Great merch designs don’t just look good – they drive the purchasing decisions of your customers. Staying on top of design trends is crucial for creating merch that stands out.

To help you succeed, we’ve analyzed social media, other e-commerce brands, and cultural shifts to identify five key design trends shaping 2025. Let’s explore these trends and discover new ways to grow your merch line!

Graphic Floral Designs

Flowers are an integral part of spring, even in fashion, and in 2025 they’re taking on a fresh and modern twist. This trend embraces playful ornaments, bold patterns, and statement floral pieces that demand attention.

Graphic and flat motifs add a contemporary edge, while nostalgic touches like little blossoms on pastel fabrics evoke vintage charm.

Whether featured as eye-catching centerpieces or integrated into larger designs, floral motifs combined with graphic art strikes the perfect balance between vintage aesthetic and modern creativity.

Bubble/3D Print Designs

The bubble and 3D print design trend brings a sculptural aesthetic to fashion, transforming flat designs into dynamic, eye-catching statements. Bubbly motifs and 3D-look elements mimic the appearance of inflated, plastic-like shapes, giving garments a playful yet futuristic edge.

Often paired with chrome accents, these designs create a sleek and modern vibe, perfect for adding a touch of boldness to any merch line. This trend is all about creating depth and movement, making every piece feel like a wearable work of art.

Graffiti Designs

Graffiti motifs turn T-shirts into canvases, bringing the raw energy of street art into fashion. This trend features spray art-inspired designs with vibrant colors and dynamic patterns, paired with bold, thick fonts for a striking visual impact.

Adding depth to these pieces, the use of fine, translucent color structures creates a layered, almost handmade effect. By combining urban aesthetics with creative freedom, this style captures the spirit of street culture while offering a fresh and edgy look for modern merch lines.

Cutesy Character Designs

Sweet as sugar. The “Very Cutesy” design trend is all about mixing playful graphics with a kitschy charm. Think adorable motifs like kittens, puppies, and plush bears, brought to life in soft, pastel tones. These elements are often paired with ornate lettering, adding an extra layer of whimsy to the designs.

Perfect for creating a nostalgic, feel-good vibe, this trend combines innocence and creativity, making it ideal for merch that aims to capture hearts with its irresistible cuteness.

Statement Shirt Design Trend

Statement shirts remain a timeless favorite in the fashion world, and they’re taking center stage in 2025. Featuring thick fonts, short sayings, or impactful single words, this design trend deliver bold messages with maximum visual impact.

Bright, vibrant colors add to their eye-catching appeal, making them perfect for anyone looking to make a statement—literally. Whether humorous, empowering, or thought-provoking, this design trend combines simplicity and boldness. Statement shirts stay a must-have in any merch line.

Design trend tools

There are endless ways you can incorporate these trends into your own merch. Doing so will prove helpful for boosting sales and strengthening your connection with your customers. Want to read up on more trends for 2025?

Read up on Adobe’s Graphic design trends for 2025, Canva Design Trends 2025, or Pinterest Predicts for some more insight into the trends of the year.

Make and sell your own merch with Spreadshop.

There are no upfront costs or fees. EVER!

The post 5 Design Trends You Should Know for 2025 appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

• better quality
• more sustainable materials
• improved print results

By switching to our own brand, we can ensure a more consistent, high-quality product range while keeping the production process streamlined and eco-friendly. To help you prepare for these changes, we’ve created a quarterly overview of all affected products.

Why We’re Making the Switch

Organic cotton for a more sustainable future: All new in-house products will be crafted with organic cotton. This ensures a more environmentally friendly production process and higher-quality fabric that meets premium organic standards.

Please note: Switching to organic cotton may result in price adjustments in the future. While the change brings higher quality and sustainability, it may also lead to increased production costs.

You can find the full list of current base prices for Spreadshop here: Spreadshop Base Prices.

Improved print quality

We’ve optimised the fabric structure to enhance print results, ensuring that your designs appear sharper, more vibrant, and longer lasting. Whether you use digital print types or embroidery, the improved print surface will provide superior results.

Optimised shape, cut, and fit

We’re refining the fit of our products to make them more comfortable and fitting to current trends. This means better wearability, improved durability, and a more appealing look – without compromising the style you know and love.

Stay Updated: How We’ll Inform You

We want to make this transition as smooth as possible. You’ll receive regular updates in the Partner Area after every product switch, ensuring you always have the latest information. Additionally, at the end of each quarter, we’ll send out a newsletter with an overview of all changes, keeping you well-informed and prepared.

Important: Check Your Designs for Adjustments

With these improvements, some product specifications will change. The print area and certain colour options will be updated, so we strongly recommend checking your products and making any necessary design or colour adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.

Quarterly Product Switch Overview

Stay ahead of the changes by reviewing our quarterly overview and ensuring your designs align with the updated product specifications:

Already switched

Men’s Premium Hoodie –> PREMIUM UNISEX HOODIE

• Price for Spreadshop: 31.99€ (before 30.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 25.60€ (same price)

Women’s Premium Hoodie –> PREMIUM WOMEN’S HOODIE

• Price for Spreadshop: 31.99€ (before 30.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 21.60€ (before 20.31€)

Men’s Premium Sweatshirt –> PREMIUM UNISEX CREW NECK

• Price for Spreadshop: 29.99€ (before 29.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 18.40€ (same price)

Women’s Premium Sweatshirt –> PREMIUM WOMEN’S CREW NECK

• Price for Spreadshop: 29.99€ (before 29.46€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 18.40€ (before 17.05€)

Men’s Premium Hooded Jacket –> PREMIUM UNISEX ZIP HOODIE

• Price for Spreadshop: 33.49€ (before 32.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 24.70€ (before 23.73€)

Women’s Premium Hooded Jacket –> PREMIUM WOMEN’S ZIP HOODIE

• Price for Spreadshop: 33.49€ (before 32.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 23.30€ (before 22.38€)

