Design and Submit
Whether you are a button beginner or a professional designer, Buttonhead will work with you to create awesome pinback buttons, magnets, mirrors, and more. Easy ordering, friendly interaction, good quality, and fast production are what I’m all about.
If you have existing artwork and basic Photoshop skills, you can download easy-to-use templates to set up your design and submit multiple files. You can also get button design tips from a pro (that’s me!) and answer FAQ’s using the resources below.
Wait! No design experience? No problem. Send info about your project to:
ali [at] buttonhead .org
Please include design ideas, photos, size, and quantity.
Download Design Templates:
1″ , 1.5″ , 2.25″
Download Page Templates:
1″ , 1.5″ , 2.25″
Design Template Overview
Button Face:
The main design area
Button Edge (Text Optional):
The visible edge area
Button Bleed (Hidden):
The bleed area that is crunched between the shell and the collet during production.
Guidelines:
To be used as a design guide only. Please turn off the layer prior to submission.
Hidden Areas:
Each button design has visible and hidden areas on the template. Designs placed on the Button Face and Button Edge areas will be visible on the final item. The Button Bleed is for production purposes only. Even though this area will not be visible on the final item, it should be consistent with the rest of the design to allow for production cropping.
Edge Text:
Each downloadable design template includes an area for optional edge text that wraps around the edge of a button item. It’s important to note that the edge width is only around ½ inch and requires precision of use. Edge text works best on a design with a plain white (or light) background, so that the text can be clear and effective in such a small space. Adding edge text to a dark or pattern background will not produce the best quality print. Making adjustments to the font type and size is also not recommended. The templates provided are set to produce the best possible final product.
Color Management
Keeping color consistency from screen to print requires awareness and communication. It can be challenging to match our RGB screen vision to a CMYK print. For best results, I recommend creating your design in sRGB (template preset), then previewing in CMYK (SWOP) to anticipate the final color result. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Presentation Tips
When in doubt, simplify! The best designs are clear and concise. Always keep the size of your final item in mind. Design ideas are big, but buttons are small. It’s also a good idea to let purpose guide the design process. What will the final item be used for? If it’s a promotional event, what information do you need to emphasize? If it’s a gift, is it appropriate to add your text contact information? Consider the audience first and foremost. The best keepsake is the one everyone will want to keep.
Multiple Design Orders
If your artwork is 100% printer ready (exact diameter, .PSD format, guidelines/hidden layers turned off, sRGB Profile), you may submit up to 5 design files. If you have more than 5 designs, you can download the Button Page Templates, layout each page for print, and submit an unlimited number of page files. Good deal!
File Submission
The preferred file format for submission is the Buttonhead .PSD template, unmerged with the guideline layer turned off. Keeping this consistency helps to ensure color management and streamlined production. Files submissions can be e-mailed to: submit [at] buttonhead .org . Please allow a minimum of 1 day for review.
File Specifications
- Minimum Resolution: 300 ppi
- File Formats: .PSD (preferred), .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .TIFF, .BMP, .JPG
- Color Profile: sRGB / RGB/8
- 1” Buttons/Magnets: 0.875” Button Face + 0.438” Button Edge = 1.313” Diameter
- 1.5” Buttons/Magnets: 1.375” Button Face + 0.462” Button Edge = 1.837” Diameter
- 2.25” Buttons/Magnets/Mirrors: 2.125” Button Face + 0.502” Button Edge = 2.627” Diameter
Contact
Questions? Comments?
E-mail ali [at] buttonhead .org
I’m nice!
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