As a student in college or university, custom gear is a way to show pride and love for your institution.
From t-shirts to hoodies, caps to bags, there are endless options for customization. But how do you navigate the ever-changing trends? This blog post will discuss how print on demand can help you stay up-to-date with the latest university fashion trends.
What is Print On Demand?
Print on demand (POD) is a business model where products are manufactured only when customers order them. This eliminates the need for upfront inventory investment and storage costs since every item gets printed as orders come in.
In the past, custom gear was produced through conventional methods involving bulk ordering items from manufacturers and screen printing logos/designs onto them. Designing and selling customized merchandise has become easier with on demand printing companies, allowing everyone to start their own online storefront without needing equipment or technical skills.
Navigating Trends with POD
Trends change all the time. What is hot right now might not be wanted next month. Hence, it can be challenging for big brands to keep up with new styles. However, print on demand has made it easier for small companies and individuals to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Instead of buying a lot of different things in advance from vendors, they can now make products based on what people like.
Here are three reasons why POD is a great option:
1) Low Risk: POD allows designers and sellers to launch new products without inventory risk since each product is only made when customers order.
2) Quick Turnaround Time: With print on demand services, it takes less time to go from an idea to a finished product because designs go right to printing houses instead of going through different stages of production.
3) Wide Range of Choices: With an extensive range of product types, POD companies offer countless design options for users. From t-shirts to hoodies, caps to tote bags, and everything in-between, the flexibility of POD means there is something for everyone.
Staying Current with Trends
Fashion trends for custom gear change all the time. What was popular last term might be less popular in a few months. So how do you stay up-to-date?
1)Delve into Social Media: Use social media sites like Instagram and Twitter to follow well-known brands and fashion bloggers/influencers who often post about what they think will be the next big thing.
2) Follow Student Publications: Most universities have student-run magazines or newspapers reporting campus life and events. These publications offer valuable insight into current trends among students at your university.
3) Attend Campus Events: Campus events are a great way to see student’s attire. If you attend college events or do things with clubs, you can get an idea of what people wear on campus. This includes everything from gym classes to football games. These things can give you ideas for your next handmade university gear.
Design Inspiration
Now that we’ve covered staying relevant with print on demand services, let’s dive into some design ideas:
1) Mascot-Inspired Designs: No matter if it’s a tiger or a bird, everyone loves their school’s mascot. Use them as ideas for new patterns by putting them on shirts or making things like scarves, hats, and beanies out of them.
2) Collegiate Typography Designs: Classic text should be printed, but the styles should be changed creatively based on what’s popular. You could try different color combinations, like the black and bright yellow used by the University of Pittsburgh (and PSU) or the University of Carolina’s Blue and White.
3) Influential Figures Collages: You can also make designs featuring cultural leaders like Maya Angelou or Barack Obama. These are people who show how education is the key to success.
Conclusion
With print on demand services, companies and designers can keep up with changing trends. They do this by making new goods that fit with popular styles so they don’t have to order a lot of inventory ahead of time. By using POD, the risk of putting out new goods is cut down. It also lets the production process move quickly, giving everyone many ways to customize their products.
Study people with a lot of followers on social media or read university publications to get ideas for your next design. You can also get ideas by going to events on campus. Some designs are standard college typography, while others are more unique, like using cultural ambassadors in your graphics. No matter what you choose, make sure that the way it looks shows your pride and love for your school.
