Monday, October 22, 2007

The Plan

So the plan is written down in my notebook and I'm starting on the logo, the labels and the hang tags. I haven't decided on silk labels or screen printing directly on the shirt (or iron on labels) yet, but I have a name, a tag line, and this weekend I selected fonts and colors for the logo, labels and hangtags. I plan on having them done by the end of next weekend.

I will also be starting incorporation paperwork this week so I can apply for the RN# through the FTC as soon as possible since that info will need to appear on the shirts according to labelling requirements.

Tom Johnson — Graphic Designer — TJ Studio

Friday, October 19, 2007

New Directions

I'm starting a new project.

This blog will detail the steps I take to launch a line of designer t-shirts so that I can track my progress in this undertaking and so that others can learn from my experience.

I will outline my plan and blog about the details (at least as much as I can without giving away proprietary information) and the course corrections I take to make it a profitable venture. I have already divided it into five main areas of related tasks that I need to accomplish to launch the line.

They are:
1) Marketing Functions - Items such as Logo Design, Brand identity, Labels, Hangtags, Packaging, Catalogs/Line sheets, Fliers and Advertising.
2) E-Commerce Functions - The Website (Flash intro, web content, shopping cart, payment methods), A Monthly Newsletter and Email Marketing.
3) Corporate Structure - Company Registration and Incorporation, Accounting and Finance, Operations, Vendors, FTC Registration, Government Compliance and Plant, Property and Equipment.
4) Line Launch - Buying Blanks, Private Labelling, Colors, Styles, Silhouettes, Samples, Sizes, Designs and Production.
5) Sales - This includes Tradeshows, Customization for Groups and Organizations, Retailers, Consignment, Pre-sales, Marketing Channels, Promotional Items and Special Events.

There are miscellaneous items to tackle and contacts that also need to be made and I'm sure I will figure out other steps that need to take place to be successful. I am using previous experience in the industry and things I have learned from every job I've ever had (yes, even McDonald's) to combine my skill, talent, ingenuity and passion to make this thing work. I will also put to use my recent readings and the audio books I have been listening to from authors and speakers such as: Anthony Robbins, Andy Stanley, Thomas J. Stanley and Deepak Chopra.

I hope you find the lessons I learn helpful. And I hope to collect valuable information and experience and be able to ultimately join the successful people that I am following.

I have been tossing around this idea in my head for several years and have been waiting for the right time both in my life and in the markets to start this venture, and I have had several years experience in the industry and have committed to this idea and time in my life to make it happen.

Let the journey begin.


Tom Johnson — Graphic Designer — TJ Studio