Stanley/Stella Men’s Organic V-Neck T-Shirt –> PREMIUM MEN’S V-NECK T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 19.99€ (before 21.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 14.40€ (before 14.41€)

Stanley/Stella Women’s Organic V-Neck T-Shirt –> PREMIUM WOMEN’S V-NECK T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 19.99€ (before 18.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 13.40€ (before 12.45€)

Men’s Premium T-Shirt –> PREMIUM MEN’S T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 20.99€ (before 19.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 12.50€ (before 11.50€)

Women’s Premium T-Shirt –> PREMIUM WOMEN’S T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 20.99€ (before 19.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 11.50€ (before 10.48€)

Teenage Premium T-Shirt –> PREMIUM YOUTH T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 17.49€ (before 16.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 10.50€ (before 9.98€)

Kid’s Premium T-Shirt –> PREMIUM KID’S T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 17.49€ (before 16.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 10.30€ (before 9.80€)

Men’s Premium Longsleeve Shirt –> PREMIUM MEN’S LONG SLEEVE

• Price for Spreadshop: 21.99€ (before 21.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 14.60€ (before 14.32€)

Women’s Premium Longsleeve Shirt –> PREMIUM WOMEN’S LONG SLEEVE

• Price for Spreadshop: 21.99€ (before 21.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 13.80€ (before 13.07€)

Teenage Premium Longsleeve Shirt –> PREMIUM YOUTH LONG SLEEVE

• Price for Spreadshop: 17.99€ (before 17.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 12.60€ (before 12.31€)

Kid’s Premium Longsleeve Shirt –> PREMIUM KID’S LONG SLEEVE

• Price for Spreadshop: 17.99€ (before 17.49€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 12.20€ (before 11.68€)

Organic Longsleeve Baby Bodysuit –> PREMIUM BABY LONG-SLEEVED BODYSUIT

• Price for Spreadshop: 13.99€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 10.30€ (before 9.83€)

Men’s Premium Tank Top –> MEN’S PREMIUM ORGANIC TANK TOP

• Price for Spreadshop: 18.99€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 11.07€ (before 10.57 €)

Women’s Premium Tank Top –> WOMEN’S PREMIUM TANK TOP

• Price for Spreadshop: 18.99€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 10.82€ (before 10.32 €)

Women’s T-Shirt with rolled up sleeves –> WOMEN’S PREMIUM ORGANIC TOP

• Price for Spreadshop: 19.99€ (before 18.99€)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 12.36€ (before 10.86€)

Kid’s Premium Hooded Jacket –> PREMIUM KID’S/YOUTH CREW NECK

• Price for Spreadshop: 28.49€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 21.80€ (before 20.80€)

Kid’s Premium Sweatshirt –> PREMIUM KID’S/YOUTH CREW NECK

• Price for Spreadshop: 24.49€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 15.93€ (before 14.93€)

Kid’s Premium Hoodie –> PREMIUM KID’S/YOUTH HOODIE

• Price for Spreadshop: 26.99€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 19.95€ (before 19.05€)

Organic Baby T-Shirt –> PREMIUM BABY T-SHIRT

• Price for Spreadshop: 13.49€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 9.43€ (before: 8.93€)

Organic Baby Contrasting Bodysuit –> BABY PREMIUM SHORT-SLEEVE BODYSUIT

• Price for Spreadshop: 13.49€ (same price)
• Price for Spreadconnect: 9.74€ (before: 9.24€)

Will be switched soon

Men’s T-Shirt –> BASIC UNISEX T-SHIRT
Women’s T-Shirt –> BASIC WOMEN’S T-SHIRT
Men’s Ringer Shirt –> BASIC UNISEX CONTRAST T-SHIRT
Women’s Ringer T-Shirt –> BASIC WOMEN’S CONTRAST T-SHIRT
Kids’ T-Shirt –> BASIC KID’S T-SHIRT
Teenage T-Shirt –> BASIC YOUTH T-SHIRT
Unisex Sweatshirt –> BASIC UNISEX CREW NECK
Unisex Hoodie –> BASIC UNISEX HOODIE
Women’s Hoodie –> BASIC WOMEN´S HOODIE
Unisex Hooded Jacket –> BASIC UNISEX ZIP HOODIE
Unisex Joggers –> BASIC UNISEX SWEATPANTS
Men’s Vintage T-Shirt –> PREMIUM/BASIC UNISEX VINTAGE T-SHIRT
Women’s Vintage T-Shirt –> PREMIUM/BASIC WOMEN’S VINTAGE T-SHIRT

We’re excited about this transition and believe these improvements will fully benefit you and your customers. We look forward to bringing you an even better product experience!

The post A Better Future with Improved Products appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

Make the most of your Spreadshop with a product range designed to showcase your designs in the finest festive light. From year-round faves to holiday hits, we’ve got the lowdown on our top 5 Christmas bestsellers and the best way to showcase them to full effect in your shop.

Our top 5 bestselling products for the festive season

Looking for great products for your Shop this Christmas? Look no further than this video for an inside look at our Christmas bestsellers courtesy of Spreadshop team member Marie.

Our Mens Premium T-Shirt (EU) or Mens Premium T-Shirt (NA) is a Christmas classic, and for good reason. Our all-time number-one bestseller is incredibly versatile. Available in 20 colours and 8 sizes, with three different print types to choose from, this comfy cotton tee is the perfect backdrop for any personalised design.

The Womens Premium T-Shirt (EU) or the  Womens Premium T-Shirt (NA) is also available if you’re looking for the perfect fit for your ‘fit.

Meanwhile, European customers looking for something a little cozier this Christmas will fall hard for our Stanley/Stella Unisex Organic Hoodie. Made from 100% organic cotton, this super-soft slim-fit basic is the ultimate in casual comfort. Available in 4 beautiful colors, it’s a great showcase for your prints.

For customers from North America, the Unisex Organic Hoodie offers maximum comfort in frosty weather. It comes in 4 trendy colours and is made from 55% organic cotton and 45% recycled polyester.

