it’s so funny to me people keep saying the logo t/merch is dead when it continues to print money for brands YOY- i really don’t think it’s going to stop
Great post. As a graphic designer currently working in the apparel business, I can say that tangible things still hit on the front of nostalgia. In a world where most things are now a subscription, owning and having something physical still has meaning. The physical products we create can coexist with the digital content that drives most people today.
Fantastic read. A24 is another example of a brand creating culturally significant merch!
When you wrote merch gives “physical validation to digital products” — YES!! For smaller indie creators this is a big opportunity. You can’t always be the best, but you can be the only. And merch offers both physical validation of a small indie brand + and a symbolic values signal for everyone who cares about indie artists/creators. Will be quoting you & this piece forever. Thank you for writing it!
thank you for such a thoughtful response!! that's probably why things like kickstarter worked so well -- there are so many people in a young artist's/entrepreneur's life that want to support them early on but don't know how and merch is such an easy way to let them show they care :)
thank you for another great read!! merch is such a powerful tool for the community building. i remember times when the new yorker tote had everyone in a chokehold. or 032c t-shits, hoodies and pins that were objects of desire for cool kids in 2016 and now 032c are doing runways!
Love this (especially as someone who is planning to do merch!) and actually is one of the few things that actually make money for many businesses... if that's the way to support each other - I am in! Also, love merch, such a connector <3
merch as the ultimate currency?? jk haha I think playground magazine is how I first found playground, so physical objects definitely do pull people in. excited for merch!!
it’s so funny to me people keep saying the logo t/merch is dead when it continues to print money for brands YOY- i really don’t think it’s going to stop
Agreed. It won't. It's still in demand and will always be.
but also we will forever need t-shirts and sweatshirts!!
Great post. As a graphic designer currently working in the apparel business, I can say that tangible things still hit on the front of nostalgia. In a world where most things are now a subscription, owning and having something physical still has meaning. The physical products we create can coexist with the digital content that drives most people today.
Not me reading this in my blank street coffee t-shirt with a drawer full of band tee’s in the wardrobe
you missed the merch is dead memo huh
Fantastic read. A24 is another example of a brand creating culturally significant merch!
When you wrote merch gives “physical validation to digital products” — YES!! For smaller indie creators this is a big opportunity. You can’t always be the best, but you can be the only. And merch offers both physical validation of a small indie brand + and a symbolic values signal for everyone who cares about indie artists/creators. Will be quoting you & this piece forever. Thank you for writing it!
thank you for such a thoughtful response!! that's probably why things like kickstarter worked so well -- there are so many people in a young artist's/entrepreneur's life that want to support them early on but don't know how and merch is such an easy way to let them show they care :)
Absolutely, that’s a great point!
thank you for another great read!! merch is such a powerful tool for the community building. i remember times when the new yorker tote had everyone in a chokehold. or 032c t-shits, hoodies and pins that were objects of desire for cool kids in 2016 and now 032c are doing runways!
I need the 032c hat!
Love this (especially as someone who is planning to do merch!) and actually is one of the few things that actually make money for many businesses... if that's the way to support each other - I am in! Also, love merch, such a connector <3
merch as the ultimate currency?? jk haha I think playground magazine is how I first found playground, so physical objects definitely do pull people in. excited for merch!!
Yeah, fandom & community too as you say <3
Love this! You breathed new life into the conversation around merch 👏
thank you so much!!
What a great read! Forever a merch lover ❤️
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