"I have considered hiring pros for the designs but I feel that my brand won't have cohesion if I do. Any advice or opinions?"

i would ignore your feelings on that one. hire designers who's work sits well with eachother, hire them to create things that YOU want to see and make sure that its cohesive.

right now the designs look like very entry level design stuff and almost exactly the same as 99% of startups that run through here. you have to stand out if you want to make it in this saturated market.

Hey man. I'm glad you've found that stuff you were looking for, quicker than I could email you, too. I think you're off to a decent start. I'm not sold on the Cloud script. The 'o' looks like an 'e', and the D is almost read like a cursive 's' to me. Also, on the tags, kern the "arge" out so that the a extends closer to the L. The rest actually read as x-small, small, medium, and x-large, but the L reads as L Arge.

Plus if those tags are replacing the tags in the shirt they need to have country of origin and what the shirts are made of (ex. 70% cotton 30% rayon)

I think youre on the right track but agree with both above me.

Though i really really dig the kick push and the cc shirts.

CLAVO?

dobi said:

CLAVO?

I read "Claud" at first

For what it's worth, here are my thoughts:

First up, Craig's right, get the right designers and you'll get the best looking final products.

Most of all, think really, really carefully about the imagery you're using. The stuff you've posted isn't terrible, but so many brands and designers have used crosses, lightning bolts, pyramids, eyes etc. Using a cloud makes some sense because it's in your name, but a lot of the other iconography doesn't really say anything, is not specifically skating related, and does nothing to set you apart.

Craig Robson said:"I have considered hiring pros for the designs but I feel that my brand won't have cohesion if I do. Any advice or opinions?"

i would ignore your feelings on that one. hire designers who's work sits well with eachother, hire them to create things that YOU want to see and make sure that its cohesive.

right now the designs look like very entry level design stuff and almost exactly the same as 99% of startups that run through here. you have to stand out if you want to make it in this saturated market.

Thanks for the input guys!

I want to keep it fairly simple like most "streetwear" that is trending.

Is it possible to have a balance of simplistic design but still portray professional design?

Should I trash these and go back to the drawing board or have other designers revise them?

I will work on the script and tags.
Like I said all of this is still rough.

Willy Wolf said:For what it's worth, here are my thoughts:

First up, Craig's right, get the right designers and you'll get the best looking final products.

Most of all, think really, really carefully about the imagery you're using. The stuff you've posted isn't terrible, but so many brands and designers have used crosses, lightning bolts, pyramids, eyes etc. Using a cloud makes some sense because it's in your name, but a lot of the other iconography doesn't really say anything, is not specifically skating related, and does nothing to set you apart.

You make a great point about the imagery. I really want to brand the cloud icon. So eventually I could throw it on any product and everyone would know what it is.

Do you know any designers that have a similar style for hire?

To set myself apart, I plan on using a lot of quality in presentation like custom packaging, hemtags, goodies, etc.

Along with getting a professional site made. You rarely see independent start ups with amazing store fronts.

it doesnt look like streetwear that is trending right now, it looks like its trying to be something its not.

youve got every cliche you could put into it running against one another in the designs and none of it says anything individual.

think about what you want to say, think about who inspires you and how they say what they want to communicate.

i don't know about you guys, but i can never get enough occult imagery. tumble 4 life.

Thanks Craig, that's probably the best advice I've heard so far. You've given me a lot to think about.

Actually, I'm really stoked on your stuff.

I think simple, clean graphics are the way to go with the skate market. If you think about the apparel/supply companies in the skateboard industry, the ones that stand out really well (Palace, Omit, LRG etc) keep it simple.

Also, hook up a few guys that rip in your area. If the local rippers are wearing your gear, you'll grow your brand a bit more.

Archer said:Actually, I'm really stoked on your stuff.

If the local rippers are wearing your gear, you'll grow your brand a bit more.

Definitely use your local skaters to your advantage! See if you can get them to wear your gear when they make video's, shoot photo's anything that will end up showing up on the internet and definetly get a ton of stickers made up! Have your buddy's put them on there boards, cars or even phones.

and i like where your going with your designs, simple yet sweet.

agree with Craig. and knock off that est. 2012 because it is still 2012.

Archer said:Actually, I'm really stoked on your stuff.

I think simple, clean graphics are the way to go with the skate market. If you think about the apparel/supply companies in the skateboard industry, the ones that stand out really well (Palace, Omit, LRG etc) keep it simple.

Also, hook up a few guys that rip in your area. If the local rippers are wearing your gear, you'll grow your brand a bit more.

Thanks for the input guys!

Yeah, I plan on getting an action photoshoot of skaters for a lookbook or promo video.
Also just throwing stickers everywhere skaters will be.
I have talked with owners of a few shops around here that are down to stock my brand!
I am about to start working through everything after all of this advice.

Thanks a lot.

Just a heads up, transworld has a magazine catering to brands in the skateboarding/action sports industry that you might find helpful. http://business.transworld.net

yeah... you should hire pros

ImViolent said:

Archer said:Actually, I'm really stoked on your stuff.

If the local rippers are wearing your gear, you'll grow your brand a bit more.

