Creating a polished and visually coherent multi-character enamel pin requires careful coordination between illustration, metal line structure, enamel color planning, and production feasibility. The “Link Click Cheebs” duo pin is a strong example of how detailed artwork can be translated into a hard enamel product while maintaining clarity, durability, and aesthetic intent. This case study breaks down the project from materials and plating selections to color choices, print layers, backstamp considerations, and overall structural logic. Through this breakdown, we aim to illustrate the level of technical detail required for a high-quality enamel pin featuring two interacting characters in a single composition.

1. Project Overview

This design consists of two stylized characters presented in a connected pose, forming a unified scene within a single hard enamel pin. The artwork is produced in two batches—Set A (15 pcs) and Set B (20 pcs)—with slight differences in color selections and accent effects. The total height is approximately 3 inches, making it larger than typical chibi-style pins and therefore better suited for showcasing intricate patterns, gradients, and character details.

The artwork uses gold raised metal lines to define shapes, with recessed areas filled with hard enamel. Several regions include advanced effects such as gradient diamond powder, gradient translucent enamel, and jewel-type stone details. These additions elevate the final appearance, giving the piece more dimensionality while still fitting within conventional hard enamel constraints.

2. Metal Structure and Plating Choice

The pin uses gold plating for both the raised metal lines and the recessed metal borders. Gold plating is well suited for designs featuring warm tones, ornate clothing details, and decorative accessories, which aligns with the aesthetic of this illustration.

The linework is relatively fine but consistently thickened around high-detail sections to ensure manufacturability. The producer notes emphasize adaptation of line thickness for inner details such as eyes, facial expressions, and clothing folds. Because hard enamel requires sanding across the entire surface to flush the enamel with the metal lines, overly thin lines may disappear; thus, the adjustments were essential to preserve clarity.

A backstamp showing the studio name and copyright information is positioned in the lower back section of the silhouette. Two pin posts are placed at balanced points to support the pin’s size and prevent rotation during wear.

3. Enamel Colors and Gradient Effects

Both A and B sets use an extensive Pantone-based color palette. Core colors include:

• Light and cool gray series for hair, clothing folds, and shading transitions
• Blues and teals (various Pantone 5xxx ranges) for energy marks, fabric accents, and accessory highlights
• Warm neutrals and browns for skin tones and belt details
• Black and off-black tones for outlines, shadows, and printed layers

The A and B version differ slightly in how certain accents are handled. A includes specific gradient areas using Pantone 403/409, while B uses diamond gradient powder between Pantone 7545/7546 ranges. These adjustments affect the reflective behavior of the enamel and help differentiate the production lots.

The gradient diamond powder is particularly notable. This material contains reflective particles that shift under lighting, adding depth to capes and decorative elements. Since gradient powder can complicate the filling process, specific technical annotations in the art sheet emphasize keeping the gradient smooth and positioned only within closed sections where overflow can be controlled.

4. Printing Details

Hard enamel allows screen printing to be added after the enamel surface is polished flat. This design uses printing mainly for facial expressions, small hair strokes, and subtle clothing textures. The print color chart includes black, cool gray variations, warm gray tones, and specific blue codes.

The print layer is crucial because many facial details are too small to be rendered as metal lines. Printing ensures accuracy and prevents loss of emotional expression or stylistic details. The artwork includes a separate grayscale print map showing all printed areas clearly, allowing the production team to align the print screen properly.

5. Accessory Add-ons: Jewel Stone and Additional Notes

Both A and B versions incorporate a 1.0 mm jewel stone embedded into the metal. Jewel stones require special drilling and setting processes and must be positioned where metal depth is sufficient to hold the setting securely. The provided blueprint shows exact placement.

The notes also clarify that hair gradients and lens-type highlights must not cross metal lines. This instruction ensures that each enamel cell remains sealed for proper filling.

6. Manufacturing Considerations

The producer’s annotations on the sheet highlight the following considerations:

• Enamel cells must remain closed; locations marked with red “X” are areas that need metal separation.
• All gradient zones must stay within defined boundaries to prevent blending issues during fill.
• The metal mold must be deeply etched in cape edges to achieve clean color transitions.
• Post-polish color corrections may be required due to the complexity of layered colors.

The layout includes both color and silhouette references to ensure that the factory can compare the filled enamel with the original design during QC inspections.

7. Quality and Visual Impact

At 3 inches tall, the final product is substantial, allowing viewers to appreciate facial expressions, shading, and costume elements more clearly. The combined pose of the two characters also creates a strong storytelling moment, which adds emotional value and collectible appeal.

Gold plating complements the warm elements and helps unify the composition. Excessive detail is minimized through clean metal shaping, and the gradient and jewel features provide a premium finish.

FAQ

1. Why choose hard enamel for this design?
Hard enamel provides a smooth, polished finish ideal for designs with detailed linework and a premium surface. Its durability and high resistance to scratching make it suitable for large pins like this one.

2. Why are printed details used instead of metal lines in some areas?
Certain details, especially facial expressions, are too fine for metal separation. Printing ensures precision without compromising clarity or misaligning shapes.

3. What is the purpose of gradient powder?
Gradient powder adds a subtle reflective effect that creates depth in fabric and accessories. It enhances visual richness without altering the hard enamel’s durability.

4. Why does the color chart include so many Pantone numbers?
Multiple color variations are required to achieve accurate shading, texture separation, and harmonious transitions across the large composition.

5. How do jewel stones affect production?
They require additional tooling and manual setting, increasing complexity but significantly elevating the aesthetic quality.

Conclusion

The “Link Click Cheebs” custom hard enamel pin demonstrates how complex two-character artwork can be translated into a refined physical product through precise planning, detailed metal structuring, and thoughtful color selection. With gold plating, multiple gradient effects, printed facial features, and jewel stone accents, this pin represents a balance between artistic elegance and manufacturing feasibility. The final outcome showcases a high-quality collectible piece that respects the original illustration’s emotion and style while adhering to production standards.