A picture is worth a thousand words, and you can include one in your pin design. Think about the types of symbols and images you can use in your design. What symbols represent veterans and or gratitude? How will you incorporate them into your 3D design?

Will your pin have text? If the answer is “yes,” what will your pin say, and how will it communicate your message?  Will you use letters, braille, or something else? Will you use an existing font or create your own? You have limited space, so choose your letters/words wisely. 

Pins can dangle, bobble, sway, slide, and spin. Will your design include movement? Dangle pins typically have an extension from the base of the pin that hands from small loops of chains. Bobble pins use a spring to create their giggly motion. Slider pins have a piece that slides back and forth across the base of a pin. Spinner pins have parts that can move 360 degrees. What kind of moving pin will you choose, and how will your design make it happen?

Whether you use pastels, primary, bright or dark colors, color choice can have meaning. For example, light red or pink often represents love, and red, white and blue represent freedom. Being intentional with the color of your 3D print can bring an added layer of meaning to your pin.

Three-dimensional objects have width, height, and depth. How will you vary the size of your height, width, and depth to bring your pin idea to life? Will your pin be flat, or will it pop out like 3D sculpted object?

Print-in-place models are unique 3D models with hinges, links, and joints that create movable parts in one print. With this design style, your pin could flex, bend, and move. If you want your pin to have mobility, print-in-place could be a good option.