Branding

Here are some typical products that bands use for their merchandise:

• Stickers
• Badges
• Posters
• Lighters
• Flyers
• Clothing
• Accessories

Most of these products are sold on the specific band's websites. Most bands have a link on their website to their online store or on their myspace they might have a link to the online store.

'Big Cartel' is an example of a online store which can be used and customised by bands but it is also used for any other type of online sales. 'Big Cartel' is a great idea for people who can't afford to make and design their own store or if they have little knowledge for designing their own store. It is simple and easy to set up and customisable to suit the style of the band. 'You' the band does all the shipping work, the site is just a connection between the band and the world. Obviously this site can be linked to 'Myspace's and official band websites.

Another type of online store can be found on shopping websites such as 'Amazon' or 'eBay' which is a bidding site with external online stores on it.

There are also various shops which are located around the UK and of course located in other countries which sell official band merchandise which is branded. There are always types of unofficial band merchandise sold in some places, these have tried to be branded identical, but because this would be illegal there is always a difference even if it isn't that obvious at first glance.

For band branding to be successful, the design needs to be simple but effective to make it memorable. 'Pink Floyd's logo is an example of a simple but effective logo. It is a white triangle on a black background which makes it stand out. The triang

le where white light is passing through the left and a rainbow of colours comes out the right side. This has been printed on to lots of merchandise and was also the album cover for 'Dark Side of The Moon'.

Most new-ish bands don't have logos of pictures, they are usually their band name but in their own font which they use on all their merchandise and websites. For example; 'Muse' have a logo which is just their name in a bold font with a bold line above and below their name. It is used on their website, album covers, merchandise and posters/adverts to promote their gigs.