A Collector’s Guide Based on Real Community Answers

If you’ve ever browsed pin collections online or joined a pin-focused community, you’ve probably noticed one recurring question—especially from newcomers:

“Where do people actually get enamel pins from?”

This exact question has been asked countless times across forums, social platforms, and most notably on Reddit’s r/EnamelPins community. The answers are rarely short, because the truth is simple but layered:

Most pin collectors don’t rely on just one source.

Instead, enamel pins come from a wide ecosystem—ranging from resale marketplaces and artist-run shops to crowdfunding platforms, conventions, and direct manufacturer collaborations.

This article breaks down the most common sources people use to get enamel pins today, based on real community discussions and long-term collector behavior.

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1. eBay: Resale, Vintage, and Discontinued Pins

eBay remains one of the oldest and most established platforms for enamel pins, especially for collectors looking backward rather than forward.

What collectors typically use eBay for:

• Discontinued or retired pins
• Older brand releases
• Theme park and travel souvenirs
• Event-exclusive pins no longer in circulation
• Secondary-market fantasy pins

For experienced collectors, eBay is often about completion, not discovery—finding that one missing pin to finish a set.

Pros & Cons of Buying Pins on eBay

Pros	Cons
Huge selection	Higher prices for rare pins
Access to old releases	Risk of fakes or poor-quality photos
Global sellers	Limited artist interaction

Tip: Most seasoned collectors recommend cross-checking seller history and photos carefully, especially for fantasy pins or high-value items.

External reference:
https://www.ebay.com

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2. Instagram: The Heart of the Modern Pin Community

Instagram is widely considered the primary discovery platform for enamel pins today.

Most independent pin artists and pin brands use Instagram as their main hub to:

• Share original designs and concepts
• Test interest through posts or stories
• Announce drops, preorders, and restocks
• Build long-term relationships with collectors

Once someone follows just a few pin accounts, the algorithm naturally introduces more artists through hashtags, reposts, and mutual followers.

Why Instagram Matters So Much

Unlike traditional marketplaces, Instagram allows collectors to:

• See behind-the-scenes process
• Interact directly with creators
• Join community-driven releases
• Access limited or exclusive designs

Many pins never appear anywhere else.

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Fantasy Pins & Instagram

Fantasy pins—unofficial designs inspired by popular media—are especially tied to Instagram.

Most fantasy pin creators:

• Do not sell through mass marketplaces
• Rely on community feedback before production
• Release pins in limited editions
• Announce sales exclusively via social posts

Typical flow for fantasy pins:

Instagram → Community feedback → Production → Fulfillment

Because of licensing limitations, fantasy pins are rarely found in physical stores or large online retailers.

External reference:
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/enamelpins/

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3. Etsy: Artist Shops and Small Brands

Etsy is another major source for enamel pins, particularly for collectors who prefer a more traditional storefront experience.

On Etsy, people commonly find:

• Artist-run pin shops
• Small-batch or made-to-order designs
• Illustration-focused or handmade aesthetics

Some artists treat Etsy as their main sales channel, while others use it alongside Instagram or Patreon.

Etsy vs Instagram for Pins

Etsy	Instagram
Stable storefront	Drop-based sales
Searchable listings	Community-driven discovery
Easier checkout	Limited-time availability

For collectors who dislike chasing drops, Etsy can feel more approachable.

External reference:
https://www.etsy.com/market/enamel_pins

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4. Kickstarter & BackerKit: Project-Based Pin Releases

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and BackerKit play a major role in modern pin production.

Creators often use these platforms to:

• Fund large pin series
• Unlock stretch-goal designs
• Launch themed collections
• Collaborate with multiple artists

For collectors, these platforms offer early access and exclusive variants—but also require patience.

What Collectors Should Check Before Backing

• Has the creator completed previous projects?
• Do they already sell pins elsewhere?
• Are timelines and production plans clearly explained?

