How to Make Enamel Pins & Where to Get Pins Made (Plus My Collection)

[@MikuHatsune159]

As a fellow pin collector, it is nice to see the breakdown of costs because artists don't really like to divulge the manufacturing details and process unless you are another well-known artist or a friend of theirs. I'm also finally attending my local convention in over 3 years due to pandemic/work obligations and looking forward to the new hard enamel pins I'll own 👀 it's like my one joy in life that did not disappear.

[@Inkwell]

Ahhh I hope you find some good ones, thanks for watching!

[@JohnSmith-bw6pv]

I've never seen such a young person not care that they are willingly destroying the planet.. especially for some corny copycat bs

[@MikuHatsune159]

@@JohnSmith-bw6pv I'm not going to disagree with you on that because I'm well aware that a lot of hobbies, such as this one, harm the planet. The thing is, even if all hobbyist and artists are aware of it, there's no stopping the factories and others from continuing the businesses. I can go ahead and teach artists but there's always going to be someone who won't stop or is planning to go into making them. It's the same with almost any product on earth, either it's being over produced or becomes waste but what am I or anyone else going to be able to do at a larger scale to prevent it?

[@Tahllia]

And I understand why. A markup of $6 and some change up to $30 is umm... It would feel a bit unfair to some

[@wnm-nicole]

Hello friends,I'm Nicole, a pin manufacturer from China. We offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Please contact me for customized enamel pins. We support small batch trial orders.Thanks.

[@oohmymiyah508]

I hope you know how helpful this is. I've seen situations so many times people ask artist how things are made and they only really show the drawing process and never what happens with manufacturing. I'm not mad at anyone, but I'm relieved someone such as yourself doesn't mind being honest :') I appreciate this greatly 🥰❤️

[@Inkwell]

I happy to hear you find it helpful!

[@wnm-nicole]

Hello friends,I'm Nicole, a pin manufacturer from China. We offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Please contact me for customized enamel pins. We support small batch trial orders.Thanks.

[@melindawolfUS]

I like your style - cool vest :) It makes me happy to see men who have a personal style instead of the boring "jeans and tshirt" uniform.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

As someone who has no interest in enamel pins, has no interest in manufacturing them, and has no idea how or why this video ended up in my recommended: this was really cool and interesting! Thank you!

[@Inkwell]

🤣🤣 thanks for watching

[@missingclover]

Its crazy whenever I see how hard it is to manufacture stuff in America. I live in Mexico and just had to make some pins a couple weeks ago and had several options of manufacturers in my country, even had some locally on my city (I do live on the capital of my state so maybe that's why) and in the end it took like a week of manufacturing and one day shipping since the company I went with was just a couple states over. I see this with clothing, cups, screen printing, everything. There are a ton of screen printing shops on my city I can just walk in and order some tshirts with my custom design. No need to ask to chinese manufacturers or anything like that, I also just finished some water bottles which took 3 days of manufacturing and I picked them up at the shop because it was like 30 minutes from my house lol.

[@Inkwell]

i wish! that sounds so nice!

[@PhiTonics]

Yeah, the coin counterfeiting thing pretty much blew my mind. I make PVC patches and it's the same story, zero US manufacturers, really frustrating honestly.

[@RosaHernandez-uw2ul]

Screen printing shops are still common in the US. There are also a lot of makerspaces in the US. Some people just don't know where to look. It sounds like with enamel pins, the problem is that it's bad for the environment. Sounds like something all countries should bad then.

[@kaikaibee2982]

That's helpful! I would like to buy from our neighbors in Mexico instead of outsourcing all the way to China :)

[@Ms_AP_]

What company did you use to make your pins?

[@Galaxxi]

even though I've been making enamel pins for over a year now, I just love watching videos where people talk about it 🥴 it's so fascinating how everybody's got different advice and processes re: grading your pins, I actually wouldn't send b-grade pins back unless they were *super* messed up! there is a huge market for b-grade pins, i actually favor them myself both to save money and because i tend to wear my pins so they might get a little banged around anyway. i've sold lots of B-grade pins and as long as you're up-front with the fact that they might have a small mistake somewhere, people won't complain. I actually have tons of comments that people can't even find the flaws in my B-grades lmao. it can definitely be less of a hassle and broaden your market sometimes just to sell them, as long as it's not a crazy high number of flawed product

[@CampingforCool41]

Totally agree about the b-grade pins. I always seek them out if the seller has them because I can save money and usually the flaws are barely noticeable. I don’t care about my pins being absolutely perfect unless it’s for some special reason.

