At Hipins, every pin has a story—and the Forest Friends pin tells a tale of creativity, technical precision, and seamless collaboration. This custom piece, designed for one of our returning clients, showcases not only charming character design but also layered construction and expert color execution. From the initial sketch to the final polished product, this project highlights the power of imagination backed by manufacturing excellence.
Vision & Concept: A Magical Forest Companion
The client came to us with a concept rooted in fantasy: a gentle forest creature with large, expressive eyes, a soft palette of grays and greens, and an intricate set of horns formed by twisting branches. The most unique aspect? The pin wasn’t a single solid shape—it featured a two-part structure, with the character above and a curved decorative branch below, forming a wearable piece with movement and depth.
The client emphasized that they wanted to maintain the fine facial details, natural color transitions, and the organic silhouette of the character. They chose hard enamel with printing and epoxy coating, ensuring that no details would be lost during production.
Design Collaboration: Where Ideas Take Shape
At Hipins, we believe great pins begin with better conversations. From day one, our project manager worked closely with the client to analyze the sketch and propose practical adjustments:
- We discussed line thickness, color separations, and how to adapt the print details to metal structure.
- We recommended a custom dual-layer design to preserve the curved elements while maintaining strength and stability.
- We provided a digital preview showing both the front and back structures, including Pantone-matched colors, gold plating simulation, and the UV print result.
The client appreciated the attention to detail and the clear visual planning. Several rounds of revision ensured that the design was not only accurate but also manufacturable.
Mold Development: Engineering the Framework
Once the design was approved, our mold engineering team created custom tooling for both the upper and lower components. The complexity of the shape—especially the intricate horns—required precise carving and depth control.
Each element, including the ears, cheeks, and eyes, was carefully translated into the mold. Minor adjustments were made to ensure the print areas had flat, solid surfaces and that the connector holes between the two parts aligned perfectly.
We also confirmed back engraving details and clutch placement, based on the pin’s balance and orientation when worn.
Electroplating and Enamel Application
The base pins, or “blanks,” were formed from 1.5mm thick metal, then polished and electroplated with a gold finish. This bright metallic sheen created an elegant contrast with the soft tones of green, gray, and black used in the character’s coloring.
For the curved branch element, the colors 732, 7427, and 7737 brought the leaves and berries to life, giving a sense of natural movement and vibrancy.
Each pin was hand-filled with hard enamel and baked at high temperatures, giving it a smooth, durable surface.
Printing & Epoxy Coating: Bringing It to Life
The character’s facial details—especially the eyes, cheeks, and shadows—were rendered through UV printing to preserve subtle gradients and fine linework. This approach allowed the expression and charm of the creature to shine through without compromise.
Once printed, a clear epoxy coating was applied. This layer not only seals the artwork for protection but also gives the surface a glass-like finish that adds a touch of luxury.
Final Assembly & Quality Check
The two-part structure was assembled using precise positioning and securely fastened with rubber clutches. Each piece underwent a multi-point quality inspection:
- Print alignment
- Enamel color accuracy
- Polishing uniformity
- Backstamp clarity
- Structural bonding between components
Only after passing inspection did the pins get packed into PVC bags with bubble protection, along with full QC reports.
Client Feedback: A Pin Worth Sharing
Upon receiving the shipment, the client responded with enthusiasm. They praised the high-resolution print clarity, the clean plating, and how the final pin mirrored their original vision. The two-piece construction also drew attention, making it a conversation piece at their product launch.
The design quickly gained attention online, with fans commenting on the character’s expressive look and the overall craftsmanship. Several users requested similar pins, and the initial batch sold out within days.
What Makes Hipins Different
This project demonstrates what sets Hipins apart in the enamel pin industry:
- Close Client Communication: We involve clients at every step with previews, updates, and technical guidance.
- Custom Engineering: We create dedicated molds and solutions tailored to your concept.
- Advanced Printing: Our UV print method retains every tiny detail—perfect for facial features and illustration-style designs.
- Full-Service Management: From design support to final delivery, we handle everything in-house with full transparency.
Q1: Why use printing instead of enamel for this design?
Printing allows for detailed artwork like facial expressions, shadows, and gradients—features that traditional enamel can’t reproduce without loss of detail.
Q2: Can I request a custom shape with multiple parts like this?
Absolutely. We can develop custom multi-piece pins, including connectors and movable parts. Just share your sketch and we’ll advise you on production feasibility.
Q3: How long does a project like this take?
Standard production is 2-3 weeks. For complex, multi-part designs, we provide updates at each stage to keep you informed. Rush orders are also possible.
Q4: Will I see previews before production starts?
Yes. We offer free digital artwork previews and unlimited revisions before mold production begins.
Conclusion
The Forest Friends pin is a tribute to creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship. It reflects what can happen when a unique vision is paired with advanced production expertise. Whether you’re designing original characters, game merchandise, or limited-edition collectibles, Hipins is your trusted partner in creating unforgettable custom pins.
Want to bring your fantasy design to life?
Visit: www.hipins.com
Email: sales@hipins.com
Let us help you turn your characters into cherished enamel art.