Greetings

18 May

Welcome to Buttonhead.org! My name is Ali, and I make custom pinback buttons (badges), magnets, mirrors, and temporary tattoos for artists, small businesses, parties, and events. On this website you will find behind-the-scenes Buttonhead secrets, news, updates, press, promotions and customer resources. I have also created a library of how-to’s for indie business owners and self-employed artists. I hope you find the information inspiring and the extras entertaining.

Please be sure to leave a comment, subscribe to the RSS updates, and feel free to add me to your favorite social networks, so we can stay in touch. I look forward to connecting with you!

Ali (Buttonhead)

How To Design a Button in Photoshop

17 May

Want to create and submit your own designs? Check out this video tutorial to learn how to take your ideas from concept to print. This technique can be applied to any of the button products made with the Tecre brand button equipment (including button pins, magnets, pocket mirrors, etc).

You will need to download my templates and have a copy of Photoshop to work with the files. When your design(s) are ready, you may place an order in my web shop and upload your printer-ready artwork. Please note: Creation or setup of 1 design is included with every (non-tattoo) order, so you are not required to do this. If you would like to use more than 1 design for no extra charge — or if you simply prefer to create your own designs — your artwork must be submitted using my templates in full page print-ready layout for the entire order. This video will demonstrate exactly how.

Here also are a few additional resources to help you ensure the best possible results:

Download Button Templates

Image Resolution, Print Size, and Print Quality (Article)

Digital Print Color Management (Article)

How To Zip Your Files (Article)

Buttonhead Custom Sticker Labels

14 Oct

Buttonhead Custom Sticker Label Set
For years, my clients have requested that I make custom stickers. I’ve always loved the idea, but label printers are hella expensive, and running 8.5”x11” label sheets through my laser printer just seemed haphazard and half-hearted. After thinking it over for several months, I finally decided to take the leap and invest in a professional grade label printer. I am so happy with the quality! The color is outstanding, and the labels themselves are impressively durable. Right now, I’m starting out with 3 sizes: 1.5” Round, 2”x2” Square, and 3”x2” Rectangle.

Buttonhead custom sticker labels are available now on Etsy!

Digital Print Color Management

26 Aug

From Screen to Print
This neon green graphic looks great on my computer screen! I’m going to print it out and hang it on my wall. *Print Print* Bummer! My neon green looks like puke green in print. What happened?! Never fear. Buttonhead is here to break down the basics of print color management for you. This article will explain the differences between screen and print color, discuss printing processes, and offer solutions on how to manage your workflow to get the best possible print color result.

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Image Resolution, Print Size, and Print Quality

26 Aug

Why Does Image Resolution Matter?
Have you ever saved an internet image and tried to print it on your home computer? The image looks huge on your computer screen, but it looks tiny on paper! Why?! The answer is: Image resolution and size. This article will briefly explain the basics about image resolution, how it affects print size, and what you can do to ensure the best possible quality of your print images.

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Freebie Button for July

1 Jul

Watergun Freebie Button for July

Each month, I create a totally exclusive freebie button to include every order. It’s just a small way for me to say thanks for your support. Typically, the freebie button design is revealed only through my monthly newsletter. For everyone else, it’s a surprise with your order! This month, the newsletter is on hiatus, because I have been very busy moving my shop to it’s new location. So, here is a preview of the July watergun freebie button for everyone. To find out what the freebie button will be next month (and forever!), sign up for my monthly newsletter to get the inside scoop!