Overview
This case study highlights the production journey of Floral’s Dream, a highly detailed custom lapel pin project developed in collaboration with HIPINS. Designed as an artistic character badge, this piece combines illustration-driven aesthetics with advanced enamel pin craftsmanship. The final product demonstrates how hard enamel, printing techniques, and refined metal finishing can work together to translate a complex fantasy illustration into a premium collectible pin.
The project was produced as a hard enamel lapel pin with additional printed details, matte gold plating, and engraved backside branding. From concept refinement to sample approval, Floral’s Dream reflects HIPINS’ capability to handle intricate designs while maintaining production accuracy and visual consistency.
Client Requirements
The client approached HIPINS with a fully developed illustration featuring a fantasy female character surrounded by ornate floral and baroque-inspired elements. The key requirements were clear:
- Preserve the original illustration style and color harmony
- Achieve a smooth, jewelry-like surface suitable for a premium pin release
- Use matte gold plating to enhance elegance rather than high-gloss shine
- Include translucent and glitter enamel effects without overwhelming the design
- Add clear backside branding through laser engraving
- Ensure the pin structure supports multiple attachment points for stability
The character was officially named Floral’s Dream, emphasizing a soft, romantic, and ethereal theme that needed to be respected throughout production.
Crafting Process and Material Selection
Based on the complexity of the design, HIPINS recommended a hard enamel plus printing process. Hard enamel was selected for its smooth, polished surface and long-term durability, which is ideal for collectible character pins. Printed elements were used selectively for extremely fine facial features and subtle color transitions that are difficult to achieve through enamel alone.
The base material was brass, chosen for its ability to hold sharp die-struck lines. A matte gold electroplating finish was applied to all raised metal areas, providing contrast against the pastel and deep-toned enamel fills. Certain sections utilized translucent enamel and glitter enamel to enhance depth, especially within floral motifs and decorative borders.
The pin thickness was carefully controlled to maintain structural strength while keeping the overall weight comfortable for wear.
Design Breakdown and Visual Structure
The front-facing design centers on Floral’s Dream, depicted in an elegant pose framed by symmetrical ornamental patterns. The layout is vertically oriented, allowing the character to remain the focal point while decorative elements add balance rather than distraction.
Color separation is a key strength of this design. Dark background tones help pastel pinks, purples, and soft skin tones stand out clearly. Matte gold metal lines serve as both structural dividers and visual accents, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition.
On the reverse side, the pin features a clean matte gold surface with laser-engraved branding reading “Lavender Pins” along with a limited edition code. Two rubber clutches were specified to ensure secure attachment, particularly important given the pin’s size and weight.
Production Workflow
The production process followed HIPINS’ standard quality-controlled workflow:
- Artwork Review and Technical Adjustment
The original illustration was converted into a production-ready vector format. Line thickness, color zones, and cutout feasibility were carefully adjusted without altering the artistic intent.
- Mold Creation
A precision steel mold was CNC-engraved to capture fine ornamental details and facial contours.
- Die Striking and Cutting
Brass sheets were die struck, forming the pin shape and raised metal lines, followed by clean outline cutting.
- Enamel Filling and Baking
Each enamel color was hand-filled and baked individually to ensure proper curing and color separation.
- Polishing and Plating
After surface polishing, matte gold plating was applied evenly across all exposed metal areas.
- Printing and Laser Engraving
Printed details were added to enhance facial expression, while the backside branding was completed using laser engraving.
- Assembly and Inspection
Rubber clutches were attached, and each pin underwent a final quality inspection before packing.
Client Interaction Highlights
Throughout the process, the client was involved at key decision points, particularly during sample evaluation. Minor adjustments were made to color density and printed details after the first sample review.
The client shared feedback during sampling:
“Our client said: ‘The matte gold finish paired with the soft colors looks even better in hand than on screen. The details came through beautifully.’”
This collaborative feedback loop ensured the final production matched expectations without unnecessary revisions.
Post-Production Details
Each pin was individually packed in a PVC bag with bubble protection to prevent surface scratches during transport. The engraving on the backside adds both branding value and collectibility, making Floral’s Dream suitable for limited-edition releases, artist shops, or themed pin series.
FAQ
Q1: Why choose hard enamel for character pins like Floral’s Dream?
Hard enamel offers a smooth, polished surface that enhances illustration-based designs and provides superior durability for long-term wear or collection.
Q2: Can printed details be combined with hard enamel?
Yes. Printing is ideal for ultra-fine details such as facial features or gradients that cannot be achieved through enamel alone.
Q3: What is the advantage of matte gold plating?
Matte gold provides a refined, elegant look that reduces glare and complements pastel or soft color palettes.
Q4: Is laser engraving durable?
Laser engraving is permanent and does not fade, making it ideal for logos, edition numbers, or branding.
Q5: How many attachment points are recommended for larger pins?
For larger or heavier pins, two rubber clutches are recommended to ensure stability and prevent rotation.
Conclusion
The Floral’s Dream lapel pin project showcases how thoughtful material selection, precise craftsmanship, and close client collaboration can elevate an illustrated character into a premium enamel pin product. By combining hard enamel, selective printing, matte gold plating, and laser engraving, HIPINS successfully delivered a pin that balances artistic expression with manufacturing excellence.
For brands and artists seeking to transform detailed artwork into collectible enamel pins, this case demonstrates that complexity, when handled correctly, can become the defining strength of the final product.