Christmas shoppers can stay cozy from head to toe and look cute to boot with our Winter Hat (EU). Customers love this one-size-fits-all design available in six fun colours – the ultimate gift for snow days and cold nights.

Finally, how about a bag for all that festive swag? Beautiful and basic, this Tote (EU) or Tote (NA) is our best-selling bag design. Available in 10 colors, it makes for a cute and versatile canvas in 100% cotton to showcase your Christmas vision.

Spotlight your merch in festive style

This winter, put your merch in the spotlight and inspire your customers with your creativity. Enlist family and friends to help you make compelling photo and video content for your social media channels.

Remember, authenticity is a gift: if people can picture how your products look in real life on real bodies, they’re more likely to pick them up. Here are a few tips on styling your products.

First of all, set the scene. Pose with presents and decorations to create that all-important festive feel. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination – but make sure to keep it simple.

After, all, it’s important that your products are the star of the show. If you’re rocking accessories like our cute Tote in your photos, keep your outfit simple to showcase the product and your print design. Pair our statement Premium T-Shirt with a classic pair of jeans so customers can focus on the quality and fit.

Finally, make sure there’s a reason for the seasonal. Team our Premium T-Shirt with simple scarves and coats so customers know how to layer it up all year round. By contrast, style the beanie-inspired Winter Hat with a lighter look to show great style is not just for Christmas.

Discover our Christmas bestsellers

Still deciding which products will make the list? We get it: it’s a big design for an all-important time of year. Take time to discover our product range and all our Christmas bestsellers.

Explore the products

What’s at the top of your list? Let us know your Christmas wishes!

The post Make your shop sparkle with Christmas bestsellers appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

Recent years have seen shoppers spend big on these red letter days. The good news for you: a whole lot of sales on these discount days are made online.

We’ll show you how to grab your own little piece of the (pumpkin) pie on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. After all, with a little effort, you can use these highlights of the retail calendar to get the festive shopping season off to a flying start. It’s the busiest time of the year for sales – so what are you waiting for?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: What’s it all about?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have American roots and are closely linked to Thanksgiving celebrations. As the holiday always falls on the fourth Thursday in November, many people in the US take the day off work on the Friday after, too.

That means a lot of people have a lot of time on their hands. However, Black Friday isn’t an official holiday. There’s another little piece of history associated with the day: since the early 1950s, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been considered the start of Christmas shopping season in the US.

That means Americans have begun buying their Christmas gifts on Black Friday for decades now. But the day after Thanksgiving has only been known by this name since the early 1980s. It likely owes the moniker to one simple fact: with the profits they make on this special day, any shop owner is sure to end up in the black.

Cyber Monday has been around since 2005. It was deliberately invented by retail to boost online shopping. This year, Black Friday falls on 24 November, while 27 November marks Cyber Monday.

Get your Spreadshop store ready

You’ve still got time to get your Spreadshop looking ship-shape for the run-up to Christmas. Take another, closer look at your homepage and product pages, for instance.

How about a special teaser image for Black Friday and Cyber Monday – or a discount banner for your homepage? This is a great way to share special deals with your fans and whip up a little bit of that retail fever.

If your homepage could do with a little more structure, you can arrange your designs by theme. You might even have themes that are especially well suited for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the countdown to Christmas. You proactively place these in prime position and deactivate themes less suited to these huge shopping events.

Your product pages are places where you can go into a bit more detail. Here, for instance, you can decide whether to showcase your designs by themselves or on specific products. You can also choose whether users see recommendations for other designs and products or reviews from other users on your Shop.

If you’d like to know more, our YouTube tutorial has the lowdown on how everything works.

You can also organize the products in your shop by category. That way, your fans find the perfect gifts for their loved ones right away – from custom mugs for Gran’s favorite cuppa to bibs for beloved nieces and nephews.

If you’d like to sweeten up your product pages with a little more information, you can find all the details you need on our website. In this overview of our Christmas bestsellers you can check whether you’ve got enough of our top products available in your Shop.

Plan an advertising campaign

Sales success starts with getting your prices right. These tips will help you get the best out of November’s big shopping events:

Do a competitor analysis.What are other users charging for designs like yours? How do they scale their pricing for simple and more complex designs?

Raise your prices for your top-selling products before Black Friday and Cyber Monday arrive. That way, you can earn more on these big shopping days – while our Spreadshop promos help your customers pay less.

Use our promo codes.You’ll find them in our Partner Area:

• 8 to 11 November 2024: 22%
• 20 to 24 November 2024: 15 %
• 29 November 2024: 30 %
• 2 to 8 December 2024: 25% and free shipping for Cyber Week

With Spreadshop, the fun doesn’t stop on Cyber Monday – we celebrate a whole Cyber Week.

Choose marketing channels and a content strategy

A campaign calendar is a great way to make sure you post all your social media promo content on schedule. You can use it to record all your key dates and big events in the run-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That way, you’ve got a plan in front of you, you won’t forget anything, and you can work through it all step by step.

Make sure your marketing activities cater to the different target groups within your customer base, too. Who likes what, and why? Who prefers which formats, and when are different groups online in the first place? If you’ve got specific preferences and user behaviour in your sights, it’s easier to hit your targets for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Data analysis

You can use the analytics tools available on social networks, too. It’s the perfect way to prepare for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday – and look back on how they went.

The key parameters include:

• Likes
• Comments
• Shares
• Reach

As a rule of thumb: everything you’ve ever done before that generated a lot of reactions and achieved a high reach has already worked for you. So do more of it! You can also calculate the engagement rate for specific engagement campaigns. The formula:

engagements ÷ reach x 100

What makes a good engagement rate also depends on the channel. If you’re averaging 1%, you’re doing well and you can be happy with that. If your stats are lower than that, go back to your fans and encourage them to get involved, comment, like and share.

