The ultimate merchandising checklist for artists

Hey there, creative souls! 🎨 Whether you're a musician, a visual artist, or a performer, having your own line of merchandise is not just a fantastic way to earn extra income, but it's also a powerful tool to connect with your fans and spread your art far and wide.

Key points

Introduction

From design concepts to production and distribution, creating merch can seem overwhelming. Fear not! We've crafted the ultimate checklist to help you launch your artist merch with confidence. And for complete support, our 360° branding service, Insolent, is here to help you. 

Pre-design phase

1. Define your brand identity: Your merch should reflect your unique style and message. What are the key elements of your brand? Colors, logos, and motifs will play a significant role in your designs.
2. Know your audience: Understand what your fans love about your work. Which items are they most likely to purchase? T-shirts, hoodies, posters, or perhaps something more unique like vinyl figures or eco-friendly tote bags?
3. Set clear goals: Are you looking to promote a new album or art show? Maybe you want to increase fan engagement or raise funds for a tour. Your objectives will influence your merch choices.
   

Design phase

1. Choose your merch items wisely: Based on your audience research, decide on the items you'll offer. Consider a mix of wearables like shirts and hats, along with unique items like art prints or custom guitar picks.
2. Create your designs: Whether you're designing them yourself or hiring a professional, ensure your merchandise reflects your artistic style. Keep designs bold and simple for higher visibility.
3. Solicit feedback: Before finalizing your designs, get feedback from trusted friends, fans, or fellow artists. They might offer valuable insights that could enhance your merch’s appeal.
   
   

Production phase

1. Select a quality manufacturer: Research manufacturers who specialize in custom merchandise. Look for quality, sustainability, and ethical production practices.
2. Order samples: Before committing to a large order, get samples of your merchandise. This ensures the quality meets your standards and the final product matches your vision.
3. Decide on inventory: Based on your budget and goals, decide how much inventory to produce. Consider starting small to test demand.
   
   

Pricing and sales strategy

1. Set your prices: Calculate your costs and set prices that provide a good profit margin while remaining affordable for your fans. Don't forget to factor in shipping and taxes.
2. Choose your sales platforms: Will you sell your merch at shows, through an online store, or both? Select platforms that align with where your fans are most active.
   
   

Launch and promotion

1. Create a buzz: Use social media, your website, and email newsletters to tease your merch launch. Share behind-the-scenes content and stories about the making of your merchandise.
2. Offer limited editions: Create exclusivity by offering limited edition items or early bird specials to your most loyal fans.
3. Gather and share fan photos: Encourage fans to share photos of themselves with your merch. It’s great content for your channels and helps promote your items organically.
   
   

Feedback and improvement

1. Collect customer feedback: After your merch has been available for a while, gather feedback from your buyers. What do they love? What could be improved?
2. Analyze sales data: Which items sold the fastest? Which didn’t do as well as expected? Use this data to refine your merchandise line for future releases.
   
   

The checklist

To keep track of your progress, we've created a printable checklist version of these steps.

Artist Merch Creation Checklist

• Pre-Design Phase
• • Define Your Brand Identity
  • Know Your Audience
  • Set Clear Goals
• Design Phase
• • Choose Your Merch Items
  • Create Your Designs
  • Solicit Feedback
• Production Phase
• • Select a Quality Manufacturer
  • Order Samples
  • Decide on Inventory
• Pricing and Sales Strategy
• • Set Your Prices
  • Choose Your Sales Platforms
• Launch and Promotion
• • Create a Buzz
  • Offer Limited Editions
  • Gather and Share Fan Photos
• Feedback and Improvement
• • Collect Customer Feedback
  • Analyze Sales Data

Creating your artist merch is an exciting process that lets you express your creativity while connecting with your audience on a new level. 

By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful merchandise line.✨