What are campaign buttons?

Campaign buttons are a common way to show support for a political candidate or cause. They come in various sizes and styles, but the classic round pin-back button is the most well-known.

A campaign button can be broken down into five parts, as pictured below:

1. Protective plastic casing
   
2. Printed design
   
3. White vinyl
   
4. Metal plate
   
5. Pin-backing
   

Campaign buttons have been used since the early 1800s as a popular form of political expression during election season. They often feature photos or slogans to promote candidates or causes that voters may want to support.

The simplicity of campaign buttons makes them a great choice for anyone wanting to make their voice heard without saying a word.

Whether you're showing support for your favorite presidential candidate or displaying a message about an issue you care about, making campaign buttons is an effective way to get your point across quickly and clearly.

History of Campaign Buttons

Campaign buttons have been a popular way to express political opinion since the early 1800s, even during George Washington’s inauguration.

The first known photo on a pin dates back to Abraham Lincoln in 1860. But it wasn’t until nearly 40 years later that mass-produced campaign buttons appeared, specifically during the McKinley vs. Bryan race in 1896. The safety-pin-style buttons we know today were first used in 1916.

As button-making technology improved, printed buttons became more affordable and widely used. But the overall design has remained the same: small, circular pins with slogans, images, or messages to promote candidates or causes. They're usually produced by campaign teams and handed out to members and supporters.

Designing a Campaign Button

While campaign button designs can be fairly traditional, there's still room for creativity, especially when you design your own custom buttons.

Start by thinking about your button’s purpose. Most aim to increase visibility and communicate a key message or slogan.

To do that effectively, the best designs are simple, with bold colors and clear wording. Avoid overly detailed artwork or hard-to-read fonts. Embrace white space and clean lines. Free design tools like Canva or Graphic are great for getting started.

Don’t forget to factor in the size of your button, it determines how much space you have. Button sizes are usually standardized, ranging from 1 inch to 2.25 inches.

Uses for Campaign Buttons

Campaign buttons are most often used to show support for a political candidate during an election. But you don’t have to be running for office to use campaign buttons. They’re great for promoting different kinds of campaigns, causes, or movements.

There’s a reason campaign buttons have become such a staple in political culture, they let people make a statement without saying a word. By displaying buttons on jackets, hats, backpacks, or bags, people can express their opinions quickly and clearly.

Campaign buttons can also be used as collector’s items or keepsakes, more on that below.

Collecting Campaign Buttons

Many people enjoy collecting campaign buttons for different reasons. Some focus on specific elections or candidates, while others collect them as souvenirs from past events. Check out this amazing collection from the Harvard Kennedy School.

If you’re collecting, consider both the condition and rarity of the button. Vintage buttons with unique designs are often highly sought after. Be aware that some older buttons may contain outdated or offensive imagery, so it’s a good idea to research before buying.

The Future of Campaign Buttons

As technology evolves, so does the way we use campaign buttons. Digital buttons are gaining popularity on social media and online platforms. They're a quick way to show support or share a message with a wide audience.

While digital versions may become more common, traditional round pin-back buttons still hold a special place in political campaigns. They remain iconic symbols of civic participation and are easy ways for people to express their views.

You’ll likely see more crossover between digital and physical buttons, like scannable QR codes that link to campaign websites or petitions.

Campaign buttons are a timeless and powerful way to share your beliefs or support a cause. Whether for an election, activism, personal expression, or collecting, these buttons offer something tangible that digital tools just can’t replace.

With the right design and message, you can create memorable marketing pieces that last long after the campaign ends. So what are you waiting for? Get creative and get yourself custom campaign button today!