Overview
This project brought together creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship in one striking enamel pin design. The concept was a musical mashup, combining the eerie atmosphere of Sweeney Todd with the whimsical spookiness of a beloved stop-motion classic. The client wanted a pin that not only celebrated both worlds but also stood as a high-quality collectible for fans of dark musicals and gothic art styles.
At its core, the project showcased what custom enamel pin production can achieve: a detailed design, thoughtful use of plating, and a polished finish that appeals to niche collectors.
Client Requirements
The client requested:
- A mashup design featuring two iconic characters in a theatrical style.
- Hard enamel finish to ensure a smooth, polished surface with long-lasting durability.
- Silver plating for a sharp, modern metallic contrast.
- Multiple sizes and dimensions: the character pin measured approximately 54.5mm in width, while the framed background design was created at 3 inches in height with a 3mm thickness for a premium feel.
- Unique attachment solution: four black rubber clutches were included for secure wear.
- Special finishing touches: glow-in-the-dark effects and glitter enamel highlights to enhance the theatrical theme.
The goal was not only to create a collectible but also to elevate the pin to the level of a miniature piece of fan art.
Crafting Process
The production began with vector-based artwork, carefully broken down into layers of metal outlines and Pantone color fills. Hard enamel was chosen for its smooth finish and durability. Unlike soft enamel, which leaves recessed areas, hard enamel involves multiple layers of enamel filled into recessed spaces, baked, and polished until flush with the metal. This ensured the design had a refined, jewelry-like quality.
The color palette was diverse, using shades ranging from deep reds (Pantone 1815 and 484) to cool grays and pearlescent accents. A special glitter tone was included for dramatic highlights, while selective glow-in-the-dark enamel (color code 600) was applied to add a surprising element when the lights dimmed.
The metal was plated in silver, which allowed both the darker tones and vibrant hues to stand out clearly. This choice was also practical, as silver plating resists tarnish better than raw silver, ensuring long-lasting brightness.
Client Interaction Highlights
Throughout the process, the design team maintained close communication with the client. Early drafts were shared, highlighting how text elements like “Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” would appear with printed effects. The client requested that the font maintain a distressed, blood-splattered look, which was achieved through printing rather than enamel fill for better accuracy.
“Our client said: ‘The level of detail in the final proof captured the eerie essence perfectly. It felt like both musicals were alive in one collectible piece.’”
This feedback underscored the importance of balancing creativity with production feasibility, ensuring every design element translated effectively into enamel pin form.
Production Workflow
- Mold Creation – A die was crafted based on the digital artwork, forming the recessed areas and outlines.
- Base Plating – The pins were plated in polished silver to achieve the desired metallic finish.
- Enamel Filling – Each recessed area was filled with enamel colors, one shade at a time, followed by baking at high temperatures.
- Polishing – Excess enamel was ground and polished to create a perfectly smooth surface.
- Printing Details – Intricate text and facial expressions were printed on top, as they were too fine for enamel alone.
- Special Effects – Glitter enamel and glow-in-the-dark pigments were applied.
- Attachment and Backstamp – Each pin was fitted with four rubber clutches and a customized backstamp, packaged individually in PVC bags with bubble protection.
The workflow required precision and patience, especially to maintain consistency across the batch of 35+ pins.
Post-Production Details
After production, each pin underwent quality checks to ensure accurate colors, plating consistency, and attachment strength. Packaging also played a role in preserving the collectible nature of the item. Pins were placed in protective PVC bags with air-bubble cushioning, allowing them to ship safely while giving collectors a premium unboxing experience.
Client Feedback
The customer was highly satisfied with both the execution and presentation. They noted: “The enamel colors were vivid, the silver plating elevated the overall look, and the glow effect delighted everyone when we tested it under dim lighting.”
Their response confirmed that the production team had delivered not just an enamel pin, but a collectible that resonated emotionally with its audience.
FAQs
Q1: Why was hard enamel chosen over soft enamel?
Hard enamel provides a polished, jewelry-like surface, making it ideal for designs that require both durability and a high-end appearance. Soft enamel leaves recessed textures, which may not have fit the theatrical aesthetic of this design.
Q2: How many colors can be used in hard enamel pins?
Typically, up to four colors are included in base pricing, but this design used more. Pantone shades, glitter, and glow effects were all incorporated to achieve a richer finish.
Q3: What size is ideal for collectible pins?
While standard pins often range between 25–40mm, this project intentionally used larger dimensions (54.5mm and 3 inches) to showcase intricate details and create a premium display piece.
Q4: How long does production take?
Standard hard enamel production takes 15–20 days, including mold creation, enamel filling, and plating. For this project, extra time was allocated for proofing and special effect applications.
Q5: What attachments are recommended for larger pins?
For pins over 50mm, multiple clutches are recommended. This design used four rubber clutches to ensure stability and prevent the pin from tilting when worn.
Conclusion
This enamel pin project illustrates the transformative power of combining artistic vision with expert craftsmanship. By blending hard enamel techniques, silver plating, and creative effects like glitter and glow enamel, the final product became more than just merchandise—it became a collector’s item.
For fans of gothic musicals and dark artistry, this pin captured the essence of two cult classics in one polished accessory. It also serves as a strong example of how thoughtful communication between client and production team can result in a product that surpasses expectations.
If you’re considering a custom pin project, whether for branding, fan merchandise, or collectible art, remember that the key lies in balancing creative ambition with production expertise. With the right collaboration, your vision can be transformed into a tangible piece of wearable art.