[@wnm-nicole]

Hello friends,I'm Nicole, a pin manufacturer from China. We offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Please contact me for customized enamel pins. We support small batch trial orders.Thanks.

[@lisaherrera1179]

"eat ass, get money" sold me, and now I'm subscribed.

[@FranFroo]

Thank you so much for this. As a digital artist I've really been trying to think lately about how to monetize my talent in some way, but I have a wonderful cocktail of mental illnesses that makes drawing constantly and doing commissions in a timely manner difficult. Making pin designs and going to conventions to sell them would be easier for me to manage, and I could maybe even sell art prints and 3D prints as well. This may have opened up a great new avenue for me, thank you a ton!

[@Inkwell]

Best of luck to you!

[@chaotika693]

As a fellow digital artist with similar issues and goals I wish you the best of luck:)

[@orangeismyfavoritecolor]

God, I have the same problem! I don’t think I can do enamel pins anytime soon though, so I’ll just have to _cope harder._ (Lol)

[@bamsara]

As an freelance artist and a fellow pin collector, I've done plenty of stickers but pins was something I was scared of offering just because the process seemed so complicated to me. You've done a fantastic job explaining the process! Thank you for this video

[@KatieLazo]

so informative, thank you!! I've always wanted to try making pins but felt so intimidated. I really appreciate how thorough you were and how generous you were to even share your recomended manufacturers/sources! thanks again!

[@Inkwell]

hope it helps! and best of luck with your pins!

[@wnm-nicole]

Hello friends,I'm Nicole, a pin manufacturer from China. We offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Please contact me for customized enamel pins. We support small batch trial orders.Thanks.

[@placefantasy1821]

This is genuinely so helpful to people trying to figure out how to make merch since the answers are seemingly impossible to find online. Please PLEASE keep showing how merchandise like prints, keychains, standees, stickers, etc. this is such an important series to have online

[@josephKEOarthur]

very cool Enamel pin video.. and that Vest, great fashion choice mate!

[@curls22]

As a large advocate for eco-friendly things I never clocked enamel as being a thing that would not be great for the environment but it makes a lot of sense. I really appreciate that bit of knowledge, saddens me but I appreciate it regardless.

[@magnoliaweathershield443]

Thank you for highlighting concerns with production in China. And for your generosity in sharing your expertise and experience so generously.

[@KawaiiStarz]

Thank you for going over the process and sharing your pin collection!

[@Inkwell]

Thanks for watching!

[@wnm-nicole]

Hello friends,I'm Nicole, a pin manufacturer from China. We offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Please contact me for customized enamel pins. We support small batch trial orders.Thanks.

[@nursingsockpuppet]

I have no clue how I went from watching a true crime video to a video about enamel pins, but you kept me watching. Very interesting process and cool designs. Nice work!

[@gangrenefiend]

I honestly haven't thought much into these alternatives towards selling art as through pins and such. I would love to try this out if I ever get an opportunity to do so!

[@NotTheRealAutomator]

This is something that I have never considered doing nor will realistically ever end up doing but I just love staring at your hair flip and listening to you tell me about enamel pins. 😵‍💫🥵

[@WarayVan]

If I could like this twice I would. And those pins at the end wow. So much talent.

[@rottenbookworm]

I know this is an old video, but I had to set up an enamel pin file for a fanzine project and I had no clue how. Basically got the job dumped on me. This video was so very helpful for understanding the process and what to look out for. 🙏

[@Inkwell]

@@rottenbookworm happy to help!

[@marzipan_art]

This video is so greatly appreciated. I've only made 2 enamel pins so far, each were from different manufacturers. 1 of them didn't come out right and the other one wasn't a great experience to have made; so I've been researching where other artists were getting theirs made so that I could ensure whatever pin I make next is going to be the quality I strive for. Definitely appreciate seeing your process and I also enjoyed the collection tour at the end. So many beautiful pins out there.

