I now realize that I won't get anything hot-stamped that's a decent chip... That said: I think that some chips might look a little better with a 'blank' hotstamp. That is a custom-abstract design in the center, but without any ink. This wouldn't be for denoms but for mild security / looks / custom feel for a set.
As an example take this chip from thepokerchipcompany.com
A custom designed crown hit in the center without any color might look ok. Or is that just too bizarre.
Or would it just not work since the foil / ink is used to help control (e.g. cool) the detail in the artwork?