Enamel Pins 101: Preparing Designs for an Enamel Pin Manufacturer

Summary

In this video, Becky from The Pink Samurai provides essential tips for setting up files for delivery to manufacturers. She explains the importance of using vector files, primarily through Adobe Illustrator, and highlights the need to outline text and expand strokes to avoid issues with fonts or line sizes. Becky also discusses considerations like recessed metal, cut-outs, and sizing for pins. She shares advice on using Pantone color books to ensure accurate color matching and offers a downloadable Illustrator file as a reference. The video is perfect for pin makers looking to streamline their production process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vector files are the preferred format for manufacturers, and Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for creating these files.
• 😀 If you don’t have Illustrator, some manufacturers can convert Photoshop or other raster files into vector format, sometimes for an additional cost.
• 😀 Always outline and expand text and strokes in Adobe Illustrator to avoid font issues and to ensure stroke sizes remain consistent across different sizes.
• 😀 Be mindful of design details like recessed metal, which can affect the final look and cost of your product. Cut-out details are labor-intensive but can enhance your design.
• 😀 Start with an inch as a good default size for your pin design, but test it out by printing a physical sample to get a better sense of its scale.
• 😀 Manufacturers use the Pantone solid coated color book to ensure color accuracy. Consider investing in a physical Pantone book to match colors exactly.
• 😀 Even though the Pantone color on-screen might not match exactly, using a Pantone guide gives you a reliable starting point for selecting colors.
• 😀 Printing out your design at actual size can help you visualize the proportions and placement of elements in your pin design.
• 😀 Using a physical Pantone color book (or a digital equivalent) can make it easier to choose colors and ensure consistency throughout your designs.
• 😀 Becky offers a downloadable Illustrator file as an example that you can use as a template for your own pin designs when working with manufacturers.

Q & A

What file type should I use when sending designs to my manufacturer for pins?

Manufacturers prefer vector files, which are typically created in Adobe Illustrator. These files allow for easy resizing without losing quality. If you don't have Illustrator, there are other vector programs available, and some manufacturers can vectorize your artwork for you, though it may come at an additional cost.

Why is it important to outline text and expand strokes in Adobe Illustrator before sending files to a manufacturer?

Outlining text ensures that the font you used is preserved in the design, as the manufacturer may not have that font. Expanding strokes prevents issues where stroke thickness changes when resizing the artwork, ensuring consistency in the final pin design.

What is the difference between recessed metal and cut-out details in enamel pins, and how do they affect cost?

Recessed metal refers to areas where the metal is sunk into the design, creating a three-dimensional effect. Cut-out details involve removing sections of metal to create intricate shapes. Cut-outs are generally more labor-intensive and can increase the cost of the mold, but they offer more design flexibility.

What is a good starting size for an enamel pin design?

A good starting point for the size of an enamel pin is 1 inch. This is a standard size that works well for most designs. However, the final size will depend on your design preferences, and it's a good idea to experiment with different sizes to see what works best for your design.

How can printing out your pin design help in the design process?

Printing out your design at the intended size (e.g., 1 inch) and cutting it out can give you a tangible reference for how the final pin will look. This helps you visualize the design and adjust elements such as proportions and spacing before finalizing the digital file.

What is the importance of Pantone colors in the enamel pin design process?

Pantone colors are essential because they provide a standardized color reference that manufacturers can use to match colors precisely. Using Pantone Solid Coated color swatches ensures that your colors are consistent across all pins, though the colors may look slightly different on screen versus in real life.

Should I invest in a Pantone color book for my enamel pin designs?

While not strictly necessary, investing in a Pantone color book is highly recommended. It helps you choose and match colors more accurately, ensuring that the final pins meet your color expectations. The cost of the book can be easily justified by the accuracy it provides, especially for professional or high-volume designs.

How does the type of enamel (hard or soft) affect the final appearance of my pins?

Hard enamel pins have a smooth, polished finish with clean lines, while soft enamel pins have recessed areas that are filled with color, creating a slightly textured finish. The thickness of lines and details may appear slightly different depending on whether you choose hard or soft enamel.

What is a back stamp, and when should I use it for my pins?

A back stamp is a small engraving or mark on the back of the pin, often used for branding or authentication purposes. It’s a common practice for creators to add their logo or design name to the back of the pin. You should use a back stamp if you want to include your brand identity or ensure your pins are easily identifiable.

Can I use the Illustrator file shared by Becky in her video to prepare my own designs?

Yes, Becky has provided a downloadable Illustrator file with a sample pin design and the necessary details for sending to manufacturers. You can use this file as a template for your own designs, modifying it to fit your needs and preferences.