How to Design Merch and Gig Posters That Actually Stand Out

As an unsigned band, your music comes first. But when it comes to getting noticed, what people see often makes the first impression - especially when you're trying to sell a gig night, push a new release, or shift some merch.

Think about it. A poster catches someone’s eye before they’ve ever heard a note. A T-shirt walks around in public long after the set ends. These things aren’t just extras - they’re extensions of your band’s identity.

Let’s start with gig posters. The mistake most bands make is trying to cram in every bit of information. Five logos, a wall of text, awkward colours, and suddenly it’s a confusing mess. But great posters are simple. One strong image. One or two fonts, max. Clear headline (band name, date, venue), and enough space to breathe. If it looks good small, it’ll work on socials. If it still looks good printed large, you’ve nailed it.

Use your genre as a visual guide. A brutal deathcore poster shouldn’t look like a lo-fi indie night. But don’t feel you have to follow every cliché either. A clean, modern design can stand out in a sea of chaotic metal flyers. The goal isn’t to follow the crowd - it’s to be recognisable as you.

When it comes to merch, it’s tempting to stick your logo on a black tee and call it done. But take a second to think about what you’d actually wear. Fans want to support you, sure - but they also want something that looks good, feels good, and maybe even gets compliments when they wear it out.

Artwork-based tees, simple type designs with lyrics, abstract visuals that hint at your vibe - all of these can work better than a stretched-out band name in a default font. If you’ve got album or EP art that’s strong, repurpose it. If you’ve got a designer mate, rope them in. If not, there are tools like Canva or even AI image generators that can help you explore ideas until something clicks.

Don’t over-order. Start small. Offer limited runs. Sell them at gigs and online. If one design takes off, build on it. Merch isn’t just income - it’s advertising. And if it looks good, people will wear it with pride.

The same goes for consistency. If your gig posters, socials, and merch all look like they come from the same band, it builds trust. It tells people you’ve got your act together. And in a crowded scene, that’s half the battle.

Your visuals don’t need to be fancy. They need to be thoughtful. And when they’re done right, they’ll speak just as loudly as your loudest riff.