.
- Select the production method.
- Manage the production of your pins.
- Decide on the profit margins and pricing.
- Sell your pins on marketplaces.
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Why are custom pins expensive?
Custom pins are made from metal that is molded and polished into a smooth finish. The reason pins cost expensive is because of the cost of the metal and the effort that goes into it. The enamel coating will cost more for hard enamel pins than it would for soft enamel pins.