Unit Crest: Production Illustrations

One of my first product illustrations for a client proof. A Unit Crest is a type of distinctive unit insignia made of metal typically no larger than 1 1/4″ that is worn by members of the military, or ROTC as in this case. The company I work for specializes in insignia of varying kinds, including custom insignia. When an order comes in for custom insignia the process usually go along the following lines:

The client describes what they would like the insignia to look like to a sales representative. Visual aids are often sent in, or references are made to existing insignia designs.
The sales rep. gathers all descriptive data and sends it to the Graphics Department manager who assigns the project to a designer. This designer is forwarded all descriptive data and begins the design.
Some product designs are completely custom, while other designs can quickly be frankensteined from previous work or templates. The designer utilizes various creative software to compose concept drawings for the client and production drawings for the manufacturer who interprets the 2d drawing into a 3d mold per the drawings specifications. Once a concept drawing has been completed the designer creates a proof sheet which displays the concept drawing and includes notes of sizes, materials, colors, and other details specific to the product. The proof is sent to a sales rep. who forwards it to the client and communicates any desired revisions back to the designer.
If revisions are requested the designer makes the requested revisions and sends out a new proof.
Once a proof has been approved the production drawing is sent to the manufacturer and the product is made.