The Creative Shift : Preparing for a Merch Drop Around a Possible Outcome—And What to Do If It Doesn’t Happen

With the outcome of the Super Bowl, I was crushed. Not because I had money on the game or that I am THAT large of a Chiefs fan, but because I had some really fun designs for merch I was excited to share with the world if they were able to accomplish a 3peat victory. The Eagles gave me plenty of time to grieve my dead designs. It got me in a headspace to salvage anything from my weeks of preparation with my product vendor and countless revisions to the designs. That being said, enjoy the blog post.

When planning a merchandise release around a big event or outcome, there’s always an element of risk. Maybe your favorite team didn’t clinch the championship, an artist didn’t announce the expected tour, or a collaboration fell through. That doesn’t mean your hard work goes to waste… In fact, preparing for a merch line in advance is a valuable experience in itself—and if things don’t go as planned, you can still pivot. Here’s how to approach the process strategically and recycle designs to maximize your effort.

1. Designing for Both Scenarios: Success & Alternate Paths

Learn from my biggest regret for the Kansas City merch line I was planning for. If you’re creating merch around a potential outcome (like a Super Bowl championship win or a viral moment), consider designing with adaptability in mind:

• Make some designs “evergreen.” Instead of exclusively tying graphics to a specific event, create variations that could work regardless of the outcome. I think I could do some additional revisions to my concepts and hopefully salvage at least one set of products. I am at a point currently I have no interest in working with Red/Gold./White for a while.

• Prepare neutral designs. A “Champions” design can be paired with a “Legacy” or “Proud Supporter” version, allowing for easy shifts.

• Think of sentiment shifts. If Plan A is a celebration, what’s the backup? A “We’ll Be Back” or “The Journey Continues” theme can keep engagement high. I need to read the room this week and see if there is a need for this type of sentiment.

2. Recycling Unreleased Concepts

 This is where I am at in this journey - If the expected outcome doesn’t happen, don’t scrap your designs—rework them instead!

• Strip out date-specific elements. Can the artwork work as a general tribute instead of a single-event piece?

• Modify the messaging if applicable.

• Consider a fan-driven approach. Release a “What Could Have Been” limited edition or a “True Fans Stick Around” version for loyal supporters.

3. Tweaking Designs to Fit a Different Narrative

 Let’s say you created an entire merch line around a winning moment, but it didn’t happen. Here’s how to salvage the work without starting over:

• Convert hype energy into resilience. Fans still want to show loyalty. A shift in messaging can turn a loss into motivation.

• Rework visuals for another theme. A dynamic illustration of a moment can still be used, even if the text changes. This is not an option in my scenario, as I was hyper focused on designing with Kansas City specific motifs throughout my works.

• Explore alternate uses. Maybe this merch isn’t fit for release right now—but could it be repurposed for an anniversary drop, or a throwback collection.

4. Embracing the Process as a Win

 Even if you don’t launch the exact merch you planned, the work wasn’t for nothing. Here’s why:

• You built a workflow. The skills in designing, testing ideas, and preparing for a launch will pay off in future projects.

• You expanded your creative library. Unused designs can inspire future work, whether for personal projects, freelance gigs, or collaborations.

• You proved adaptability. Being able to pivot makes you a stronger creative and business owner.

The process is as much of the art as the final piece. Lean into the label of calling your art “work” because it is just that, the period between concept to finale is essential to embrace and feel accomplished with each step. Every piece is knowledge and experience you didn’t have previously.

5. Keep Moving Forward—And Keep Creating

 Merch is a game of timing, but it’s also about being resourceful and staying creative. Instead of dwelling on what didn’t happen, focus on how you can reframe, repurpose, and re-energize your efforts for the next opportunity. The best merch creators aren’t just those who hit the jackpot on timing—they’re the ones who find ways to make every idea count.

While you’re here, take a look around, see what catches your eye.

If you think we’d make something cool together, let’s talk.

Or, if you just want to browse check out my creative portfolio.