Many successful pin projects start with an Instagram audience and move to Kickstarter for funding.

External references:
https://www.kickstarter.com
https://www.backerkit.com

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5. Retail Stores, Museums, and Souvenirs

Not all enamel pins come from online communities.

Many collectors still obtain pins from:

• Museum gift shops
• Tourist locations
• Theme parks
• Brand retail stores

These pins often hold strong sentimental or location-based value, even if they aren’t limited editions.

For some collectors, these pins mark:

• Travel memories
• Life milestones
• Personal experiences

Which makes them irreplaceable.

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6. Conventions, Artist Alleys, and In-Person Events

In-person events remain a cornerstone of pin culture.

Common sources include:

• Comic conventions
• Anime expos
• Craft fairs
• Artist alleys

These events allow collectors to:

• Meet artists face-to-face
• See pins in person before buying
• Access event-exclusive designs
• Trade pins with other collectors

While online platforms dominate discovery, conventions often create the strongest emotional connection.

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7. Direct From Manufacturers (For Brands & Creators)

For artists, brands, or businesses, enamel pins often come directly from manufacturers.

This route is typically used by:

• Independent artists scaling production
• Small brands launching merch
• Companies creating promotional pins

Manufacturers handle:

• Artwork conversion
• Mold creation
• Plating and coloring
• Quality control and mass production

Collectors may never see this stage—but it’s where every pin begins.

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Where Do Most People Actually Get Enamel Pins From?

In reality, most collectors combine multiple sources over time.

Common Collector Path

Stage	Typical Source
Beginner	Retail stores, Etsy
Intermediate	Instagram, conventions
Advanced	eBay, Kickstarter, direct artist drops

As collectors gain experience, many shift away from mass-produced pins and toward artist-made designs.

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Final Thoughts

There is no single answer to where enamel pins come from—because pin collecting is personal.

Some people collect for nostalgia.
Some collect for art.
Some collect for community.

And each motivation leads to different sources.

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FAQ – Quick Answers

Q: Where do people usually get enamel pins from?
A: Most people get enamel pins from Instagram, Etsy, eBay, Kickstarter, retail stores, conventions, and artist-run shops.

Q: Is Instagram a good place to find enamel pins?
A: Yes. Instagram is currently the main discovery platform for independent pin artists and fantasy pin creators.

Q: Where do fantasy pins come from?
A: Fantasy pins usually come from independent artists who promote and sell their designs primarily through Instagram and direct sales.

Q: Are enamel pins from Etsy handmade?
A: Most are artist-designed and professionally manufactured, not handmade one-by-one—but sold directly by the artist.

Q: Why are some pins so limited?
A: Limited editions help artists manage risk, control costs, and create exclusivity within the pin community.

In the realm of lapel pin design, color gradients are often sought after for their aesthetic appeal. Solid color gradients, in particular, are often used to create a visually striking transition from one color to another. However, while these gradients can look impressive at first glance, we strongly advise against using them in lapel pin production, primarily due to the inherent challenges in controlling the blending of colors, especially when working with enamel as a medium. Despite the fact that solid color gradients can sometimes yield beautiful results, there are still noticeable limitations that can affect the final product.

1. Difficulty in Controlling Gradient Blending

A solid color gradient is a design where one color gradually shifts into another, and this transition is meant to be smooth and seamless. However, achieving this effect with precision during production, particularly with enamel, is extremely difficult. Enamel has unique properties that make it particularly challenging to control, especially in gradient designs. Factors such as temperature, firing duration, layer thickness, and the viscosity of the enamel can all impact how the colors blend together during the firing process.

Enamel is a solid material that doesn’t naturally flow or mix as smoothly as liquid-based pigments. When the gradient effect is applied, there’s often some unpredictability in how the colors fuse together, making it difficult to achieve consistent, smooth transitions from one color to the next. Even though enamel artists have developed various techniques to mitigate this, such as controlling the temperature and layering the enamel carefully, achieving the perfect gradient effect can still result in slight inconsistencies that may be visible on the final pin.