In addition to data analysis on social media, you can also take a closer look at your sales in the Spreadshop Partner Area. This gives you the lowdown on the biggest-selling products and designs and the slow movers in your Shop.

This will help you select the right products and designs for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday social media campaigns.

So don’t miss out on this opportunity to get stuck into the festive retail rush. We hope our Black Friday and Cyber Monday tips will help you rack up the sales of a lifetime.

The post Black Friday and Cyber Monday Marketing Guide for your Spreadshop appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 10 popular design tools and provide a summary of each, including their experience level, key features, pros and cons, and whether they are paid or free. Let’s dive in!

1. Adobe Illustrator

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Key Features:

• Vector-based design software for precise and scalable artwork.
• Extensive tools for typography, shapes, paths, and more.
• Easy integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
• Powerful pen tool for creating custom shapes and paths.
• Supports CMYK color mode for print-ready designs.

Pros:

• Professional-grade tool for intricate designs.
• High-quality vector output.
• Wide range of design possibilities.
• Comprehensive tutorials and resources available.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve.
• Requires a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud.

Paid or Free: Paid (Subscription-based)

2. Affinity Designer 2

Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced

Key Features:

• Robust vector design tool with a user-friendly interface.
• Comprehensive set of vector editing and manipulation tools.
• Supports various file formats, including SVG, AI, and PSD.
• Real-time preview of effects and adjustments.

Pros:

• Affordable one-time purchase.
• Smooth performance even with complex designs.
• Intuitive interface for quick learning.
• Regular updates with new features.

Cons:

• May lack some advanced features found in other tools.
• Smaller community compared to Adobe products.

Paid or Free: Paid (One-time purchase)

3. Canva

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Key Features:

• User-friendly online platform with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Extensive library of templates, fonts, images, and graphics.
• Collaboration features for team projects.
• Pre-sized templates for various design needs.

Pros:

• Easy to learn and use, no design experience required.
• Quick design process with ready-made templates.
• Great for simple and straightforward designs.
• Free version available with the option to upgrade.

Cons:

• Limited control over advanced design aspects.
• Output may not be as high-quality for print.
• Free version may not include advanced features.

Paid or Free: Free (Paid for premium features)

4. Pixlr

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Key Features:

• Web-based photo editing tool with a Photoshop-like interface.
• Variety of filters, effects, and adjustments.
• Layers and blending modes for advanced editing.
• Support for multiple file formats, including PSD.
• Basic vector editing capabilities.

Pros:

• Easy access through a web browser.
• Provides a good balance of features for basic to moderate designs.
• Layer support allows for more complex designs.

Cons:

• Limited vector editing compared to dedicated vector software.
• Some features may require a paid subscription.

Paid or Free: Free (Paid for advanced features)

5. Kittl

Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use browser-based interface.
• Huge library of illustrations, fonts, photos, icons, and textures.
• Thousands of customizable templates.
• Advanced text editing capabilities.
• AI-powered design tools and mockups.
• AI images, vector and product photo generator.
• Active community and learning materials.
• Social media integration.

Pros:

• Save time by kickstarting projects with templates.
• Beginner-friendly browser-based interface.
• Learn on the go and upskill with tutorials, blog posts, and an active discord community.

Cons:

• None that we can see!

Paid or Free: Free (Paid for advanced features)

6. Procreate

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Key Features:

• Digital painting app designed for iPad.
• Natural brush and drawing tools for realistic artwork.
• Wide range of brushes and customizable settings.
• Supports layers and various blend modes.
• Intuitive interface optimized for touch interaction.

Pros:

• Excellent for freehand drawing and painting.
• Realistic brush and texture effects.
• Seamless export of high-resolution files.
• Regular updates with new features.
• Affordable one-time purchase.

Cons:

• Limited to iPad users.
• Not as suitable for vector-based designs.

Paid or Free: Paid (One-time purchase)

7. Adobe Photoshop

Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced

Key Features:

• Industry-standard photo editing and manipulation software.
• Comprehensive set of tools for retouching, compositing, and more.
• Supports both raster and vector editing.
• Wide range of filters and effects.
• Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.

Pros:

• Versatile tool for various design needs.
• Extensive community and resources.
• Regular updates with new features.
• High-quality output for both print and digital.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for advanced features.
• Requires a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud.

Paid or Free: Paid (Subscription-based)

8. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Key Features:

• Open-source graphics editor.
• Offers many features comparable to Photoshop.
• Supports layers, filters, and various tools.
• Customizable interface and functions.
• Regularly updated with improvements.

Pros:

• Free and open-source software.
• Suitable for photo manipulation and basic design.
• Active online community and resources.
• Cross-platform compatibility.

Cons:

• User interface may feel less polished.
• Steep learning curve.
• Some advanced features might be missing.

Paid or Free: Completely free

9. Inkscape

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Key Features:

• Open-source vector graphics editor.
• Focuses on scalable vector design.
• Supports SVG format and other vector formats.
• Comprehensive set of drawing and editing tools.
• Wide range of filters and effects.

Pros:

• Free and open-source software.
• Suitable for creating logos, illustrations, and vector-based designs.
• Active user community and tutorials.
• Cross-platform compatibility.

Cons:

• May not have all the advanced features of commercial software.
• User interface might feel less intuitive.

Paid or Free: Completely free

10. Gravit Designer

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Key Features:

• Cross-platform vector design tool (web-based and desktop).
• Intuitive interface with familiar design elements.
• Supports both vector and raster editing.
• Real-time collaboration for team projects.
• Library of design assets and templates.

Pros:

• Free version available with affordable subscription options.
• User-friendly interface for quick learning.
• Suitable for both vector and image-based designs.
• Regular updates with new features.

Cons:

• May not be as feature-rich as premium tools.
• Some advanced features require a subscription.

Paid or Free: Free (Paid for premium features)

Which is best for me?

There is no single best option for everyone – the right choice for you will depend on your level of design experience, the types of projects you are working on, and your budget. Compare the key features of each tool, and keep in mind that you can try many of these tools for free before you commit!

