Are you looking for a way to show your support for a political candidate or cause? Then why not make campaign badges! Campaign badges are an effective and popular way to support your cause or campaign, and they can be made in just a few simple steps. Whether you want to use the DIY method or go with a professional printer, making custom campaign badges is both affordable and enjoyable. So let's explore your options.
Recommended reading: What is a campaign badge?
Create a badge design
Before we jump into the intricacies or choosing the right approach for you, we need to focus on creating a design for your campaign badges. No matter your chosen approach, they all begin with your custom design.
The beauty of getting badges custom-made is that you are in control and can create any design you can think of. And with free online tools such as Canva or Graphic, you don't even have to be a design pro. However, some expert advice can't hurt. Keep the below tips in mind to ace your campaign button design:
- Keep it simple: Badges are a small canvas and should be treated as such. Include only the most essential information, such as your message or logo.
- Choose colours wisely: Bright, bold colours can help make your design pop out from afar, while neutral tones give it a more professional look.
- Select bold fonts: Make sure your text is easily read, even from a distance. Intricate fonts might be pretty, but they can make it more difficult to decipher your slogan or statement.
- Use high-resolution photos: A blurry image won't look good on a badge, so make sure you use only clear and crisp images.
- Embrace white space: Keep everything neat and organised by leaving some areas open or blank. This will help draw attention to the most important elements on your badge.
- Optional: Include QR codes: If you want to direct people to a website, a petition, or an online platform, consider adding a QR code to your design. These are easily scannable and won't take up too much design space.
Choose your method
Once you have a design your are happy with, it is time to think about how you want to create badges to ensure you choose the perfect badges for your next event. Here are your options:
- The DIY approach
- Badge machine
- Professional printing
We will break down how each works, what materials and equipment you need and the benefits and disadvantages of each approach.
The DIY approach
What you need
A material to print on, a printer, scissors or a knife, cutting matte, badge casings
How it works
The first step is to print out your design onto your chosen material. You can use regular paper, cardstock, or even coloured vinyl for this. Ensure that you are happy with the print quality your printer provides.
Once you have printed your designs, it is time to cut them in a circle shape using a knife or scissors. You can speed up this process by selecting adhesive-backed, pre-cut circle sheets that are made especially for printing at home. This guarantees a precise cut and simplifies attaching the design to your badge.
This is the next and final step. Open the badge casing and insert your printed design. Then simply clip them shut and start using them!
Benefits
The DIY approach is probably the most economical option, as you don't need to purchase any special equipment besides the material and the badge casings. It is also a great way to get creative and customise your badges exactly how you want them.
Disadvantages
The DIY approach can be time-consuming, especially when catering to a large campaign. It also requires some level of skill and precision when it comes to cutting and attaching the design, which might not be suitable for all.
Badge machine
What you need
A material to print on, a printer, scissors or a knife, cutting matte, badge machine and badge casings
How it works
Making campaign badges with a badge machine is very similar to the DIY approach, as you still need to print and cut your design on your chosen material. However, it requires less skill and precision when it comes to actually making the buttons.
Once you have your design ready, it is time to use the badge machine. Simply insert the badge backing, your printed material with your design face up and the clear protective plastic layer into the button machine and press down firmly. The machine will cut and crimp around the shape of your design to create beautiful campaign buttons that are ready to be distributed.
Benefits
The badge machine is a great solution for anyone who needs to make badges in large quantities. It is much faster and easier to use than the DIY approach, as you don't have to cut or attach anything manually. They can also produce high-quality buttons with perfect edges and precise designs.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of using a badge machine is the price. While it is still affordable, it is not as economical as the DIY approach, and you will need to invest in the equipment.
Professional Printing
What you need
Your design
How it works
The simplest way to get campaign badges made is by using a professional printing service. All you have to do is provide them with your custom design.
When you place your order, you can select from a range of standard badge sizes and choose the quantity you need. The more badges you order, the cheaper each individual button will be.
After placing your order, you will be sent a design proof showing what your buttons will look like when printed. Here, you can ask for changes to your design or approve it straightway. Once you have approved your design, your campaign buttons are usually ready to ship within 4 working days.
Benefits
This approach is the quickest and most hassle-free way to make your campaign badges. Professional printing services can produce high-quality badges with perfect edges at an affordable price.
Disadvantages
The only disadvantage of a professional printing service is their lead and shipping times. It usually takes up to seven working days to receive your badges, so this might not be suitable for urgent campaigns.
Creating campaign badges is an effective way to spread your message and promote your cause. Whether you opt for the DIY approach, a button machine or a professional printing service, there are plenty of options available that can help you achieve the desired result.
With careful consideration of what suits best for each individual situation, one can make informed decisions when it comes to creating their own customised campaign buttons. So why not give it a try today? Take action now and create some amazing-looking pins to get people talking about your cause!