Solar Digital: Visible Everywhere
About the project
For several years, we experimented with making our own merch. Every attempt had the same problem: the ideas were exciting, the concepts felt fresh, but the execution fell flat. Instead of stylish pieces we’d actually enjoy wearing, the result looked more like supermarket uniforms than custom promotional products.
In 2023, we finally decided to change that once and for all. The goal wasn’t just another batch of shirts, but a fully thought-out collection we’d be proud to wear at conferences, on stage, during Zoom conference apparel sessions, or even in everyday life.
Challenge and solution
The biggest challenge was finding balance between bold branding design ideas and realistic production. Creative teams can push boundaries, but if the production process doesn’t support it, the vision either becomes too expensive or simply impossible. That was the trap we wanted to avoid.
We searched for a production partner who valued details as much as we did. From fabrics to printing methods, every decision mattered. Instead of the usual quick-print approach, they proposed embroidery, custom stitching, and subtle accents — turning what could have been just corporate promotional items into stylish branded merchandise. Those details transformed the collection into true branding solutions, rather than disposable corporate giveaways.
How we worked
Our process was never about sitting in Figma and hoping for the best. While we developed concepts, we immediately validated how they could be produced — merging creative design services with practical custom production services. This made it possible to deliver not only personalized merchandise but also scalable brand development services that met professional standards.
One design decision we’re especially proud of was logo placement. By shifting the logo higher toward the neckline, we solved a common problem: video calls. On Google Meet, Zoom, or when recording Instagram stories, the brand mark usually gets cropped out. With our version, the identity stays visible — whether it’s part of branded social media products, custom corporate apparel, or branded apparel for online meetings.
Results
The outcome was our “Designed by Solar Digital” line: a capsule collection of five or six T-shirts in monochrome variations, with multiple custom brand design options for logo placement. To this we added sweatshirts, caps, tote bags, phone cases, and even event-specific branded clothing for conferences. The result went beyond a simple “company shirt” — it became a versatile collection designed with professional brand design principles.
We also experimented with corporate event apparel, including tiktok branded clothing, stylish pieces for instagram reels, content-ready outfits for instagram threads, and polished looks perfect for promotional products for conferences. In parallel, we delivered logo design for brands that translated seamlessly from physical products to instagram posts. This mix of strategy, creativity, and execution elevated the collection into a complete ecosystem of design for startups and established businesses alike.
And this time, everything clicked. The clothing looks stylish, it’s cost-efficient to produce, and, most importantly, it works in the environments that matter most: conferences, public talks, online meetings, and digital platforms. The collection even unlocked new opportunities — shortly after launch, we were approached by IT companies looking for their own custom corporate apparel, inspired by the success of our portfolio.