Definitely use your local skaters to your advantage! See if you can get them to wear your gear when they make video's, shoot photo's anything that will end up showing up on the internet and definetly get a ton of stickers made up! Have your buddy's put them on there boards, cars or even phones.

and i like where your going with your designs, simple yet sweet.

Totally agree. Stickers are a little hard to justify in the beginning, because they have no immediate return, but making an identifiable presence with your art is priceless.

Also, do you skate? Because knowing and being part of your demographic will make your brand all the more genuine.

Yeah me and everyone I know have grown up skating. I think stickers are going to be one of the biggest promos locally. Everyone throws them on their decks!

Hell yeah man. Go do it.

I hope everything goes really well for you.

really like your logo!

It's never a bad idea to hire pros. They are pros for a reason. It's also a good networking move for your brand.

TRIBE said:It's never a bad idea to hire pros. They are pros for a reason. It's also a good networking move for your brand.

word

Being a startup that aims to align itself with stuff that is currently popular means; by the time people hear about your brand... it will have just gone out of style.

Think ahead or you're dead.

Devin,

First I applaud you for asking for criticism. It isn't easy! but it is necessary for you to learn and grow so you're on your way. IMO, your designs are clean and definitely wearable.

I think the most important question to ask yourself "Why would someone buy my brand over LRG, Obey, Element?" I know you have heard it but you have to be different and unique ESPECIALLY if you are just starting out. I feel it's not enough to just have "clean" designs if you know what I mean. So just let your creativity run wild and create a vision that you really believe in. Most importantly, HUSTLE!

I am also working on starting my own brand and believe me, us youngbucks are going to have lots of roadblocks but just keep working at it.

hpyhardcore said:Devin,

First I applaud you for asking for criticism. It isn't easy! but it is necessary for you to learn and grow so you're on your way. IMO, your designs are clean and definitely wearable.

I think the most important question to ask yourself "Why would someone buy my brand over LRG, Obey, Element?" I know you have heard it but you have to be different and unique ESPECIALLY if you are just starting out. I feel it's not enough to just have "clean" designs if you know what I mean. So just let your creativity run wild and create a vision that you really believe in. Most importantly, HUSTLE!

I am also working on starting my own brand and believe me, us youngbucks are going to have lots of roadblocks but just keep working at it.

Thanks man!

I plan on keeping it clean for the most part. Right now everything is simple also but evenrually I plan on getting more complex but still having a "clean" overall feel. I really want to make manipulated photo designs aswell, I think the 2 style tie in well together.

From what I have seen, people want what nobody else is going to have. Rather then having a shirt every other guy you see at the mall is going to have on. If you have quality products of course.

I have seen tons of shirts at local shops, zumiez, pacsun and the vans store that are just terrible but people still empty the shelves. I think alot of that comes with branding and recognition though.

Is your brand named "hpyhardcore" ?

You got it's HPYHARDCORE. hpy for happy. Anyways, referring back to when i said ask yourself "why someone would buy your brand" - It's true - a selling point is that no one likes what everyone else has (exclusivity) but that can't be the only reason. There are thousands of brands out there that people could buy because no one else "wears" them at the malls you know? So if you want to be profitable and grow you need to give consumers a reason to buy your brand out of the thousands of other brands out there. I think if you printed those designs your friends and friends of friends would wear them and like them but you have to think beyond that. Blah blah blah! so just be different! hope that helps and GL woodayyy

Oh yeah, one thing - what t-shirt template are you using? Thanks

I am definitely trying to have a serious approach on this, I know I have a long way to go. But thank you for all of the advice. Great stuff!

I believe it is the arsenal mock up, not really sure the exact name I just use it haha. I have tried quite a few paid and free mock ups, but I think this one looks the best and most realistic.

If you want the template just drop your email and I'd be happy to send it over.

Please don't say est. before you are even est. It just makes me want to hulk smash.

i would separate the occult imagery from skateboarding. i would personally never consider this 'skate wear'. i skateboard myself, and could not see this worn among skateboarders. as far as graphic design goes, i don't think it's bad at all. If you're going to be targeting the skate demographic, you're better off with simpler designs. go down to the skatepark, observe the style, and then do your own thing.

quakerninja said:Please don't say est. before you are even est. It just makes me want to hulk smash.

It is more of a place holder. Nothing is set in stone.
Even if I did launch this year, established in 2012 wouldn't be correct?

I think it may be location. I am from Dallas/FtWorth, Texas and I see stuff like this and people really dig it.
Thank you for the input though, I do plan on observing more and trying to think ahead.

devinandaniels said:

quakerninja said:Please don't say est. before you are even est. It just makes me want to hulk smash.

It is more of a place holder. Nothing is set in stone.
Even if I did launch this year, established in 2012 wouldn't be correct?

While technically it's obviously correct, it's not appealing or relevant to your customers. If a company has a rich history or has been established for a longer period of time, attaching a date to their name reaffirms a sense of longevity, status and being a successful business to them. Putting "Est. 2012" on your products basically means "Born Yesterday" which has anything but good connotations for a first impression.

That clears things up perfectly, I appreciate it.

Devin,

Yeah that would be great if you could send the template over to me. My email is derrickhuey@gmail.com Thanks in advance!

-Derrick

Just FYI, there is an existing brand called Cloudkicker. It may help to check out the brand and make sure you are differentiated from them. http://cloudkicker.com/