[@Inkwell]

Thanks for watching and best of luck with your next pin!

[@mindsetblocks]

You just became my fav youtube art channel

[@Inkwell]

I am honored 😱

[@ThompsonBrosStudios]

Man I came across this video by chance, I design pins for a company called Fansets. I've been wanting to get into doing this on my own too. Crazy thing is I saw your girl riding the fish and totally recognized who you were from your work posted on deviantart! Huge fan dude, you are genuinely one of my favorite artists on the platform. And now I know you make pins! so exciting!

[@0ctobuss]

Thank you for your explanations and insights! This video is a godsend for folks breaking into art merchandising, as many others have mentioned.

[@Inkwell]

Happy it helped 😊

[@mrs.quills7061]

This was such an informative process. Do you ever worry or have had issue with manufacturers stealing your designs though? I’ve heard of that happening to some artists. I also appreciate you mentioning the environmental cost of this too, I’ve been looking into wood pins, but I worry they wouldn’t be sold as well as enamel ones. I never knew the reason for them being overseas was because of currency counterfeiting.

[@RaskylC]

i am so enthralled with enamel pins, usually it costs quite a bit so i dont buy them as much as i love to, but i admire them all the same :3

[@ziyanda_theartist]

I can't believe I'm only finding your channel now... I love your Instagram page so much and your pins are breathtaking ❤ Thanx for making this video!!!

[@Inkwell]

Thanks so much for watching! 🙏

[@digitalartsi]

I just recently started getting into enamel pin collecting and I am obsessed. My one issue is how secretive artists can be about their manufacturers. I've heard many people claim it's because they don't want the quality to drop from too many people using them but I feel that's kinda just an excuse for them to gatekeep. We'll see, as I am getting my own pins manufactured right now. I'm definitely willing to test that theory.

[@wnm-nicole]

Hello friends,I'm Nicole, a pin manufacturer from China. We offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Please contact me for customized enamel pins. We support small batch trial orders.Thanks.

[@AnnamatopoeiaArt]

As a budding pin collector and an artist myself, this video is amazing! I have it saved so that when I finally make my own pins I have some idea how to start. Is there a reason why you do pass/fail instead of the usual grading system? As someone who is only into pins causally I really like getting that B Grade pin at a lower price, but I would imagine more complicated pins, like the AMAZING fish pin would be something that you wouldn’t want to sell slightly defected. Also I’ve always wondered this but with pins with a gimmick, like being able to open, having moving parts, or things like being glow in the dark, how do you work with a company to get that made? I am very jealous of your pin collection, thanks for the great video!

[@Inkwell]

The pass/fail system is mostly due to time, and storage, having to have separate storage areas for every grade of every design is a bit much, so it’s just easier for me. And I also don’t like defected products being out in the wild. And with more complicated pin processes it just really depends on the manufacturer, I typically still do the art first with whatever process in mind and then just message the manufacturer asking if this or that could work. The more labels you can put on your artwork the easier it will be for your manufacturer to not mess it up and then you 🙏

[@katto4073]

thank you so much for this!!! I am very interested in making pins but I've always been sooo intimidated by the process

[@daisyninja3674]

Thanks for making this. I’ve wanted to get pins made but it can feel daunting going into it for the first time. It’s been really hard finding anything on the manufacturing side which is where I was feeling hung up. So greatly appreciated!

[@Inkwell]

Thanks for watching and best of luck on your future pins!

[@KokoroDokis]

As a beginner pin creator, this was very helpful!! I have made one pin design so far and I didn't know about these websites!! Thank you so much!

[@k1nser]

This is so so helpful, thank you for all the knowledge! I've been considering starting a pin business recently and already have a few designs but have been lost on where to start on the business side of this like connecting with manufacturers, knowing product quality, reasonable pricing, etc.

[@makinguselessthings]

Thank you for sharing all this info! I have just started getting quotes for pins and it is a bit of a process. So it’s nice to have some tips and tricks!