One important thing to note: Many tools which offer a free basic version (such as Kittl and Canva) prohibit the use of templates for commercial purposes unless you upgrade to a paid license. Make sure you check before using them in your business!

Feature	Kittl	Photoshop	Illustrator	GIMP	Canva	Affinity 2	Pixlr	Procreate	Inkscape	Gravit
Suitable for beginners
Customizable templates
Library of themes/graphics/etc.
Learning tools
Free version available
AI powered design tools & mockups
Web-based
Cloud-based

Phew! With all that info on various design tools, you’re all set to choose the perfect one for your design needs. Whether you prefer vector-based precision, freehand drawing, or photo manipulation, there’s a tool that matches your skill level and creative style.

Remember that the best design tool for you depends on your familiarity with design software, the complexity of your designs, and your budget. Experiment, explore, and let your creativity flow as you embark on your journey to create captivating designs!

Which design programs do you love? Which do you not love quite as much? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Top Design Tools for E-commerce Designers appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

Why it’s a good idea to involve your community in your creative process

Having a community that is engaged in general is always a sign of success for any business. A highly engaged online community on social media is a clear sign of both brand awareness and customer loyalty. It shows that they are interested in the brand and keen to be involved.  

Similarly, keeping your community involved with the design creation process means that you can directly listen to them, and always have their interests in mind. They can also help you come up with new concepts or ideas that you would not have thought of otherwise, that are also specific to their tastes. Actively involving your community in your creative processes means learning about their preferences and learning about what to avoid in your designs. 

Fan-centric merchandise hugely increases sales by catering to the target group and ensuring that they are going to buy. Essentially, what you are able to do when you engage with and learn from your audience, is create fan-centric merchandise that resonates with your target group and increases the chance of higher sales.  

Tips on how to get your community involved

There are a number of ways that you can engage with your community and get them involved in your creative process.

1. You can directly ask your community through your social media channels or newsletters about feedback for designs, products, or placements. With any feedback you’ve been given, be sure to implement it and show your community that you take their opinions seriously.
2. You can also check your reviews and share them on your social media platforms for other community members to see. This way, you can share appreciation for your reviewers and also encourage more reviews.
3. Host a design challenge or ask your community to submit their ideas or wishes, and whoever came up with the winning idea gets a free merch piece of the finalised design. Encourage them to post a picture wearing the creation and tag your shop.
4. Try using a survey or poll to let your followers vote on their favourite designs and be a part of the final decisions for your designs. More on this in a moment…

Using a survey

There are different aspects of the creative process that you can let your community vote on. For example, you can let them vote on their favourite design out of a number of designs for the same product. You could also hold a poll to see which placement of a new design on a particular product your audience likes best. Not sure whether to include an additional print on the back of a product? Get your community’s opinion to see what the best choice for your shop would be. The ways you can utilise surveys and polling are endless!

To show you an example of what a survey or poll might look like, here is one for you to vote on yourself. Here you can see one of our six free designs from our Design Challenge “Spread Good Vibes”, where you can vote on your favourite placement.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

This is a great way to make use of voting with your community. It’s always great to show that your audiences voices will be heard, and that you want them to directly have an impact on your creative choices. You can do this on social media as well, for example with the poll function in Instagram stories. Be sure to share the winning designs from your polls, and maybe even turn it into a limited-edition product in your shop!

Involving your community in your design creation process has great benefits both for you and your audience. For you, you have the opportunity to learn from their feedback and increase your community engagement. For your audience, they have the chance to have their voice heard, and be directly involved in the creative process. This then makes them more likely to want to purchase the final product. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re thinking of how to get more involved with your community, and let their voices be heard!

The post Involve Your Community in Your Designs appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

We’ve got spring design trends that you can use to start your own clothing line.

This blog aims to inspire you with the latest fashion trends of the season. It emphasizes how mixing classic styles with modern touches can help give your brand a new look.

If you like simple, bold, or vintage styles, this guide will inspire you to explore fashion design.

1. Y2K Throwback

The year 2000 marked a new era in fashion and pop culture. It introduced bold changes and trends that were different from those of previous decades. Capture what’s trending on TIkTok and beyond by taking a deep dive into the heart of Y2K aesthetics with your clothing line.

Cute sassy slogans will help market the charm of this ultra-feminine niche. We’re discussing using mostly pink and pastel colors to create eye-catching pieces that blend nostalgia with modern style.

The Y2K trend is more than just bright colors and graphics. Capturing the essence of a time when pop culture had a significant influence is the focus.

From iconic movie quotes to catchy pop song lyrics, designs peppered with these references will fly into carts everywhere. These aren’t just clothes; they’re conversation starters.

Using this kind of specific niche and fashion trend makes it easy to find your audience. Create fun social content around your merch and use hashtags that connect you with the potential buyers.

2. 80s and 90s Revival

The 80s and 90s were decades characterized by their embrace of bright colors and bold patterns. Pop culture was extremely influential during this time, affecting the music, TV shows, and fashion choices of people.

This season, people are bringing back the iconic trends from past decades to celebrate and revive the vibrant era. Imagine neon hues, geometric patterns, and splashy prints adorning everything from casual tees to statement hoodies and sweatshirts. This can turn your clothing line into something that’s a tribute to the times when fashion dared to be bold, and so did the people who wore it.

Look into the pop culture moments that defined their time and still resonate with people. From blockbuster hits to chart-topping hits, your pieces can feature clever nods to the moments and movements that left a mark on history.

So, let’s bring back the best of the 80s and 90s, reimagined for the modern wardrobe. These designs are not only focused on the past. They also aim to move forward with a vibrant and dynamic style. The inspiration for this style comes from past decades.

3. Bold Typography

In the world of merch, words hold power, especially when they appear in bold, attention-grabbing typography. Elevate this concept by featuring designs where typography is not just a detail but the star of the show.

