Guide
Design a souvenir fridge magnet that reads at shelf scale
Begin with finished size and viewing distance, then simplify the landmark, text and color treatment for the chosen process.
Start with the display size
Design at the finished scale rather than an enlarged reference. Define the silhouette, the focal point, the viewing distance, the essential text and a safe edge area before detail is added. Detail that looks clear on a large screen can disappear at the actual product size, so the artwork must be judged at finished scale against the confirmed process.
| Decision | Why it matters | Buyer input | Evidence to review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size and shape | The finished dimensions set how much detail, text and color the artwork can carry before it becomes unreadable at shelf scale. | Overall finished dimensions and outline shape, plus the intended display orientation. | A proof or sample drawn at the actual finished size, not an enlarged reference that hides legibility problems. |
| Primary landmark or subject | A single clear focal point reads faster than several competing elements when the magnet is viewed from a distance. | The landmark, icon, mascot or motif that must be recognizable first, and any supporting elements. | A simplified interpretation that keeps the identifying feature without detail that disappears at finished size. |
| Text hierarchy | Name, place, price or code text competes for space and must be ordered by importance so the essential copy survives. | Required text in priority order, plus the languages that must appear. | Text set at actual size on the confirmed proof or sample, reviewed for readability at the intended viewing distance. |
| Edge and attachment area | The outer edge and rear attachment zone can restrict artwork bleed, raised detail and magnet placement. | Requested edge treatment, rear marks and backing type. | A proof that shows the safe artwork area, edge limit and backing position together. |
| Retail viewing context | Shelf height, lighting, packaging and display method change how the artwork is actually seen by a buyer. | Target retail position, display method and packaging relationship. | A packed or displayed sample reviewed under conditions close to the intended retail environment. |
Choose relief, color and text
Separated enamel-style color, printed full-color artwork and relief or sculpted direction are options to evaluate, not guaranteed capabilities. Compare metal finish directions for enamel, plating, painted and antique surface options. Gradients, fine lines and small text depend on the confirmed process, so each direction must be checked with a same-size proof and, where required, a physical sample before artwork is committed to tooling.
Separated enamel-style color
Uses defined color areas to separate graphic regions. Suitability depends on color count, area size and the confirmed process. Review a same-size proof and, where required, a physical sample.
Printed full-color artwork
Can carry gradients and photographic detail. Gradients, fine lines and small text depend on the confirmed print method, resolution and protective finish. Confirm with a same-size color proof.
Relief or sculpted direction
Uses modeled contours for architecture, mascots or sculptural subjects. Depth, undercuts and thin structures require engineering review and approval of the sculpted interpretation.
Prepare approval files
Keep a clear approval record for the artwork package: version name and date, dimensions, color references, front and back views, backing position, packaging relationship, and confirmation of buyer rights and permissions for logos, characters, photographs and protected landmarks. A screen proof is not automatically a physical sample or a production guarantee; the confirmed proof or sample route must be reviewed before bulk production.
Approval file checklist
- Version name and date
- Finished dimensions
- Color references and acceptable variation
- Front and back views
- Backing position
- Packaging relationship
- Buyer rights and permissions
- Clear approval record
Project brief at a glance
What is this page for?
Reduce revisions by designing the artwork for finished product size and the confirmed decoration process.
What should a buyer provide?
Finished size, intended viewing context, source artwork, required text, color references, relief or print direction, backing, packaging and required date.
What is not assumed?
Minimum detail, minimum text size, color matching, process capability, sample route and timing remain project-specific until evidence is reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
What artwork file is needed?
+
Provide the best available vector or high-resolution source file, plus fonts or outlined text, color references, finished dimensions and any licensing restrictions. The supplier must confirm what is usable for the selected process.
How small can the text be?
+
There is no universal size on this page. Readability depends on finished size, font, contrast, relief or print process and viewing context. Approve text at actual size using the confirmed proof or sample route.
How do gradients work?
+
Gradients are generally associated with print rather than separated color fills, but the available route and reproduction must be confirmed for the project. Review a same-size proof and, where required, a physical sample.
Can a photograph become a relief magnet?
+
A photograph can inform the concept, but relief requires deliberate simplification, depth decisions and approval of the sculpted interpretation. Do not treat an automatic conversion as production-ready artwork.
Check my artwork
Send the finished size, source artwork, required text, color references, preferred process, backing, packaging and required date.