Project Overview
This case study highlights a highly detailed custom lapel pin project titled “Smirk Jinx”, developed and produced by HIPINS for a creative client seeking bold character expression, multiple plating finishes, and advanced color control. The design centers on a stylized female character with a confident posture and expressive attitude, combining intricate line work, layered color gradients, and internal cut-out details.
The final product was manufactured as a hard enamel lapel pin with additional printing, showcasing HIPINS’ capability to manage complex character artwork while maintaining consistency across multiple metal finishes and color variations. This project also demonstrates our flexibility in handling mixed quantities, plating combinations, and precise production instructions without the need for a physical pre-production sample.
Client Requirements and Design Intent
From the beginning, the client emphasized three key objectives:
- Faithful reproduction of the Smirk Jinx character artwork
- Multiple plating finishes with consistent color performance
- Clean execution of internal cut-outs without compromising structure
The character design includes flowing hair, expressive facial features, layered clothing textures, and accessories such as boots and chained elements. The pose is dynamic, requiring accurate silhouette cutting and balanced metal strength. Internal cut-outs were specifically marked within the artwork, requiring careful mold planning to ensure durability while preserving the intended negative space.
The client requested several plating versions of the same design, including gold plating, blue chrome, black nickel, and pink-tone finishes, each with specific quantity allocations. Maintaining visual consistency across these finishes was a critical requirement.
Crafting Process and Technical Analysis
The Smirk Jinx pin was produced using hard enamel combined with printed details, allowing for both a smooth, polished surface and precise color transitions. Hard enamel was selected to achieve a premium, jewelry-grade finish suitable for collector pins and high-end retail use.
Key technical features include:
- Internal cut-outs (cut-out holes): Carefully engineered to follow the character’s outline and internal shapes without weakening the pin structure.
- Fine metal lines: Used to separate color areas cleanly, ensuring crisp boundaries even in small details such as facial features and clothing folds.
- Gradient and pearlescent effects: Achieved through controlled printing techniques layered onto the hard enamel base, allowing subtle color shifts while retaining surface smoothness.
- Multiple plating options: Gold, blue chrome, black nickel, and pink finishes were applied consistently using the same base mold, demonstrating strong plating stability and process control.
The pin size measures approximately 3.25 inches, which places higher demands on metal thickness, flatness control, and polishing quality. HIPINS addressed this by reinforcing stress points around cut-outs and edges.
Production Workflow and Quality Control
This order was produced with a total quantity of 72+ pieces, divided across multiple plating finishes. The client approved direct mass production without a physical sample, relying instead on detailed production photos and process confirmations.
The workflow included:
- Digital mold preparation with clearly marked cut-out areas
- Hard enamel filling and curing
- Precision polishing to achieve a flat, smooth surface
- Selective printing for gradients and specialty colors
- Individual plating runs for each finish
- Manual attachment of two rubber clutches per pin to ensure secure wear
- Final inspection and protective packaging with PVC bag and bubble protection
Throughout production, HIPINS provided progress images at key stages, ensuring transparency and confidence despite the absence of a physical sample.
Client Interaction Highlights
Clear communication played a crucial role in the success of this project. The client provided detailed artwork annotations, including color codes, plating notes, and cut-out markings. HIPINS responded by translating these notes into precise production instructions and confirming all technical points before manufacturing began.
Our team also advised on how different plating finishes would affect perceived color tones, especially in areas such as hair highlights and skin shading. This proactive guidance helped align expectations and avoid inconsistencies across variants.
As the client later shared:
“Our client said: ‘The color accuracy across different platings was impressive, especially considering the complexity of the character design.’”
Post-Production Results
The finished Smirk Jinx pins achieved a strong balance between artistic expression and manufacturing precision. Each plating version retained the same character identity while offering a distinct visual mood. The gold-plated version emphasized luxury, blue chrome delivered a bold modern feel, black nickel enhanced contrast, and the pink finish added a playful, limited-edition appeal.
The smooth hard enamel surface, combined with crisp printed gradients, elevated the pin into a collectible-grade product suitable for branding, retail, or fan-driven releases.
FAQ
Q1: Why was hard enamel chosen for this project?
Hard enamel provides a smooth, polished surface that enhances character artwork and offers better durability for large, detailed pins like Smirk Jinx.
Q2: Are internal cut-outs risky for large pins?
Not when properly engineered. HIPINS reinforced stress points during mold design to maintain strength while preserving the artistic cut-out areas.
Q3: Can one design support multiple plating finishes?
Yes. With proper planning, a single mold can be used for multiple platings, ensuring consistency across all variants.
Q4: Is it safe to skip a physical sample?
For experienced manufacturers like HIPINS, detailed artwork confirmation and production photos can effectively replace a physical sample when timelines are tight.
Conclusion
The Smirk Jinx custom lapel pin project is a strong example of HIPINS’ expertise in producing complex character-based enamel pins with multiple finishes and advanced detailing. From internal cut-outs to gradient printing and plating consistency, every stage of production was handled with precision and care.
For brands, artists, and collectors looking to transform detailed character artwork into premium enamel pins, HIPINS offers the technical knowledge, communication clarity, and manufacturing reliability needed to bring ambitious designs to life.