Meet the Liverpool Designer putting pin badges on the stars

Find out why Prince William, Simon Cowel and Jurgen Klopp are wearing pin badges designed right here in Liverpool.

What started out as a hobby while working at Mattas International Food store on Bold Street, designing and creating pin badges has put Scouser and owner of Pin Head, Amy Collins on firmly on the international collectables map.

Pin Badges have long had their place as collectable merchandise. From the stands of the footy stadiums to the jackets of teens at gigs, showing your support and passion in a pin has remained a trend since the 1970’s. Former Art student Amy was looking for a creative outlet having worked in retail for many years and was inspired by graphic designers on Instagram.

Amy explained: “Designing and supplying pins has given me so much; a creative outlet, a number of wonderful communities to be part of, a way of networking with some of the coolest and most interesting people I’ve ever met.

Amy’s designs have won her work right across the city working will well known brands. She’s created bespoke pin badges for the likes of Mowgli, Bongo’s Bingo, Filter & Fox, Love Thy Neighbour, Ghetto Golf and more.

Pin Head also picked up international support following an Instagram post, she explained: “A sketch I shared on Instagram caught the attention of a graphic designer Arzie in Atlanta. He asked could we collaborate and the pin was such a hit that we released a full range together. Not only is this an adorable little pin but it reminds me of one of the most exciting times in the Pin Head story. ”

Just a quick browse of the Pin Head online Etsy store showcases pin badges of retro cartoons, cult film characters, musical icons, pride flags, superheroes, scouse-isms and many more. (Our current fave is Zig & Zag).

Amy also immortalised the famous icons of Bongo’s Bingo earlier this year. Amy worked closely with Johnny and the team to create a bespoke set of 9 pins based on the characters associated with the city’s most raucous night out. Unsurprisingly the set has gone down a storm, catapulting Amy’s incredibly details designs from local clubs to the big screen.

Amy said: ” In terms of celebrities I’ve been really lucky. My second pin release was inspired by Danny Trejo’s cameo appearance in Breaking Bad. His son Gilbert (appeared in Machete with his father) bought one as a gift for his dad and sent me a photo of him wearing it. I’m not gonna lie, my head pretty much fell off.

“Also since then, due to the success of the Megan Hurley charity pin I co-created with her brother Bradley, there are photos of Simon Cowell (worn on last years Xfactor final) Prince William, Jurgen Klopp, Robbie Williams, Usain Bolt and lots more holding/wearing their pins in support. Comedian and Actor, Matt Lucas is also a fan.”

2018 sees Pin Head business go from strength to strength as Amy begins a collaboration with Liverpool Box. Creating gift boxes filled with collections from local artists, this initiative has given Amy the chance to design some brand new Liverpool-centric pins (which we think are hilarious) with LFC and EFC due out in the coming weeks.

Amy continued: “I’m really focusing on more local designs at the moment as the people of Liverpool are really embracing the pin trend more than ever. So far I have confirmed to trade at the Pop Up At The Palm House Christmas fair but I’ve no doubt I’ll be making an appearance in the Baltic Market over the next couple of months which is fast becoming my second home.”

Pin Head accepts custom orders of 100 pins of more and has a three week turn around as standard. To view her work at Pin Head, go to www.pinheaduk.com and check out the link to the Etsy Store to buy pins, cards and gifts online. You can follow Pin Head on Instagram here. 

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