The way words look can affect the message – this includes font, size, and color. It can make a quote, word, or phrase more powerful, inspiring, or entertaining.

Crafters create each piece to stand out, from oversized lettering on T-shirts to intricately designed phrases on jackets. The magic is in the mix of simple designs and bold fonts, creating a stylish and eye-catching balance.

But it’s not just about being loud; it’s about making sure others hear you. Tap into the current cultural zeitgeist, use typography that reflects the sentiments, aspirations, and humor of what’s trending.

Employing bold fonts in your apparel range is a chance to engage more profoundly with your target market. Offer them a way to express their thoughts, beliefs, and personality through what they wear. So, let your designs speak volumes this season with bold typography.

4. Pet Friendly Designs

Pets are more than just animals—they’re family members, companions, and often, our biggest fans. Turn your furry friend into a bona fide superstar with their own curated clothing line. This line celebrates the joy, affection, and enjoyment that pets bring to our lives. It does so through drawings and slogans that highlight their individual personalities.

Picture wearing a T-shirt with your pet’s cute face in a colorful design that shows off your personal style. The T-shirt not only reflects your personal style but also showcases your pet’s cute face in a unique way.

This offers pet lovers a chance to wear their hearts on their sleeves—quite literally.

These designs bring pet owners together by starting conversations. They help us share stories and experiences, celebrating the love we get from our pets. From the park to the coffee shop, wearing these designs connects you with fellow animal lovers, sparking joy and even a few laughs.

People love their pets. Selling products that celebrate this bond is a great way to connect with customers on a deeper level. It allows businesses to tap into the emotional connection people have with their pets. This can create a strong bond between the customer and the brand.

5. Keep it Clean and Aesthetic

Enjoy the simple beauty of images and text with soft strokes and delicate details in this collection. Include the romantic and sophisticated touch of italic writing. This trend is a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.

This approach doesn’t just apply to the aesthetics of our pieces but also to the messages they carry. Simple phrases, beautifully rendered in elegant italics, convey feelings and thoughts with subtlety and grace.

The designs of these pieces are simple and gentle, giving them a timeless quality. They are not just trendy now, but can also be loved for many years in the future. You can dress them up or down, making them perfect for any occasion, mood, or setting.

Moreover, this minimalist approach speaks volumes about the wearer’s personal style. It reflects a preference for elegance over extravagance, substance over showiness. Clean and simple designs in your clothing line let your customers express their style and taste without words.

Our merch designs celebrate minimalism with soft quotes and gentle images that capture the eye and touch the heart.

6. Let it Blossom, Let it Grow

Enjoy caring for plants and appreciating nature’s beauty with designs made for plant lovers. With witty puns and vibrant imagery, this range celebrates the unique bond between humans and their leafy companions.

Imagine yourself wearing a shirt with playful fonts that say “Photosynthesis is my therapy” or “Plant whisperer.” The shirt also features drawings of plants and flowers. These designs are fun for gardening and plant care, perfect for wearing casually or spending a day in the garden.

Beyond the humor, your plant-themed merch can also reflect a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Plant lovers enjoy botanical designs that celebrate growth and beauty in nature, finding happiness in caring for plants.

By adding plant-themed designs into your clothing line, you’re tapping into a passionate and dedicated market. These individuals see their plants as more than just decoration; they’re companions, projects, and sources of endless fascination.

Find your own style within the plant enthusiast community. Create merchandise that showcases the vibrant essence of the plants you adore. Let your designs reflect the life-affirming qualities of your favorite plants.

7. Level Up Your Style

This season, power up the wardrobe of every gamer with designs that are at the heart of gaming culture. This collection features pixelated prints reminiscent of arcade games and intricate imagery inspired by modern gaming worlds. It celebrates the virtual worlds that captivate millions of people.

Gaming merchandise is not just clothes; it helps gamers feel connected to their favorite games and shows their identity. These pieces are as much a statement of personal taste as they are of gaming allegiance.

Beyond the visual appeal, your gaming merch can embrace the essence of what it means to be part of the gaming community. Each design includes classic quotes, easter eggs, and memorable gaming moments. A fun way to connect with other fans and start conversations in real life.

But it’s not just about looking back; it’s about pushing forward.

Gaming-themed designs open a world of possibilities for your clothing line. A chance to connect with a devoted community, giving them a way to show their love for gaming through clothing.

8. Sometimes Simple is Better

Understated design has real power. You can create a clothing line that is all about minimalism, featuring small icons and succinct text of no more than five words. For people who want to make a statement quietly, by adding simplicity to their daily lives and clothing choices.

Just because something is simple, doesn’t mean it’s not extraordinary. On the contrary, these designs stand out for their clarity and precision. One word, a picture, or colors can show feelings, beliefs, and who you are as well as fancy designs.

This is for people who prefer simple things. They want clothes that can pair with anything in their closet, regardless of the style. This collection offers something for anyone who enjoys understated designs. It could be a small symbol that brings joy or a few words that convey their beliefs and opinions.

Adding simple designs to your clothes shows that people have different preferences. Fashion can be a way to express your identity and personality. It allows you to think about yourself and showcase your individuality.

9. Canvas for Your Inner Artist

Explore abstract art with vibrant colors and strong brushstrokes, creating dynamic patterns that capture the essence of abstract painting. This collection is more than just clothes; it’s art you can wear that connects with your creative side. It encourages you to express yourself in a bold and original way through the colorful prints.

Abstract art is about feelings and creativity, going beyond traditional styles to create a personal bond with the audience. By using abstract painting prints in your collection, you’re offering a palette of imagination to our customers.

These designs are bold and perfect for people who see fashion as a way to express their creativity and uniqueness. It’s fashion that doesn’t just complement your style; it sets it free.

Adding abstract art patterns into your clothing line allows consumers to witness the fusion of fashion and art. Thus, let’s adorn our closets with daring lines and vibrant hues, showcasing to the world the masterpiece that is you.

