Beginning with a static-y 1996 AM radio interview during a power outage on the island of Guam Micronesia, then checking in from a goat farm in Japan decades later, then again from tiny isle in Indonesia, Uncle Weed weaves hempen stories and personal anecdotes about life on this remote USA “territory” including: selling hemp bags at Jeff’s Pirate Cove, advocating for legalization of cannabis in all forms, weird jobs (and quitting same), and current situation as Grassroots activists seek to fulfil will of voters for medical and recreational uses.
Dave (L) and Richard Loat shoot swag from atop the Hootbus at SxSW HootHockey event in 2012 (photo by ?)
Creating memorable, keep-able promotional items can enhance your brand / campaign rather than getting tossed out. On a hiking trail, Dave shares “rules” and considerations from experience, including many examples and anecdotes, ergo:
Rules:
Light enough to travel
Photo-op-able
Sizes suck
Quality goods
Metaphorically yours
Will it fly?
Thrifty for lots
If you’ve seen it before, don’t do it
Examples:
Scarves (muted design, subtlely design, useful in chill too)
Flags (simple design, sized to fold, wear like a cape, bonus for decorating event)
Beer coozies (low cost, party-friendly, connect to home)
Passports (independence, handy for notes, interactive)
Pins and stickers (easy giveaways, make a bundle for excitement, mailable, each unique)
Temp tattoo (inspired by Sailor Jerry rather than just a logo)
Masks (remixed from users, great for events, provides interactive activity)
Plush owls (remixed from user, take like a traveling gnome, shoot from cannon!)
Other Considerations:
Design for your audience and crew
Workshirts with patches + bandanas
Swag-box exchange and unboxing
Budget guidelines
Making best t-shirts
Breaking rules:
Lighters and pint glasses with etched logo (renegade “hippie” culture)
Coasters (allowed us to leave bread crumbs, bars/restaurants find useful)
Recorded spontaneously in May 2013 on Varley Trail, Lynn Valley, North Vancouver
