We have 3 rules when designing merch / swag / promotional gifts:
We don’t need any more plastic or non-recyclable things in our world. If you’ve made the decision to produce something new, think about its effect on our environment. Forget single use plastic. By all means, consider a water bottle or keep cup – but we think most people have them already and don’t need more. Paper-based products are a go-to for us – at least they can be easily recycled after use.
This one’s simple. Make it something 99% of people will use and the 1% will gift it.
– Notebooks
– Tea towels
– Calendars
– Pencils
Nothing fancy, just items we use in day-to-day life.
Quality always outshines quantity. Produce a quality item and customers will associate that with your brand. We once had a client say “I knew when I opened the pack of gift cards that the matching envelopes would be quality, because they’re from you”.
Short-run items are usually anything under a quantity of 250. If you only need to produce 50 items, consider going direct to a supplier, where they might be able to produce in small quantities, or think about what you can do with left-overs.
– Branded gift wrap can be re-cycled as origami paper at a company off-site
– Generic business cards can be re-used as gift tags – just punch a hole in the short edge
– Avoid including a date and you’ll be able to use it at another event
– Small stickers can be used on a multitude of items, it’s worth printing more than you need
When it comes to your branding, have fun. This is a time to get a little loose. Try patterns. Use colour. Ask your niece and nephew to draw your logo.
People keep things they like. Ask yourself, “would I wear / use this?”
Whatever the brief is, it’s exactly the same. Every project. Every time. Every design. It‘s just one word.
You never know where inspiration comes from : behind-the-scenes at a design project combining the vintage aesthetic of pre-1800 Japanese rare books, with a modern twist.
Whilst we can’t claim to be experts, we know a thing or two about branding events. Here are 3 simple ideas to help you make your budget $$$ go far.
What’s the most important thing you need to know about Brand Guidelines? Would it surprise you to discover they’re like a recipe book?
The Redmond Barry Society encourages supporters to consider leaving a gift in their Wills. A black tie event was held at the Library to celebrate the society and its donors.
If you want your brand to outlast the latest zeitgeist, the answer is no.
Email hello@brandbyname.com.au
or call +61 3 9015 4014
105 Wellington St,
St Kilda VIC 3182
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