BVA603 Research Prosposal

Merchandising

For my research project I really want to focus on researching what it takes to create an appealing physical product that appeals to an audience. Merchandising and selling my own art is something I've been interested in the past few years, however a lot of the services and resources found online apply to an american demographic, so I want to research how this could be viable in New Zealand. Creating an Eco Friendly product is something that I think is also important, so I will have to research how these products can be created locally and sustainably if possible.

Some of the Influences I have include:
Pixielocks / Jillian Vessey

Pixielocks is a fashion youtuber and fashion student in Canada who advocates for thrifted fashion, supporting sustainable indie brands and educates about fast fashion. Her channel has made me more wary about the items and clothing I consume, which I think is a really good topic to try and educate on. Recently she has started her own store and has sold a wave of enamel pins with a sustainable company that doesnt rely on questionable labour. I love her bright and happy branding and I feel like it has a wide appeal, and works well in a marketing sense.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpi2P_y-wXa7q84C-46U6ZA

bestdressed / Ashley

Bestdressed is another youtuber who I have started watching recently. She has created her own line of sustainably made and affordable jewelry. she advocates for sustainability in the things she consumes. Her channel focuses on thrifted fashion and educates about the fast fashion industry that contributes to disposable products and makes use of questionable labor.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnQhwPVwcP-DnbUZtIMrupw

Baylee Jae

Baylee Jae is a Canadian artist that sells her illustrations on a variety of different products and sells both online and in convention spaces. I have watched her youtube for several years. She started out selling badges at conventions and has managed to expand her products sold to stickers, prints and her own drawing book.
https://www.youtube.com/user/BayleeCreations

Merchandising options:
buttons/badges
Painted Jackets
Enamel pins
Print services (notebooks, prints, etc)
Tote Bags
Teeshirts
Stickers
washitape
Screen printed products?
Embroidered Products?

Companies/services to consider
-RedBubble
-Simply Totes
-Vistaprint
-local print companies/services

How the merchandise will be created
-Handmade products vs Factory made products

Looking at the turnaround/consulting period for a lot of these products, I feel like I might limit myself to stickers, button badges or Tote bags. If I wanted to create these things myself there is a possibility however the quality may suffer and I may need to invest a considerable amount to get set up.while in the long term it may be worth it, however for a research project I don't believe it will be viable.

Subject matter?
-Mascot type original characters
-Tie in to Animation project

I have a few sketches that I feel could be turned into designs suitable for merchandise, however I want to try to create a few more and then choose out of several, or make a poll to see which design is the best received.

As well as different subject matter/designs I may look into colour variants too, as different colour combinations may be more appealing to consumers.

Branding, marketing, Sales etc
-Online stores
-Physical events
-selling designs through an online print on demand service

Marketing/inventory/stores may be useful to look into however I may focus my research project purely on the design, production and public reception aspect of merchandising so I don't have too much work on my plate.

How I will research
Skill-share has many different classes on merchandising, from design to marketing to production. I may try to take some of these classes to get a better understanding of the process. Some YouTube channels also have some informative videos but sadly a lot of the information relating to production is relevant to an american audience using american services, or rely on the artist having expensive equipment such as badge presses, inkjet printers, laser cutting machines etc. while these would be a good investment being under a time constraint may make these things unobtainable.


I have found this video which I will watch when I get some free time:

Homework:
2 slides in 5 minutes
-use visuals in 2 slides to depict your project for this semester

Slide One
-inspiration
-Influences
-Artist Models
-Pinterest Boards

Slide Two
-Ideas
-Concepts
-Methodology
-Wishful Thinkings
-Cunning Plans
-Possible Focus Question

Write up your speech (500-1000 words)|

Mark Breakdown:
-Critical Practice 60%
-Dissertation and Documentation 40%