Design A Pin!

Creating a pin is fun and easy. Just keep in mind that you need to limit the amount of detail you use since they are often quite small! Simply start your project in the gallery and upload these steps as you go along.I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Step 1: Your favourite reference pins

I've really been inspired by so many of my favourite artists who have been making this small soft enamel pins. So I've got a pretty good reference board for you all to look at. Feel free to use any of mine for your references too! Whatever inspires you!

https://www.pinterest.com/jonbrommet/enamel-pins/

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Step 2: Your rough sketches

Here are my rough sketches for both of my pin designs. As you can see, I'm not interested in having perfect sketches to base my designs off of. I'm just looking to get down enough information that I can remember what I was thinking when I drew it. Just enough to get the idea across.

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Of course, this is my approach when I know I'm making perfect vector versions of my artwork. For a lot of my illustrations I actually draw them out as perfectly as I can before I bring them into illustrator. I often even want them to stay hand drawn looking rather than perfect vector shapes. It just depends on the look you are after.

Step 3: Your Final Pins

These are my final pins. I even had them produced and put for sale in my Etsy shop.

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Check out my full project in the gallery to see a photos of the real pins.

THEME IDEAS

I opted to not have a theme for this class. However, I know it can be difficult to come up with an idea for your project. So here are some ideas you could use.

Illustrate your favourite animal
Letter your favourite quote (must be simple since the pin is so small)
Draw a monogram of your initials
Illustrate a celebrity portrait
Illustrate a vehicle

GUIDELINES

If you were considering getting your pins manufactured, you would need to consider these guidelines for your design.

Your pin must be between 0.5" and 2"
You pin may have a maximum of 5 colours
You need to keep a border to separate colours

RESOURCES

If you are interested in learning more about the pen tool and perfecting your vector illustrations, these resources will surely help you out as well.

The Bézier Game (Website)

Head over to my Skillshare Profile and click Follow to stay up to date on my new classes. You can also find me on most social media platforms @CrusoeDesignCo, but my main channels are currently Instagram and YouTube. Links to everything, including merch at www.CrusoeDesignCo.com

Thanks for checking out the class! It really means a lot.

Kenny Keys

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