Merchandise i designed to go along with the album launch. As i said in my sketchbook i wanted to make sure the items are appealing to the target market of those aged between 18-25 which is the main market of those within K-pop. With an older fan base many have said they don’t like it when the face of the idol is plastered on the front as it seems childish. From my sketchbook you can also see a lot of k-pop merchandise is graphic based therefore i created these and wanted to get feedback from fans to see what they think.

Feedback – i asked what one they would buy.

• Kai – female – 26 – likes the second design most and would purchase it.
• Sam/Niki (TTK_uk You-tubers) male – 27 – they also liked the second design most as its minimal and stylish would be proud to wear it as a fan.
• Sophie – female – 22 – likes the last hoodie best. Is a fan of the line drawing, this its clever way to include TEN without it being cheesy. It would also be someone fans could notice as merchandise but not the general public.
• Aamina – female – 22 – Likes the tote bags as its something she uses every day from food shopping to taking laptop/books into uni.
• Max – male – 23 – Likes the second design most, looks like a hoodie he would find in Urban outfitters over something for a K-pop group which makes it easier to wear around the streets.
• Ally – female – 22 – the last hoodie and the same illustration on the tote bag due to her love for illustrations in general.

I am the same as ally and as i fan i would be happy to purchase the matching items.

The first idea, wasn’t liked my anyone therefore i don’t think i will be adding into the final collection. Its a design that is more simple compared to the others, this style of graphic is also out of fashion at the moment. Where as the Chinese text and line drawing can be found in a lot of high street stores recently, such as Urban Outfitters and Topshop.

 

I am however happy that both males and females like the ideas as can be seen worn by a range of ages due to the simple designs.