Merch Design Process

Here is the basic book merch design process I follow with all my authors interested in my Book Merch Made Easy services. My Merch Mini-Sessions have a more condensed process.

1. Discovery Call

   Once we have connected through email or you filling out my contact form, we will get on a 30 minute call to get to know each other and discuss what you are looking for when it comes to merch. We will discuss which of my offerings may work best for your situation and your interest in moving forward in the process.

2. Brainstorming Call

   If you want to move forward with merch, we will schedule a Brainstorming call. A few days before our meeting, I will send you inspiration boards to help you narrow down the types of merch designs, styles, and colors that you like. On the call, we will discuss the different merch design ideas we have and narrow them down to what designs you want to move forward with.

3. Proposal

   After the Brainstorming call, I will put together a proposal for the project that will break down the designs we chose, the timeline, and the pricing for the project.

4. Contract

   The not fun, but necessary paperwork. If you approve the proposal, I will send over the contract that you can digitally sign. Then it is time for me to get started on the designs (the fun part).

5. Sketches

   I will start with sketches or rough layouts for each of the designs. I will send you 2-3 options for each of the designs that you will choose from. The options will vary in style, font, or layout based on our discussion in the Brainstorming call. The sketches will be in black and white to start. Color, if wanted, will be added in later. At this point, you will also have the opportunity to make changes to the rough designs.

6. Refine Designs

   After you choose a sketch option for each design, I will refine the designs and make any changes that were requested. I will also add in color to the design if wanted. The refined designs will be sent to you for approval and any last changes to color or layout can be requested.

7. Final Designs

   I will make the changes that were requested and then send you the final designs for approval.

8. Prepping Designs for Products

   While I am working on the designs, your homework will be choosing what products you are interested in offering each of the designs on. I create designs that can work on multiple products, so you can have a range of listings in your shop at various price points. I can give you recommendations for types of products that are popular and also which brands to choose. Once the designs are finalized, I will resize the designs for each of the chosen products.

That is the basic process I go through for designing book merch for authors. Once the designs are done, the next step is getting the shop itself set up.