[@nyx.2314]

What a wonderful algorithm recommendation. You just got a new subscriber!

[@Inkwell]

hell yeah! welcome

[@Bucketstar263]

WAOH your videos will help me a ton cause instead of the awkward silence for when people ask for my supplier, I can just tell them to look up Inkwell's video on KZbin lol. you talk about it in such great details

[@wherethewatermeetstheshade]

Thank you for mentioning the working behind what we invest our time and money in.

[@KaiyaAquamarine]

Thank you for this!! I just started selling my artwork as stickers and prints last year and have been considering branching into pins, and didn't know where to start. This has a lot of great information!

[@madamadadane7989]

Thank you 🙏 king of not gatekeeping.

[@Simonjose7258]

4:02 They changed the direction of your blade before entering the hilt. I think they fixed it so it faces downward.

[@n3kkidninj4]

Wow! that's a great catch by both the company and you.

[@catzrulez910]

Your collection is so goood I love looking at enamel pins at shops, but im always reluctant to buy some as i dont have anywhere to store or display them

[@inksmears_]

Thank you so much for this! Also, for the more expensive pin, I recommend setting your price to what *you* want to profit first. So, let's say $30. If it doesn't move, then put it on sale for $25-$20. But, make sure customers can see that it was originally $30 (aka, don't change the base price, have it marked down.) People want to get a good deal on things, so it should make the pin more appealing even if it is more expensive than your other pins. You could also offer a defected pin as a freebie or sell those in mystery packs as "B-grade" or whatever grade it would be.

[@rachloke87]

Love your vibe and how forthright you are! ☺️ I’m not an artist (sadly) or an entrepreneur but I happen to come across your video and thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing your processes. Such a breath of fresh air as usually people don’t even talk about their suppliers/manufacturers and stuff! Super informative. Love your artwork and your collection as well. I’m sad that I’m not based in US or anywhere near as I’m based in Asia. Will support you virtually! 🤣 keep up the good work! 💪

[@gogovamos7047]

AWESOME video man, tthanks so much for sharing your valuable insights. this is what it's all about here, you are a YT creator in the most valuable sense and essence. keep it up that great work and craft of yours, sending much love

[@scarlethawkeye3473]

Yet another solid video! Thanks for sharing! I learned a lot. I fell in love with Nana Williams’s pin! Also, i’ve heard of Alchemy Merch before so maybe i will try them out as a beginner. 😁

[@Inkwell]

happy to help, and best of luck with your future pin makings!

[@TheFiown]

I love your pin set but it's sold out are you going to make more ?

[@Inkwell]

They should be restocked by the end of summer 😊

[@GamerBunny2024]

The vector part really helped me, I always found illustrator intimidating... it's like the excel to my word (Microsoft) where my brain struggles to compute, haha

[@Insane2daCore]

Your fashion style is very sharp and refreshingly elegant my good sir 🙂👍🏾 also thank you for making this video 🙏🏾

[@freakespionage]

This is SO HELPFUL, thank you!!

[@zeropachame5396]

This was such a great video! Loving all these merch advice, thanks so much for making these :) (And the memes interspersed throughout the video 10/10 xD)

[@Inkwell]

Thanks for watching!

[@Runzi333]

Clip studio has fantastic tools for creating vector art for this style of work but has a bit of a learning curve. Much nicer than illustrator for folks used to drawing with a tablet imo!

[@annanamoose9943]

I love pins!! San Diego comic con is in a coupe weeks and thats where i usually pick up pins. I will definitely check out your Etsy shop when you're back from your break. and thanks for sharing your collections 🥰

[@Inkwell]

Maybe I'll see you at San Diego, it will be my first time there!

[@annanamoose9943]

​@@Inkwell Yeah!!! I'll be on the lookout for you when the exhibitor list come out. I'm there 4 days so I should have plenty of exploring time. It's a big gathering so I hope you have a great show. I forgot to mention I really like your artwork so I subscribed 👍🏼

[@itssowum]

But what is the SONG that comes in at 16:04 its while you're showcasing everything, it's so simplistic yet a vibe, The people need it STAT!

