Table of contents
Summary
In collaboration with Surrey Wildlife Trust, I had the incredible opportunity to design an exclusive enamel pin that celebrates local wildlife and conservation efforts. After exploring various species found across the Trust’s sites, we ultimately chose the badger, a fitting symbol as it represents The Wildlife Trust. The design process combined the simplicity of traditional enamel pins with intricate details, such as fur texture and bluebell accents, to bring the artwork to life.
Sustainability was a key focus, leading us to print the pin on eco-friendly metal in the UK. This special pin serves as a limited-time membership gift, encouraging new members to support wildlife preservation. Seeing the final product featured in promotional materials was truly rewarding, and I loved working with Surrey Wildlife Trust on this meaningful project.
A Dream Collaboration with Surrey Wildlife Trust
My wildlife lover dreams came true when I received an unexpected email from The Surrey Wildlife Trust expressing admiration for my enamel pin designs. Our collaborative journey took flight as we explored the diverse wildlife thriving across their sites in the stunning Surrey Hills which they wanted me to capture in an exclusive enamel pin design and feature the Hills in the background.
This bespoke pin would serve as a special membership gift, available for a limited time to those joining The Wildlife Trust community—a meaningful way to support conservation efforts and celebrate nature’wonders. .
Bringing the Badger to Life: Design Process and Inspiration
I mocked up a series of pin shapes on Procreate; a digital drawing software I use on my Ipad with an Apple Pencil. Each design featured a variety of species my client had noted across their sites. The goal was to represent the diverse wildlife found within the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s habitats, but ultimately, they fell in love with the badger design. We felt it was the perfect choice, as the badger is already an iconic symbol of The Wildlife Trust. To give it a distinctive and timeless look, we opted for a simple, block-colour design, much like traditional enamel pins. However, we were able to elevate it further by adding intricate details, such as the texture of the fur and a pop of colour from the bluebells. This extra detail helped bring the pin to life, capturing both the charm and grit of this beloved animal while still maintaining the elegance and simplicity of the pin style. It was a true balance between conservation and artistic expression, and we were thrilled with the result.
Designing with Purpose for Surrey Wildlife Trust
One of the initial design aspects I envisioned was leaving the text with the raw beauty of exposed metal. However, as the project evolved, we decided to print the text in white , ensuring clarity and elegance before production.
This project, from dream client to eco-conscious design , stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in conservation. I had always hoped to work with The Wildlife Trust , and creating a physical product that symbolizes a commitment to preserving Surrey’s natural wonders was truly rewarding.
As these enamel pins find their way into the hands of new Wildlife Trust members, they carry a piece of Surrey’s wild beauty and a shared dedication to its protection . A small pin , perhaps, but one with a big impact —a symbol of the collective journey toward a greener, more sustainable future . Wearing these pins allows people to share their passion for the natural world and inspire others to cherish it too.
Sustainable Design for Wildlife Trust
The initial plan was to create an enamel pin design; after all, they had been inspired by my previous designs, but we uncovered that enamel pins can only be manufactured overseas due to a lack of equipment and skills here, as well as the chemicals used in the process. envisioned the pin in traditional enamel.
Our commitment to eco-friendliness led us to explore alternative materials, and the final decision was to print in the UK on eco-friendly metal, ensuring the design retained the charm and simplicity of an enamel pin while aligning with our environmental values. This choice reflects The Wildlife Trust’s mission to protect nature, proving that even small design decisions can make a big impact on conservation and sustainable practices.
A Rewarding Collaboration
Bringing Surrey Wildlife Trust’s vision to life was a dream come true. Every nature lover knows about The Wildlife Trust, so as a wildlife illustrator, it was on my dream client list. Seeing the final enamel pin featured in their promotional materials was truly exciting, and I finally felt real that I had created something for THE Wildlife Trust. Also wonderful knowing it would help inspire new members to support wildlife conservation and my design become a part of their pin collection. I absolutely loved working with them and hope to collaborate again in the future to create more designs that celebrate and protect British Wildlife.
Client Testimony
"We worked with Ferne to create illustrations for a pin badge design. Her illustrations are amazing, and she was incredibly helpful and great to work with through the whole process."
The Author: Ferne Glannan-MacRae
Ferne Glannan-MacRae is a wildlife illustrator and designer with a passion for British wildlife and conservation. She creates intricate digital artwork on her iPad, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Before going freelance in 2022, Ferne honed her skills during six years in the print industry as a designer. With a background in wildlife photography, her work is deeply rooted in a love for nature and a commitment to raising awareness for wildlife on our doorstep.
How can I commission a wildlife-inspired design?
If you're interested in a custom wildlife design, simply reach out via my contact page or email ferne@fernecreative.com. Share your ideas, and we’ll discuss the best way to bring them to life!
Do you only work with wildlife organizations?
No! While I love collaborating with wildlife organisations and conservation groups, I’m also open to working with independent artists, brands, and businesses that share a passion for nature and sustainability.
How much does a wildlife commission cost?
The cost varies depending on complexity, materials, and production requirements. As I am so busy custom designs start from £100 but are quoted based on the time it will take to draw and design your project. I can provide a personalised quote after discussing your project.
Can I buy this Wildlife Pin?
This particular design was created exclusively for The Surrey Wildlife Trust, so they are only available for direct purchase through them. However, check out my shop for any available pins and limited editions here.
