From Sketch to Sample: 3 Steps to Nail Your Custom Pin Order

From Sketch to Sample: 3 Steps to Nail Your Custom Pin Order

Designing and ordering custom enamel pins may sound complex, but the process is simpler than you think. With just three easy steps, you can transform your creative sketch into a polished, professional-quality enamel pin ready to wear or distribute. Whether you’re a designer, event organizer, or collector, understanding the custom pin process helps ensure you get exactly what you envisioned.


Step 1: From Idea to Design — Bringing Your Vision to Life

Every great pin starts with an idea. You can provide a hand-drawn sketch, a digital illustration, or even a rough concept, and our design team will refine it into a production-ready artwork.
Using professional tools like CorelDRAW and Illustrator, we ensure that every color, line, and contour aligns with your expectations.

During this stage, it’s important to:

  • Define the purpose of your pin — is it for a brand, an event, or a collectible series?
  • Choose the style: Soft enamel for texture and vivid color, hard enamel for a smooth, high-end finish, or printed pins for detailed imagery.
  • Select your materials: Copper, iron, zinc alloy, or stainless steel. Each offers a different balance of quality and cost.

As the guide in our training file explains, “We’ll help you step-by-step to identify the most suitable pin process and finish for your needs.”


Step 2: Confirm the Proof — Refining the Details Before Production

Once your artwork is ready, you’ll receive a digital proof showing how the pin will look once produced. This includes:

  • Accurate size and color previews (using the Pantone PMS color system)
  • Details of plating options such as gold, nickel, black nickel, or antique finishes
  • Add-ons like epoxy coating, glitter, or glow-in-the-dark enamel

You’ll also receive a quotation and production timeline at this stage. After confirmation and payment, production begins. If you’d like, we can create a sample pin first — a recommended step for ensuring every detail meets your standards.
Samples typically take 7–10 days, while full production requires 15–20 days, depending on quantity.


Step 3: Production and Delivery — Turning Design into Reality

With the proof approved, our skilled craftsmen bring your pin to life using time-tested techniques like:

  • Die striking or casting to form the pin shape
  • Color filling and baking at controlled temperatures to secure enamel durability
  • Polishing and electroplating for a smooth, gleaming surface
  • Quality inspection to ensure every piece meets our premium standards

As noted in the internal guide, “Each badge undergoes strict inspection before packaging to ensure the highest quality.”

Once complete, your pins are individually packaged — usually in small OPP bags — and shipped securely by express courier. For large quantities, we offer bulk packaging or gift boxes upon request.


Why This Process Matters

Understanding the custom pin process ensures smoother communication, accurate pricing, and consistent results. Whether you need 300 or 5,000 pieces, following these steps guarantees efficiency and craftsmanship from start to finish.

Our clients often tell us:

“We were amazed at how quickly our rough sketch turned into a beautiful pin — the colors and finish were exactly what we imagined!”


FAQs

Q: Can I order pins without a professional design?
Absolutely. A simple sketch or idea is enough — our designers will handle the rest.

Q: What’s the minimum order quantity?
Typically 300 pieces, with discounts and free mold fees for large orders.

Q: Can I choose multiple finishes or plating options in one order?
Yes, as long as each finish has at least 100 pieces.

Q: How long does shipping take?
Most shipments arrive within 2–3 days after production via express delivery.


Ready to Create Your Own Custom Pins?

Transform your concept into a lasting keepsake today. Whether it’s for branding, celebration, or collection, we’ll make sure your pins look and feel exactly right.

Contact us now to start your custom pin journey — from sketch to sample — in just three easy steps.