[@ViktorErikFade]

I'm getting used to how much pins are price wise as a consumer and possible future seller of them It would be insanely awesome to me to be able to design something and have a notable mascot enamel pin with me at the very least . This was fairly easy to follow and didn't muddy the intent like other informational videos that clog it with to much detail

[@kitty-lydiadye9922]

Your pin collection is gorgeous :)

[@felipeomeloo]

For this kind of video there should the option to like and favorite multiple times!!! Thank you very much foi this kind of content!

[@kupotenshi]

I didn't know there was a way to make the enamel pin not as shiny! I never enjoyed how enamel pins look drastically different based on how the light bounces off it, especially in delicate details like a face, having more of a matte finish would be ideal.

[@Daemonpool65]

The beat didn’t have to be so fire at the My Collection chapter gdm!

[@braceyoself_]

This video was so fascinating. Thanks for creating this and sharing so much with that degree of transparency.

[@DreadgateTCG]

I totally agree on illustrator. I hate using it if i don't have to.

[@AutumnMurder]

great video! lots of very useful information. Appreciate the transparency! Truly a great video with detailed info

[@Inkwell]

thanks so much for watching!

[@stephh_606]

Thanks so much for this! It's really helpful to see the price breakdown. Do the prices include shipping, or do you have to pay more on top of everything you've shown for shipping?

[@Inkwell]

This includes shipping, but depends on the place you go though

[@BraveLittlePixel]

Feel like I entered a whole new work watching this video, I can't even imagine people spending this much or getting so particular about art pin badges.

[@3amAfterlife]

I love pins too! So cool to see the process, thank you

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Thanks for this informative video. Your designs are fantastic!

[@lilililililililililililililily]

I love your art and have some of your prints! this video was on my recommended page and it wasn’t until halfway through that I realized who u were oops

[@Inkwell]

lol thanks for watching!

[@annb5378]

How do you how much product to bring to a convention? Would love a breakdown video on that.

[@ATian-ki6kv]

thank you for this video! seeing how people made merch always boggled my mind and this is So helpful! also the posture and poise of your face at one point reminds me of a brian jordan alvarez reel

[@Jessicaxspecter]

I love the first pin you showed it's so cute and creative. Also you're talking about "I love enamel pins yada yada..." boy I love YOU look at you you're so cute

[@melindawolfUS]

help from those who have old pins: does the metal discolor over time? Do colors fade if I wear them often outdoors? What kind of longevity should I expect?

[@JuliaFrost]

I have a question, have you had any experience with imitation hard enamel pins? I got a quote from a manufacturer today, but I didnt even know this was a thing. It has to do with the material used and the lower temperatures, which make the price lower as well. Thank you very much! Your videos are awesome!

[@firehorsewoman414]

Very nice video. Am curious what the price points jump to on pins that have moving parts, like your fish and the scarab you showed.

[@Inkwell]

The fish I believe cost 8 dollars a pin and we sold them for 25 so not a lot of profit there and it wasn’t even that large of a pin. The scarab I don’t know as it’s not my pin but I would guess pretty high as it’s so large.

[@firehorsewoman414]

@@Inkwell Can’t wait to see more content as you do a great job on your videos! I was thinking about pins for my business, so your video was very helpful. Thank you. Wish I had your talent.

[@fayyazb]

Thank you for sharing. Very insightful.

[@boylettuce1458]

i'm kind of curious how you break down the sales price of each pin based on the total of the design cost. im not very good at calculating that kind of thing so some insight would be helpful. ive been thinking of making pins so id like to absorb as much info as possible!

[@Kotafox93]

Yo we were both at 2022 anime con, I have the exclusive version of that mech battle cat, that's cool to see the variant to the one I have

[@ladysumner2907]

Wow you have soo many pins. I collect as well, I noticed you have some RossDraws pins! I have some too, def some of my fav ones.

[@Inkwell]

they are very good! I love them!

[@iatethecrayons]

you have no idea how much ive needed this video thank you so so much

[@bazomic]

Hope to see you at Dragon-Con again this year!

[@MissChibiArtist]

Ahh so helpful! Want to make pumpkin pin!

[@YAMZWorld]

so cool to see! Tahnk you for breaking that down. I love your collection!

