Getting Started With Merch — Step Two: Wearables

Continuing the series discussed here. Part One is here.

If it seems like we're a broken record with our discussion of merch, that's not an accident; it’s an integral part of how modern artists get paid. A lot of these articles assume that you’ve already got some merch, and you want to make it better. That’s all well and good, but what about artists who are just getting started with merch?

This guide aims to make monetizing your band a painless process. Today, we’re going to talk about wearables – t-shirts, hoodies, and other gear for the human form. Getting started can be daunting, but never fear: we’ve already made the mistakes (and talked to those who have), so you won’t have to.

Starting With Nothing, Working With Designers

First of all, starting with your logo is probably the way to go. If you don’t have a logo, or any other existing designs, you can usually get someone to make one for you on the cheap. Friends, family members, art students at the local university — odds are, you already know somebody who can:

·         Make you a killer design, and

·         Do it way more affordably than hiring a graphic design firm, professional graffiti artist, etc.

·         Will generate a bunch of hype for you, by telling all of their friends and family about the awesome band/emcee/DJ they’re making sweet art for

At the indie level, it’s all about relationships. Don’t abuse them by trying to take advantage of people — but as an indie artist, even though you’re not as established as a chart-topping mainstream star, you’re still a professional, and you still get paid for your work. Treat artists the same way, and you’ll both blow up together. Be respectful, and pay them for their work. 

Once you’ve got a design (or several), it’s time to put it on some wearables.

T-Shirts

The classic. You’ve seen them, you probably have a couple, and you know you need at least one for your merch stand. Let’s dive in.

The iconic black music t-shirt is a classic for a reason; most people can find room for a black t-shirt in their wardrobe, and they’re pretty easy to manufacture, and most designs look pretty fly on black, as opposed to other colors.

Having said that, don’t write-off the idea of having multiple designs just yet. If you’ve got some cool art that didn’t make it into the album, or a proposed logo that you didn’t like as much as the final product, here’s a great place to use them. Fans LOVE t-shirts; if you give them the option to buy different designs, many will.

However you go, you can often get shirts that feel better and cost less if you go with a lighter shirt, something in the 5.3-5.6 oz. range.

Hoodies

Another standby, especially if you live somewhere cold. Zipper hoodies are the standard, but cost a little more to produce than pullovers. Having said that, it’s best not to rock the boat when starting out; get a black zipper hoodie with your logo on it (front or back), and your fans’ll buy them.

Simple is Good

Lastly, don’t overdo it. Merch options are good, but when starting out, a lot of artists waste money on a variety of unpopular designs. Start with a few solid offerings, and slowly build up your options; soon enough, you’ll basically be a clothing line unto yourself.