| name | merch-design-brief |
| description | Creates merchandise design briefs for branded swag with product selection, design placement, vendor specs, and budget planning. Use when producing branded merchandise. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Glob |
| metadata | {"author":"matthewhitcham","version":"1.0"} |
Merch Design Brief
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when you need to:
- Plan branded merchandise for customers, employees, or events
- Brief a designer on merch artwork and placement
- Select products and vendors for a merch production run
- Create specifications for print-on-demand or bulk merchandise orders
DO NOT use this skill for product packaging, retail product design, or promotional campaign strategy. This is for branded merchandise (swag) design and production planning.
Core Principle
GREAT MERCH IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WANT TO USE, NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO KEEP — DESIGN FOR WEARABILITY AND UTILITY, NOT JUST BRAND VISIBILITY.
Phase 1: Brief
Required Inputs
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|
| Purpose | "What is the merch for? (customer gifts, employee welcome kit, event giveaways, online store)" | Customer appreciation |
| Audience | "Who receives it?" | Customers |
| Budget | "Total budget and target cost per item?" | $500 total, $10-20/item |
| Quantity | "How many units per item?" | 50-100 |
| Brand guidelines | "Brand colors, logo files, fonts?" | Must be provided |
| Product preferences | "Any specific items in mind? (t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, stickers)" | Open to suggestions |
| Timeline | "When do you need items in hand?" | 4-6 weeks |
GATE: Confirm brief before proceeding.
Phase 2: Design
Product Selection Framework
Evaluate products on:
- Utility — will the recipient actually use it daily?
- Brand fit — does the product align with your brand personality?
- Perceived value — does it feel premium relative to cost?
- Logistics — easy to store, ship, and distribute?
Recommended Product Categories
| Category | Items | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|
| Apparel | T-shirts, hoodies, hats | Loyal fans, employees | $8-30/unit |
| Drinkware | Mugs, tumblers, water bottles | Daily use, office visibility | $5-20/unit |
| Stationery | Notebooks, pens, stickers | Low-cost, high-volume | $2-10/unit |
| Tech | Phone cases, webcam covers, cable organizers | Tech audience | $5-15/unit |
| Stickers | Die-cut, vinyl, laptop stickers | Lowest cost, highest distribution | $0.50-2/unit |
Design Rules
- Logo placement: subtle and stylish beats giant logo across the chest
- Use brand colors but consider what looks good on the product (white logo on dark shirt, not dark logo on dark shirt)
- Design for the product shape — what works on a t-shirt does not work on a mug
GATE: Present product selection and design direction before finalizing.
Phase 3: Build
Deliverables
1. Merch Design Brief
- Product list with design placement per item
- Artwork specifications (dimensions, DPI, color mode, file format)
- Print method per product (screen print, DTG, embroidery, sublimation, pad print)
- Color specifications for each product/design combination
2. Vendor Specification Sheet
- Product SKUs, sizes, colors, and quantities
- Artwork file requirements per vendor
- Proofing requirements (digital proof, physical sample)
- Shipping and delivery timeline
3. Budget Breakdown
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Setup Fee | Total |
|---|
| T-shirts | $12 | 50 | $30 | $630 |
| Stickers | $1 | 100 | $0 | $100 |
| Mugs | $8 | 50 | $25 | $425 |
4. Distribution Plan
- How items will be distributed (shipped, handed out, included with orders)
- Packaging considerations for shipping
- Inventory tracking for remaining stock
Phase 4: Polish
Quality Control Checklist
Feedback Collection
After distribution, note: which items get the most positive feedback, which items are seen in use (social media posts, video calls), and which items gather dust.
Example 1: Customer Welcome Kit ($25 budget per kit)
Items: Branded notebook ($6), sticker pack ($3), enamel pin ($5), thank-you card ($1) in a custom kraft box ($4). Total: $19/kit + $3 shipping materials.
Example 2: Event Giveaway Bag ($10 budget per bag)
Items: Cotton tote bag with screen-printed logo ($4), die-cut stickers x3 ($2), branded pen ($1.50), postcard with CTA ($0.50). Total: $8/bag + tote serves as packaging.
Anti-Patterns
- Giant logos on everything — nobody wants to be a walking billboard. Subtle, clever branding gets worn more often.
- Cheapest option always — a $2 pen that breaks immediately reflects poorly on your brand. Quality matters.
- One-size-fits-all apparel — only ordering mediums excludes half your recipients. Offer size ranges.
- No sample before bulk order — 500 ugly t-shirts cannot be returned. Always approve a physical sample first.
- Overordering — 500 units for 50 people means 450 units in a closet for years. Order realistic quantities.
Recovery
- Budget is very tight: Focus on stickers and digital items (wallpapers, templates). High perceived value, low cost.
- No design skills: Use vendor design services (many print shops offer basic design) or Canva templates adapted for merch.
- Leftover inventory: Repurpose as social media contest prizes, referral rewards, or include with future orders.
- Rush timeline: Use print-on-demand services (longer per-unit cost, but no minimums and fast turnaround) for urgent needs.