[@lionsandtigersstore8814]

Your collection was great!

[@MrTayseanpwns]

Where do people get the paper backing for the pins made? Great vids as always!

[@Inkwell]

You can either have your pin manufacturer do them for you for an extra cost or have a 3rd party do them, I use to get vista print to make them using there business cards but anywhere that dose small format printing can work.

[@MrTayseanpwns]

Thank you!@@Inkwell

[@tidalboxer]

Your head movements are serving “I’m a snek… I’m a slithery lil sneeek” energy. 😂😂😂

[@vonnart]

Another great one Dustin! 💛

[@Inkwell]

😘😘😘

[@etoilel1109]

Just wanna say this video is super helpful!

[@karabismarck9342]

Very interesting and educational. One question: some pins had logomark on reverse. How is this indicated on the design and how much does it add to cost? Do you use this on your designs, and why or why not? Great job!

[@Inkwell]

Good question So you can put almost anything on the back, you would just send it to your manufacturer as a separate file typically,I know GDS charges you for the first time you get the logo done as a mold/stamp has to be made for that too but as long as it’s simple they don’t charge after that and will just keep putting your logo on all your designs no extra cost, I think most other manufacturers will charge a little extra per pin but it’s normal not a lot extra. As someone who also collects pins it’s great reminder for who designed the pin, I have a bunch of pins with no logos and for the life of me I can’t remember who made them and that always sucks specially when I might want to pick up another one.

[@ThedGrill]

I love you for this video, thanks man. I really wanted to go into enamel pin design.

[@alexsudati]

I liked, subscribed, saved to a playlist AND now I'm commenting. Honestly I applaud and appreciate you for the honesty and transparency, showing the price and all (just a tip, next time hide your e-mail, people are weird here in the interwebs). Anyway, tysm love your hair bye

[@Inkwell]

Thanks so much! The weird emails just end up being content for later 😈

[@ashleyeverything588]

Oh wow this video is awesome 👏🏾 so many creative pins . I seen so many I want to get now

[@laughandbelly]

anatomy lesson -------> yes please!!

[@harry486]

Can they supply them on the backing board or do you have to do that separately from your local print shop...?

[@zy2239]

Awesome video ! Could you do one about T-shirt and apparel manufacturing for cons ? Thanks a lot ❤❤❤

[@Inkwell]

It’s on the list!

[@zy2239]

@@Inkwell Superb , thanks a lot ! Your videos are a big help ☺️

[@CountPlanes]

Useful information, thank you

[@memopinzon]

Hey! This vid was super informative. I'd like to ask question, I need to get a hinged pin made (like the fish pin you showed) do you have any recommended manufacturers that offer that option? Thanks for the help.

[@memopinzon]

I hope you can help me out, I need low-profile hinges and it's going to be my first ever pin. It seems more complicated than regular pins and it seems not many manufacturers/middle men offer that option.

[@Inkwell]

I think most of them offer it, but it is pricy as your pretty much paying for two pins in one, but I go through galaxy design squad for them, and I liked the results. but I would just compare quotes from a few places for a pin that is that complicated.

[@memopinzon]

@@Inkwell Thanks! I'll ask GDS about pricing and options and find out if I can afford to make a small run. I might compare quotes but it's good to see an actual pin as proof like your fish. Thanks for the help and all the info in your video!

[@mikk4]

YES, DO MORE VIDEOS

[@Inkwell]

I will do my best! Thanks for watching

[@tatianaquigley7534]

Thank you convention sensei

[@Inkwell]

Ahhhhh idk about that but thank you!

[@outtadate]

Im curious, cant seem to find info anywhere. Can they make them the other way around, meaning the enamel colour would be the outline of the design instead of the inside?

[@mapotofu9830]

You mention that there may be inconsistencies between batches, do you retake photos or describe this in your online listing descriptions? That happens to me too so I'm wondering if I should note it in my listings or if buyers generally don't care

[@DevinElleKurtzArt]

This is a great video!

[@Inkwell]

Ahhhhh thank you Devin! I’m still trying to get comfortable in front of a camera 🤧

[@otakuson98]

I'm an baby too this, I would love some tips please.