L’Agence is a New York City-based collective of creators across different mediums, including photography, video creation, and fashion styling. Our main goal with creating merchandise and opening a shop was to have another way to express ourselves and the meaning behind our brand. After going through the process of our own rollout and seeing the excitement and support we received from our community, we wanted to share what we learned from the experience. Hopefully, y’all can use it to create something that continues an ongoing cycle of inspiration and innovation.

Here are our top five tips for creators looking to promote their next drop:

1. Find a theme

Establishing your theme or aesthetic helps keep things consistent when you’re shooting a promo, while letting people know what you’re marketing and who it’s for. For example, your theme could be video games, Japan, goth punk, cats, retro 90s era, cutesy, the list goes on. Our L’Agence line is french themed, so we found a couple of areas in our city that fit with that vibe.

2. Use what you have

The equipment you have at home will do just fine. It can be discouraging to think you need high-end expensive equipment to get quality results. That old DSLR camera you have laying around will get the job done just as well as any newer model. Even an iPhone would be more than sufficient. If you don’t have the best lighting setup, go outside in the daylight or next to a window. There’s always a workaround.

3. Style your designs & use props

Something important that creators often overlook is styling their own pieces. Share images of friends wearing your product, keeping in mind how your supporters will want to feel when they wear that item.  This helps potential consumers gauge sizing, picture themselves in the product, and inspires creative combinations. Props are another great way to bring your vision to life. The prop can be held by a model or used to accessorize a product photo. A basketball, baseball bat, or cleats would be perfect for a sporty theme, while dolls, plushies, and pillows would suit a cutesy theme best. Even a quick trip to the dollar store can result in something cool with enough imagination.

4. Shoot video clips

Alongside a photoshoot, simple video clips can take your promo to the next level. Think of videos as an opportunity to produce your own mini fashion show. The clips don’t even have to be longer than 15 seconds. Models can be walking, posing, talking, or whatever feels right for the mood you’re going for. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can get even more creative and make a skit or short film.

5. Flex your creativity 

Overall, the most important rule is my personal favorite: have fun! This is the time to be over the top, to be silly, play dress-up, reference your favorite movie, whatever you want. Creativity is unique to each person and community – it’s what showcases your personality & separates your brand from the next. Draw inspiration from other sources, but ultimately you’ve got to make it your own. Doing anything new can be a little scary, but do what you think is best for your campaign – there are people who will like it.

‍

You can check out the L'Agence store here. Want to get started with your own online shop? Head to fourthwall.com to request your invite and start building.