2. The Ease of Pearl Powder and Printing Techniques

By comparison, methods such as pearl powder and printing offer a significantly easier and more reliable way to achieve gradient effects. Pearl powder, which is applied to the surface of the pin, can create a subtle, even gradient effect, transitioning smoothly from one color to another. The powder is finely blended, and its application results in a more natural and consistent gradient that requires less precision and fewer variables than enamel.

Printing techniques, especially digital printing, also make the gradient process easier to manage. Digital printing can control gradients with high precision by adjusting the amount of ink applied to the surface. This ensures that each pin in a batch can achieve exactly the same gradient effect. Unlike enamel, printing does not rely on the slow and complicated process of layering and firing, making it much more adaptable for producing gradients in large quantities or on smaller-scale designs. Additionally, printing allows for more intricate and detailed gradients that might be difficult to replicate with enamel.

3. Limitations of the Enamel Process

The enamel process, while widely favored for its ability to produce rich, vibrant, and durable colors, comes with certain limitations when it comes to gradient effects. Enamel works by applying colored powders to the pin’s surface, which are then heated in a kiln to fuse the color to the metal. While this process is excellent for achieving opaque, solid colors, it becomes more challenging when the goal is to create a smooth, graduated transition between two or more colors.

The enamel colors are applied in layers, and each layer needs to be carefully fired. If the layers are too thick or uneven, the gradient effect may become patchy or uneven. Moreover, enamel’s color behavior can vary slightly from batch to batch, and even within a single firing, the color spread may differ. This lack of uniformity can be problematic when striving for the same gradient effect across an entire collection of pins.

In addition, the temperature at which enamel is fired can affect how the colors blend together. Different colors may react to heat in various ways, causing some colors to remain more solid and others to blend more easily. This lack of predictability means that enamel gradients are much more susceptible to visual inconsistencies than gradients created using other methods.

4. Visual Imperfections and Potential Disappointments

While a solid color gradient might look impressive in theory, the reality is that the transition often does not come out as smoothly as expected. Despite the best efforts of skilled artisans, the result can sometimes feature noticeable bands or uneven transitions between colors. These imperfections can detract from the pin’s overall quality, making the gradient appear less polished and professional than desired.

The visual imperfections that can occur with enamel gradients often lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction, especially when compared to the more seamless and controlled results achievable through other techniques. For high-end or commercial purposes, where consistency and precision are paramount, a gradient with such inconsistencies may result in a product that doesn’t fully meet the client’s expectations or the design’s potential. As a result, this can affect the branding and overall appeal of the lapel pin.

5. The Challenge of Achieving Precise Gradients in Large Batches

In situations where a designer needs to produce a large batch of lapel pins, achieving consistent gradient effects across multiple pieces is an additional challenge. When dealing with solid color gradients in enamel, slight variations in the firing process, enamel thickness, and even the artist’s technique can cause discrepancies from one pin to another. These subtle differences can make it difficult to maintain a uniform appearance across all pins in a collection, which is often a requirement for promotional or branded items.

In contrast, with pearl powder or printing, the gradient can be reproduced identically from one pin to the next, ensuring consistency across large batches. This is particularly important when producing pins for corporate giveaways, events, or other promotional purposes where uniformity is key.

Conclusion

While solid color gradients in lapel pins can be visually striking, the inherent challenges posed by the enamel process make it difficult to achieve a flawless, consistent effect. The complexity of controlling the gradient blending in enamel, combined with the unpredictability of color transitions, often leads to visual inconsistencies that can detract from the overall quality of the pin. For designers and brands seeking smoother, more reliable gradient effects, alternative methods like pearl powder or printing are better options. These techniques allow for more control, precision, and consistency, ensuring that lapel pins meet both aesthetic and functional standards.