lessons in design
dD Adventure Apparel, the who, the why and the process.
What started as an idea, and the frustration of not being able to find comfy basics while traveling for videography and photoshoots, turned into a reality with a few new pieces in my wardrobe. I lead a small campaign to generate some feedback, highlighting it on social media and creating a promo reel for YouTube, which lead to people reaching out asking to put in orders!
This was a passion project, to create my own “merch” for me, myself and I, to learn design skills, to wear on adventures and to remind myself that yes, I am a creator, a videographer, a YouTuber.. and learning how to create a brand has given me immense joy.
The design process was fun, and a bit challenging. The company I used to manufacture and print the samples, managed to either massively enlarge or make the designs super tiny. For the second time around to fix the samples, I sent them a detailed write up with the specific dimensions. I had previously covered that, but I learned quickly it’s better to give too much information. The company was great and redid the issue garments for free.
I have since gone on to design different promo products for my employers, but I always double check with an in-house graphic designer and go through an approval process. When you are doing this for someone else, so much more is on the line! Luckily I went through the learning curve with my own apparel first.
“I like to do things and go places”, is sort of my mission statement that I have woven into the story of my brand. I won’t take credit for it, I am sure you can find it stamped on everything from post cards to other clothes. “Do More”, is something I borrowed from Casey Neistat. He has it tattooed on his arm as a reminder to himself, and in a fit of 2020 passion and the search for more.. I did the same.
To switch things up, I also tried out a “Do More, Go Places” style of design.
The logo placement on the back, towards the neck, aesthetically I enjoy the simplicity of the look and it gives something extra to the back of the shirt.
These pieces have become staples as seen across my social media channels and personal branding photos. It’s pretty cool to wear something you designed from scratch. I’d love to be a part of the printing process one day.
In 2025 I finally developed a great working relationship with a printing company through my work with them for corporate promo products. I’m looking forward to getting back to the drawing board and coming up with a few new looks.
The first time around, I went down the rabbit hole trying to find companies that produce high quality, low cost apparel, so I could sell at a low cost to the people who wanted to support me. I ran into a dead end and the cost was just far too high to make it worth while.
Many learning lessons were had and I immensely enjoyed the learning process along with further developing my “Daisy Dilts” brand I have been slowly forming.
Fun fact, I designed my logo in high school around 2009/2010! (With some help, I was terrible at photoshop at the time)
