Why We Created It (and What We Learned Along the Way)
At Studio West Design Co, we’re all about practicing what we preach. We tell our clients every single day that strong marketing takes strategy, lead time, and a little guts. Last year, we decided to put our own advice to the test, and that’s how Spooky Merch was born.

Why Spooky?

Our brand has always had a cowgirl-meets-creative edge, so Halloween felt like the perfect time to mix our playful side with the design skills we use daily for our clients. We wanted something that wasn’t just seasonal merch, but a marketing tool for ourselves — a way to show up in a fun, tangible way while testing the same strategies we map out for our clients’ product launches.

Think of it as an experiment in self-marketing (with a side of skeletons, ghosts, and cheeky cowgirl hats).

What We Learned the First Time Around

Here’s the truth: our first spooky drop didn’t go as planned. Why? Because we didn’t give it the lead time it deserved. We launched late in the season, skipped a proper runway, and didn’t have enough touchpoints for people to find us. Basically, we broke our own rules.

But here’s the kicker: even though the launch flopped by our standards, it was one of the best learning moments we’ve had as a team. It proved that even the coolest design won’t sell if the strategy isn’t there. And that’s exactly what we help our clients avoid every day.

Round Two: Doing It Right

This year, we came back for redemption. With a stronger runway, a clearer message, and even more fun designs, Spooky Merch became more than just sweatshirts and tees. It became:

• A real-time case study to show our clients that launch strategy matters.
• A way for our community to wear Studio West out in the wild.
• A reminder that marketing isn’t about perfection, it’s about experimenting, iterating, and trying again.

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

If Spooky Merch has taught us anything, it’s that details matter. One thing we’d absolutely improve on is making the merch point back to us more clearly. Last year, we tucked our Studio West branding into the cowgirl hat – a fun little Easter egg, but way too subtle to actually drive people to our site.

Next time? We’d add a QR code or bold link that makes it easy for anyone who sees the merch to scan, click, and find us instantly. Because the truth is, your brand collateral should work for you. Whether it’s a t-shirt, a tote bag, or a digital ad. And subtle doesn’t always cut it when you’re building awareness.

Why It Matters

Spooky Merch isn’t just merch. It’s our way of saying: we’re in this with you. We’ve felt the sting of a launch that didn’t land. We’ve also felt the thrill of tweaking, relaunching, and watching it finally click.

For us, it’s proof that creative ideas need structure behind them… and when you get the balance right, even a Halloween sweatshirt can turn into a brand-building powerhouse.

👻 Shop the Spooky Collection

Ready to get your hands on some spooky Studio West style? Grab the limited drop while it lasts:

And if you’re looking to launch your own product line or seasonal campaign, let’s chat about building a strategy that actually sticks. Because nothing’s scarier than wasted ad spend.