How to Choose Custom Pins, Buttons & Name Badges
A name badge makes introductions easier. A button gives people something to talk about. A lapel pin marks a milestone.
They’re all small enough to wear. What matters is what you want them to do.
Name Badges
Choose a name badge when people need to know who they’re talking to. Think front desks, event volunteers, and teams that meet customers every day.
Make the name the largest thing on the badge. Use a clear typeface and strong contrast. Add a logo and, if it helps people know whom to ask, a short role or department. Check the layout with your longest name before approving it.
Magnetic backing is worth considering for everyday wear. It holds the badge in place without putting a hole in a shirt or jacket.
Names and job titles shown on the sample badges are fictional.
Buttons
Choose a button for a fundraiser, a campus event, or any occasion where you want people to wear a message and start a conversation.
A few words are usually enough. If you have a good illustration, give it room to do the work. The opossum button here doesn’t need a slogan. You’re probably already wondering what’s in the can.
Keep the important details away from the edge, and look at the design at its finished size before you approve it.
Lapel Pins
Choose a lapel pin when there’s something to recognize: a work anniversary, a graduating class, or a milestone your team reached together.
Start with one recognizable mark. A simple emblem with “10 Years” can say plenty. If your logo has fine lines or a long tagline, try a simpler version. Review it at the actual pin size to see what still reads clearly.
Plan Your Order
Have these four things handy:
The product you’re considering and how you’ll use it
How many you need
Your artwork, or a name and title list for badges
The date you need the finished pieces in hand
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Send My Badge Names?
Use a spreadsheet with one person per row. Put the name and title in separate columns, and type each exactly as it should appear.
What If I Only Have a Logo Image?
Send the best file you have. A vector logo is helpful if you have one. A small web image may need to be cleaned up or simplified, especially for a lapel pin.
How Many Do I Need to Order?
Minimum quantities and production times vary by product and style. Share your estimate and the date you need everything so we can narrow down the options.
Not sure which piece fits what you’re planning? Talk it through with Stacy. A rough quantity and a date are enough to get started.