10. The Timeless Charm of the Past

A timeless appeal to vintage design exists. They celebrate the fashion that has traversed generations to make a resounding comeback. You can create a vintage look with faded colors and nostalgic images that define old-fashioned clothing. An invitation to embrace the past while making a bold statement in the present.

But vintage doesn’t just mean old; it’s about bringing the best of the past into the now with a modern twist. Finding a balance between honoring the past and looking forward to the future is important. We create clothing that vintage enthusiasts will love, while still fitting in with today’s fashion trends.

Wearing vintage graphics connects you with others who appreciate history. Wearing a piece of the past sparks conversations and shows your love for beauty from earlier times.

Conclusion

Creating a clothing line is no small feat. Remember these popular spring trends when creating designs to attract your audience and make your brand stand out. This will help your brand stand out in the competitive marketplace.

Fashion is always changing. Those who innovate while still respecting classic styles are the ones who stand out in the industry. So, as you move forward, let the trends of today inspire the timeless designs of tomorrow. These are the designs that will resonate this spring and many seasons to come.

LAUNCH YOUR OWN CLOTHING LINE. TODAY!

The post Spring Forward: 10 Merch Designs appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

Previously, it was easy to simply link your Spreadshop to the Meta Business Suite and essentially set everything up with just one click. Now, you may have to set everything up manually again, but there’s good news, too: control of your account is back in your own hands.

After all, Meta has plenty of benefits for your Spreadshop: you can sell your products directly via the social networks and take a smart approach to running a modern e-commerce business. After all, your friends, family and followers are already on Facebook and Instagram, anyway.

You can also use the platform to reach new customers and expand your brand for free. Functions such as Facebook groups, targeted ads, and special merch drops with time-limited offers for individual products on Instagram can help you do this.

The latest Meta update doesn’t change anything in this regard. We, too, are working constantly to improve Spreadshop.

That’s why we’d like to show you in this blog post how you can get the most out of the latest changes in the Meta Business Suite for your Spreadshop.

What’s new?

The latest update gives you back your full flexibility, allowing you to manage settings, changes, updates and your Meta Commerce activities based on your own personal needs. The manual processes let you take a tailored approach to Meta Commerce. You can also manage several shops and product catalogues, which facilitates a personalized and efficient workflow.

Verifying your domain

Before you can use Meta Business Suite, you need to verify the domain of your Spreadshop.

Why is this important?

• So you can connect the Meta Business Suite to your Spreadshop.
• So you can give specific pages editing permissions for your ads.

How do I create and verify a domain in Meta Business Manager?

1. Open the Meta Business Suite on our Facebook business page
   Settings > Brand Safety > Domains > Add > New domain > Enter domain for verification
2. Copy the generated meta tag – you’ll find it after “content=” in the HTML
3. Open your Shop settings in the Spreadshop Partner Area:
   Marketing > Meta > Insert a meta tag
4. Return to Meta and click “Verify Domain”

Meta pixel

What is a Meta pixel?

A Meta pixel is an analytics tool. It measures user behavior on your website. This allows you to work out how effective your ad campaigns on Facebook are. After all, the tool tracks events such as page views, products added to shopping cart, purchases, scroll depth, time spent on the page, and much more.

When you add a Meta pixel to your Spreadshop, you can track visits to your website and get helpful insights: for instance, on where traffic comes from, which device users are using, and demographic information.

As a first step, then, the Meta pixel helps you analyze your customers. This allows you to create tailored advertising, optimize existing ads and ensure that your campaigns are shown to the correct target audience.

How can I create and add a Meta pixel?

1. Open the “Meta Business Suite” on the business Facebook page
   Settings > Data sources > Datasets > Add
2. Create a name for your new data set > Copy the pixel ID
3. In the Spreadshop Partner Area, go to your Shop settings:
   Marketing > Meta > Paste the Meta pixel

Meta Product Feed

What is a Meta Product Feed?

A product feed is a list of products combined with product information. It can be used to display information on Facebook and Instagram. You can use the feed to display product lists and to place ads for and retarget specific users.

Users who visit your shop on Facebook or Instagram can click on the products there and purchase them straight from your Spreadshop.

Here’s how to sync the product feed and create a catalog for your Spreadshop products on Meta:

1. Go to your Spreadshop Partner Area:
   Marketing > Meta > Product feed > Copy product feed
2. Open the “Meta Business Suite”
   Data sources > Catalogs > Add > Create a new catalog > Name catalog
3. Click Type and select an option that suits your Spreadshop > Create
4. Choose the options you need for your Shop
5. In the Commerce Manager, click the following:
   Open > Data sources > Data feed > Next > Paste the product feed URL here > Upload

Get started with Meta Business Suite now and take your Spreadshop to a new level with marketing on Facebook and Instagram.

The post Meta update – everything you need to know appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

The beta version of the new SpreadApp already gave you a sneak peak at its new features. We gratefully received the feedback on our SpreadApp beta and have put it into action. Now you can discover the results for yourself. Download SpreadApp 4.0 and connect it to your Partner Area now.

Create and publish products with your smartphone

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With SpreadApp 4.0, you can create and publish new products for your Spreadshop on the go or from the comfort of your sofa. Simply select a photo or graphics file on your smartphone, upload it, add metadata, and publish it on the sales channels of your choice.

Here’s how: first of all, open the SpreadApp and tap the picture frame icon in the middle of the bottom navigation bar to open the Designs section. Here, you’ll find all the designs you’ve already uploaded at a glance – just like in the design overview in your Partner Area. Use the filter function to sort your designs by sales channels and publication status.

You can also tap “+” in the top-right corner to upload more designs – from your photo albums, files or straight from your phone camera. Next, tap the new design in the overview, choose the sales channels where you’d like to publish it, and add the metadata. Hit “Create” in the top-right corner and you’re all done!

