🛍️ Books ‘n Merch.
What do you want as merch? We will be having merch for the book that is your +1 to vibe and flow, and merch you know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Learn more about that on the merch page, where we talk about some of the notes for the blog on what merch we looked at and why. Enjoy these notes.
Below is a quick index of this blog notes post.
The opportunity.
The solution.
The impact.
1/3. The Opportunity:
We saw an opportunity to dive deeper into what we truly want from merchandise. By blending research methods with our creative vision, we aimed to explore the fine line between form and function. Do we want another branded pen, notebook, or tote bag? Maybe, and that’s why we’re here to find out.
2/3. The Solution:
Our solution was to create a merch mood board showcasing various items we’ve encountered worldwide. We didn’t want to view this merch as competition for our hard-earned money but rather as a source of inspiration. We aim to avoid just pushing high-margin merchandise that lacks real value in our lives.
3/3. The Impact:
The impact of our research method boils down to a simple question: Would we buy the merch? The impact of the research has informed us that we need three types of merchandise: useful, beautiful, or a mix. It must be accessible, subtle, and easy to use. Everyone must feel content that they’ve spent money and time on the book’s merch.
4 brands we looked at:
Bookniture.
Knock knock stuff.
Litographs.
Meowwolf.
1. Bookniture.
Bookniture is furniture that folds like a hardcover book, making it easy to carry and store. Created by designers and engineers, it opens into a desk, footrest, nightstand, ottoman, or stool—providing versatile living solutions. Just as Hackquire™ explores non-fiction gray-area work hacks, Bookniture offers a fresh take on furniture.
Link: (Bookniture).
2. Knock Knock.
Knock Knock creates products that bring humor and creativity together. With a focus on design, the team crafts everything from notepads to sticky notes and books, offering tools that inspire fun, organization, and self-expression. They also offer 'Personalized Love Bombs,' like the 'Why You're My Bestie Fill in the Love® Book.'
Link: (Knock Knock).
3. Litographs.
Litographs turns books into art you can wear or display. They take classic or contemporary book text and collaborate with artists to craft designs inspired by those words. The full text forms the shape of the art—so you can literally read it on posters, t-shirts, blankets, and more.
Link: (Litographs).
4. Meowwolf.
Meow Wolf offers a range of merchandise that captures the vibrant, otherworldly spirit of their art experiences. From apparel to accessories, each item reflects the bold, creative designs found in their exhibits. Their merch allows fans to carry a piece of the Meow Wolf universe, showcasing art and imagination in everyday life.
Link: (Meowwolf).
Extra:
101. More merch notes?
What we've done is added a list of more merch mood board idea sites for you to check out. It’s kind of weird since we're giving you links to go elsewhere, but we want to be fair and open—it’s not always about us. In fact, it’s always about you, so please enjoy!
Funky, colorful, socks, playful, fun.
Bold, creative, edgy, satirical, products.
Iconic, street, art, apparel, statement.
Quirky, fun, greeting, cards, humorous.
Satirical, funny, news, merchandise, jokes.
Festive, funny, holiday, sweaters, quirky.
Artistic, unique, home, decor, design.
Nostalgic, film, apparel, quirky, fun.
Unique, handmade, gifts, creative, fun.
Bold, playful, footwear, colorful, unique.
