For Great Patches, Unleash Your Imagination

If you’ve spent any time at all on our site, you’ve probably noticed that we promote creativity when you’re designing your patches. Creativity is the heart and soul of great custom patches. We’re always thinking of new ways to say things, new art to express an idea, and new designs to help you reach your marketing goals.

See, we believe everyone is innately creative. You have amazing powers to craft fantastic looking custom patches. All you have to do is tap into your inner resources. With just a little bit of guidance, anyone can design outstanding patches.

First Step: Think!

“Sounds great,” you might be saying, “but how do I channel my creative mind into producing a great patch design?”

Well, you can start by thinking about what you want your patch to convey. Do you want a drawing, design or logo to represent an organization or idea? Or are you just looking for a simple name patch for a uniform? The intent matters.

Music Helps

Don’t be afraid to take some time for this part. Brainstorm a bit. Put on some music that inspires you and gets your creative juices flowing. You might be surprised to learn how much listening to music can release your imagination to come up with new ideas.

It doesn’t matter what you listen to, as long as it is meaningful to you. Bach, Beatles, bebop or Bad Bunny, just let it inspire you. Hey, if I’m on deadline, you’ll often find me writing to the operatic wails of Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell.” Whatever works for you is fine.

If you’re not satisfied with your first design idea, don’t stress out. Keep working on it. You might find just the right look with a simple modification to your original idea. Or you might choose to scrap it and start over. Either way, our talented graphic artists will be glad to help you refine it to the perfect design for you. Keep in mind that we don’t charge for artwork or revisions. You can experiment with your design until it’s exactly what you want, before production begins.

The Messages Patches Can Convey

Patches haven’t always been about their message. Their beginnings were strictly utilitarian. Patches were nothing more than a way to extend the life of clothing. In the 20th century, uniform patches became common, as a way to identify company employees, particularly service workers.

For most of history, a patched garment patch was a symbol of poverty. You patched up what you had if you couldn’t afford to buy new clothing. That’s no longer the case.

From those humble beginnings, embroidered patches gradually became more, a symbol of rebellion. Following World War II, motorcycle clubs adopted patches for their jackets and vests to show membership.

The rebellious image expanded in the 1960s, with the advent of protests against the Vietnam War. Denim jackets bearing patches with antiwar message became common streetwear.

Custom patches saw another boost in popularity in the mid- and late 1970s. Punk rock bands, rebelling against the rise of disco music, began wearing ripped clothing, safety pins and other items, including patches, as a symbol of their opposition to the status quo.

One popular patch of the time quoted an Elvis Costello lyric: “I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused.” It summed up the attitude of the times. Today’s patches continue to signify unique and/or rebel attitudes.

Today, even haute couture designers embellish their runway garments with patches.

Creative Design Ideas: Never Mind the Box

When you’re designing your patches, many people will advise you to “think outside the box.” Not us. We say forget the box. The box doesn’t exist. Even your cat says there’s no box. Consider the most amazing, unexpected out of the ordinary ideas you can come up with.

One More Thing About That Box…

“Think Outside the Box” is a tired old cliché. You want to avoid clichés like the … well, you know.

You won’t win new customers, team members or supporters with tired old ideas. Look around. See things in a different light. If you’re thinking of a cliché, try to find some way to turn it sideways. For example, a new, smaller computer could be “a block off the old chip.”

We’re not just talking about words, either. Images too can be clichés. Keep thinking creatively to avoid them.

Don’t settle for the first idea that comes to mind for your patch design. If your organization has a long-term logo or key image, take a hard look and see if you need to update it. Modern fonts and imagery go a long way toward catching buyers’ eyes.

A Word About Patch Size

We understand you might have a specific patch size in mind, and that’s fine. We’re happy to make your patches in whatever size works best for your needs. You might want to consider going a little bit larger than you originally planned, however. A bigger patch gives your design a cleaner look, and it gives you more room for additional design elements as well.

Color Creates Context

You can create a patch design in simple black and white if you want. But if you want to make a bold impression, add more color. Color really helps your design stand out. We offer up to 7 colors free, so what do you have to lose?

It’s Up to You

You have complete control of your patch design. Don’t be afraid to try new shapes, colors, sizes and backing methods. The only limit to your design is your imagination. Let it run free and you’ll create fantastic looking patch designs.

Count on Us

We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have about patch design, production, styles and any other patch concerns. Feel free to call us toll free at (866) 847-2824, or email us with your questions. If you have design in mind – whether fully developed or just an idea or sketch – fill out our no-obligation free quote form and we’ll promptly send you a free digital proof of your design.

When you’re ready to order new patches, let us know. We’re here to help you unleash your creativity and craft great looking custom patches!