I'm based in West Michigan and have been geocaching since 2012, but I didn't catch the "pathtag bug" until moving to Michigan in 2014. I received my first pathtag on a kayaking adventure and had no clue what it was. I got a crash course from one of other attendees of the event, and began attempting to grow a collection.
When it was time to make my own pathtag, I took to Photoshop, after all, I'd been using it for over a decade. I found the template online and designed my own tag. From there, friends here in Michigan starting asking for help with their designs and by 2017, I had surpassed the necessary requirements to earn the title of Official Design Partner.
It is important to realize that, as an Official Design Partner, myself, and all the other Official Designer Partners are recognized by not only being qualified graphic artists, but also knowing the limitations of the pathtag minting process. Designing a pathtag is more than just visual art; there are limitations related to the minting process that must be followed. Hiring an artist to design a pathtag will get you great art, but will likely give you something that surpasses the physical limitations of the minting process. For these reasons, consulting with an OFFICIAL designer is the best way to ensure a seamless process and the best possible outcome relating to your design. If you don't know what you're doing, consult with a design partner, even if it isn't me!
If you'd like to collaborate on a design, or would like more information, certainly feel free to reach out to me at MikeyMac0908@gmail.com. A design usually only takes a few days. I have designed over 300 tags, all of which can be seen on the accompanying pages. You'll find pathtags across an entire spectrum of mediums and inspirations.Â