JEN GEROSO

I was asked to help create a series of pins for the newly developed SeaWorld Pin-Trading Program. The pins needed to appeal to all ages, and the design needed to stand out on a lanyard despite being sized at 1.5 inches. I was given a list of animals and a theme: hot air balloon.

My initial designs featured the animals as the balloon itself, with pennant banners and the basket providing the pops of color. Upon review, the client requested more color be used. I redesigned the pins to have the animals in the basket with the focus being on the colorful designs on the balloons. Adding glitter to the enamel was an inexpensive way to create a higher perceived value for the consumer.

The pins were well received by the client and public! I was happy to read positive feedback on the client’s Instagram, as well as their unofficial pin-trading Facebook groups. I went on to design SeaWorld’s official Pin-Trading logo and packaging, and was asked to collaborate on more than 10 pin series after that for both SeaWorld and their sister company, Busch Gardens.