Start a Merch Side Hustle this National Creativity Day

What if creativity could be more than just a spark?

Every year, on 30th May, National Creativity Day UK rolls around with the gentle reminder: remember that idea you had? That design you never had printed? That project you said you'd get around to?

Now is the time.

And this year is no different. And that's okay. Creativity isn't just a feel-good concept anymore. It's good business. Good branding. Good therapy, even. And when you turn that creativity into something real, something tangible, it becomes a notebook, a hoodie, a badge that people can hold, wear, or remember you by. That's the beauty, or rather, the magic of personalised merchandise. It isn't just stuff. It's sentiment. It's you, in physical form.

Why Custom Merchandise is more popular than ever

In 2024, UK online retail sales hit a record-breaking £127 billion (Retail Gazette). Consumers aren't just shopping more; they are shopping smarter. Looking for unique, bold, niche, and personalised items that speak to their aesthetics, to their values.

That includes custom merch. In fact, independent creators and brands have seen a sharp uptick in product sales across platforms like Etsy, Shopify and even TikTok Shop. Why? Because now more than ever, we are in an age of identity. It's what we wear, what we carry, what we write. It allows us to say something about who we are, without even saying anything.

And people look for that. They want, they cherish meaning. Whether that's a hoodie designed by their favourite illustrator, a keyring or badge made for that niche anime that nobody has heard of, a wooden block printed with a quote from your favourite book or movie. Custom merchandise transforms admiration into action.

That is especially true on Pinterest, where 61% of UK users say they've bought something they discovered on the platform (Metricool). It isn't just inspiration or a moodboard anymore; it's a storefront in disguise.

Tools to help you design merch

"But I'm not a designer..." Yes, you are. Here's the secret.

Design has never been more accessible. You don't need to be a Photoshop pro or clued into Blender to create your own merch. With free tools like Canva, which has over 220 million users worldwide (Whop), anyone can easily design a t-shirt, badge or mouse mat.

And it isn't just limited to Canva either. Adobe Express is made for beginners who want polished, professional merch designs without the steep learning curve that comes with other Adobe applications. With ready-made layouts, drag-and-drop tools, and access to an extensive font and image library, Express lets you create standout merch artwork quicker than ever.

And, if you are a designer? Same. That's why we have a host of downloadable product templates to take the pressure out of sizing, bleed and crop marks. No guesswork, just results.

How to start your first merchandise project

There's something powerful about seeing your design off-screen. Holding it. Using it. Sharing it. When you sign up for marketing, you’ll get up to 15% off all merchandise for your first 30 days through our Rewards scheme. It's simple to join and a great way to test your designs on: 

• Apparel 
• Notebooks 
• Badges and Keyrings 
• Coasters 
• Mouse Mats 
• And more. 

Whether you're finally launching your side hustle, creating promo products or wanting to try something new, National Creativity Day is the perfect time.

The Takeaway

To put it simply, National Creativity Day isn't about being perfect. It's about being bold enough, brave enough to start. To turn an idea into something tangible. To hold your design in your hands and think, I made this.

There is no feeling like it. So trust me. Pick something. Start with a hoodie. A coaster. A notebook. Because creativity is worth more than just thinking about.