Edit sales channels

But that’s not all! Want to open a new Shop in a few quick and easy steps or publish your designs on the Marketplace? No problem! Open the sales channels overview, tap “+” in the top-right corner and give your new sales channel a suitable name. Then you can activate and visit it straight away on your smartphone – just like all your other sales channels.

Create and edit products across devices

The content in your SpreadApp and your Partner Area always syncs up – making life incredibly easy for you. This way, for instance, you can start creating and publishing products on your smartphone, then fine-tune the product selection in your Partner Area. Here’s a rundown of all the new features of SpreadApp 4.0:

Overview:

• Sales and earnings at a glance

Statistics:

• Detailed information on sales, credit and bestsellers

Design area:

• Upload and publish designs
• Edit metadata
• Organise designs
• View design details

Sales channels

• Edit existing sales channels
• Set up new sales channels
• Activate and deactivate sales channels
• Visit sales channels

Have you already installed the new version of SpreadApp on your smartphone? Let us know what you think and any other features and functions you’d like to see in future.

The post SpreadApp 4.0 makes your Partner Area mobile appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.

Christmas design dos and don’ts

You’re sure to have an idea of which designs you’d like to delight your fans with this festive season. There are a few things to bear in mind when coming up with your designs – and others to leave by the wayside.

The dos

1. Use festive signs and symbols

Sprinkle a touch of festive magic on your brand logo or slogan by surrounding it with seasonal signs and symbols. These could include Christmas trees, presents, bells, stars or Santa himself.

This gives your shop a wonderful and welcoming festive feel that’s sure to attract potential customers’ attention.

2. Use Christmas colour palettes

The colours you use are crucial to creating that Christmassy feel. Consider adapting the colours of your logo, claims or designs accordingly. Popular Christmas colour schemes include blue and silver, red and green, silver and gold, purple and white, and red and cream.

These colour combinations often make us think of Christmas right away, giving your designs a more festive effect.

3. Search for inspiration / create moodboards

Inspiration is the key to creativity. Use platforms like Pinterest to find festive inspiration. Browse your feed to discover ideas and trends.

You can also create moodboards using tools like Canva or Placeit to help you plan the visuals for your festive designs. Work out how you can include trends and inspiration in your own creations.

Are you still missing that creative spark to kickstart your designs? Check out the templates on AI-assisted design tool Kittl. This will get your creativity moving faster than Santa’s sleigh.

The don’ts

1. Don’t overdo your logo design

You’ve put in a lot of work over the years to make sure your logo is recognised by customers and fans alike. This is called brand recognition – and it’s worth its weight in gold. People often return to brands they already know and which have positive associations for them.

Don’t destroy this recognition factor by redesigning your logo or slogan too drastically. In this case, less is more. Even if we often associate Christmas with opulence and that little bit extra.

2. Don’t go over the top with your designs and logos

This tip follows on from our first point. Take care when decorating your designs. A little festive feature here and there usually does the job.

Of course, you should always keep your target audience in mind, too. If your customers are crazy about Christmas, you don’t need to worry about going that little bit further. Feel free to get glitter-tastic.

However, if your customer base mainly consists of confirmed Grinches, you might want to opt for subtle decor with an ironic touch.

3. Consider copyright

Intellectual property is a precious commodity. Father Christmas will swiftly put you on his naughty list if you use copyright-protected content to create your designs.

Sometimes it isn’t clear what’s protected and what isn’t. National and international databases can come in handy here. Examples of where you can do your research include the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUPIO) and the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO).

Design ideas for the festive season

A few design themes are perfect for the Christmas period. Others are a little quirkier but could represent the creative breakaway that sets your shop apart from the rest.

1. Top mums and dads

Let’s be honest: we might fight from time to time – but Mums and Dads are usually pretty decent. Christmas designs for parents are guaranteed to draw custom to your shop.

2. Family favourites

The same goes for the whole family. Inside jokes and funny quotes about family life at Christmas time have real potential, too.

3. Better halves

At this celebration of love and togetherness, lovingly created designs for that special someone make a perfect addition to your product range.

4. Ugly Christmas sweaters

Festive fans and grouchy Grinches usually agree on one thing: the ugly Christmas sweater has moved beyond a trend to become a popular fixture of everyone’s festive wardrobe.

5. Make it personal

Create festive designs with an option to personalize the item. Initials and little personal details help turn a gift into a customised surprise.

6. Shape it up

Try out different geometric shapes, lines and color combinations. This adds a touch of style to your festive designs.

7. Style to the letter

Designs featuring lettering are popular all year round. During the festive season, you can adapt them to suit the Christmas theme.

8. Serve up festive flavors

What would Christmas be without the food? Turkey, Christmas pudding and all the chocolate you can eat. Designs featuring these delicacies are the best way to create a feelgood factor for your customers.

9. The man of the hour

Of course there’s one important figure who’s a must for your festive guest list: Santa Claus, the Christmas VIP. Father Christmas, Père Noël, Pai Natal – he may go by all kinds of names around the globe, but one thing’s for sure: he and his reindeer achieve something incredible at the end of the year. That’s a good enough reason to dedicate a design to the man himself and his trusty companions.

10. A good quote says it all

Festive wisdom isn’t just for Grandma’s crochet masterpieces. With a funny design and even a little wordplay, there’s sure to be a spot for it in your shop.

11. Dashing through the snow

It might sound odd at the end of summer, but it won’t be long before chances of snow and ice are on the rise. A winter wonderland with festive firs and footprints in the snow…This scene inspires childhood memories and sparks wishes for a white Christmas. Tap into this theme to create a design.

Time to market your Christmas merch

December will be here sooner than you think – so you should start preparing your product range and getting your shop fit for the festive season. You’ll find tips on last year’s top sellers in our blog.

Upload a few new festive designs and advertise your shop on all your channels. This is a good way to remind your community to get started on their Christmas shopping a little earlier this year.

We wish you all the best for your festive campaign – with plenty of success and the right drop of creativity!

The post Make your festive designs magical appeared first on The Spreadshop Blog.