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:

1. 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.
2. Mold Creation
   A precision steel mold was CNC-engraved to capture fine ornamental details and facial contours.
3. Die Striking and Cutting
   Brass sheets were die struck, forming the pin shape and raised metal lines, followed by clean outline cutting.
4. Enamel Filling and Baking
   Each enamel color was hand-filled and baked individually to ensure proper curing and color separation.
5. Polishing and Plating
   After surface polishing, matte gold plating was applied evenly across all exposed metal areas.
6. Printing and Laser Engraving
   Printed details were added to enhance facial expression, while the backside branding was completed using laser engraving.
7. 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.

Designers in 2025 are embracing a fresh wave of creativity, pushing enamel pins beyond traditional forms and into expressive, collectible art pieces. This year’s trends highlight craftsmanship, storytelling, and inventive finishes that elevate even the smallest accessories into meaningful keepsakes. Whether you’re a seasoned designer, a brand building merchandise, or a collector planning your next release, these ideas can spark new inspiration.

---

1. Fantasy-Themed Enamel Pins

Fantasy remains one of the strongest design pillars this year. Designers are creating miniature worlds within each pin—dragons circling mountains, enchanted forests, mythical guardians, and magical spell effects.

Soft enamel offers a textured storybook feel, while hard enamel gives fantasy pins a smooth, jewel-like finish.
Many clients share feedback such as:
“Our client said: ‘The storytelling made the pin set feel like part of a bigger universe.’”

---

2. Stained Glass Transparency

Stained glass enamel is a designer favorite for its luminous, glassy glow. It’s often used for wings, windows, halos, and potions. This translucent style pairs beautifully with polished gold outlines for an elegant, premium finish.

Learn more about transparency effects through resources such as our guide on Translucent Enamel.

---

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Accents

Glow enamel creates a day-to-night transformation—stars, spell runes, underwater creatures, or symbols illuminate when the lights dim.

For creators exploring glow techniques, the internal guide on Glow in the Dark Effects offers clear insight into pigment options and visual results.

---

4. Pearlescent Enamel Finishes

Pearlescent enamel adds soft iridescence ideal for clouds, seashells, angels, and fantasy elements. The subtle shimmer looks especially refined when applied to hard enamel pins.

This finish is a popular choice among designers aiming for soft, dreamy palettes.

---

5. Movable or Interactive Pin Mechanics

Pins featuring rotating, swinging, or sliding parts continue to rise in popularity. From spinning planets to openable doors, these mechanics add a toy-like excitement to wearable art.

Collectors value interactive pins for their sense of surprise and craftsmanship. Reinforced metal structures ensure smooth movement and long-lasting durability.

---

6. Cutout & Hollow Metal Effects

Cutout shapes (inner holes) create clean silhouettes and add visual airflow to designs. Popular in architectural themes, lace patterns, and geometric layouts, cutouts help pins appear lighter and more intricate.

When paired with matte or antique plating, the cutout details often feel sculptural and refined.

---

7. Oversized Character Pins

Oversized pins are a major 2025 trend—especially for mascot characters, expressive faces, or stylized portraits. Bigger formats offer more room for shading, texture, and emotional depth.

These pins make bold fashion statements on jackets, bags, and display boards.

---

8. Glitter Enamel Highlights

Glitter enamel continues to shine in 2025, especially when used to highlight specific details like magical trails, water ripples, gems, or snowfall. Designers prefer selective glitter placement to maintain visual balance.

---

9. Layered 3D Metal Sculpting

3D sculpted pins use raised metal textures to bring characters or landscapes to life. Ideal for commemorative pieces or deluxe editions, sculpted designs feel more like collectible medallions than everyday accessories.

The contrast between polished metal and enamel accents adds artistic complexity.

---

10. Mixed-Media Pin Sets

Designers this year are confidently mixing materials:

• stained glass + soft enamel
• hard enamel + printed micro-details
• glitter + pearlescent enamel
• bare metal + translucent color fills

This creative blend allows each pin to stand out as a miniature art piece with layered personality.

---

Why These Trends Matter in 2025

These trends reflect a shift toward expressive storytelling and collectability. Buyers want pins that feel meaningful—pieces that combine artistry with thoughtful finishing choices.

Feedback from our projects often sounds like:
“The customer noted: ‘The polished details and glow effect made the pins feel like jewelry rather than merch.’”

Using modern effects such as Glow in the Dark pigments, Translucent Enamel, or enhanced Plating Finishes helps elevate a design from simple to premium.

We also offer guidance on specialty textures like Sandblasting for creators who want surface contrast or matte effects.

---

Ready to Create Your Next Pin Collection?

From early sketches to full production, we support your ideas step by step. Whether you’re planning a fantasy-themed series, experimenting with stained glass transparency, or designing your first interactive pin, we help bring every concept to life with clarity and craftsmanship.

Start your 2025 enamel pin design journey today — your next iconic piece is waiting to be created.