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As a true Starcraft nerdballer. And a pure TL fanboy.
I have bought three T-shirts. The old liquid T-shirt. The protoss T-shirt and the new T-shirt.
I have also bought the Hoodie and the documentary to recieve the poster
I am really happy about all the merch I bought but I would love more to choose from.
Stuff that I miss.
A sick quality coffee mug with a nice liquid logo.
Not one of those standard thick coffee mugs.
I want something that I will use. Not just put it on top of a shelf
Why not a beer glass? A thin glass for your favourite ale... liquid ... hehe.
I want a TL sticker to stick on the back of my car
The reason you sell most of your stuff only during the first week is because the hardcore fans buy it instantly and I can only guess how hard it must be to make the correct amount and not to few or to many of a certain clothing.
The less hardcore ones might want stuff thats not 20-30 $ +.
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I'll proudly wear an understated shirt or hoodie with the TL logo over something that is overtly gaming related. That way if someone is into the TL community, they will know that I am as well, but otherwise, its just a sweet horse logo.
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On May 17 2014 09:49 Mr. Black wrote:
I'll proudly wear an understated shirt or hoodie with the TL logo over something that is overtly gaming related. That way if someone is into the TL community, they will know that I am as well, but otherwise, its just a sweet horse logo.
x2
Also, what are the chances TL will ever re-make the old shirt with the Horse and the scarf made of flags? Mine finally bit the dust
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My big issue is a lot of gaming shirts look really dorky. When I see someone wear a gaming jersey with patches, sponsors, etc everywhere... It usually looks really dorky to me. As someone mentioned, the shirt needs to have class, and just be a quality stand alone shirt. When I see people wearing most gaming uniforms, I think of young teenager, or late twenties adult living in their parents basement. That's on me, but that's how I associate it, because many people you see are exactly that, and there are many people giving gaming a bad name.
When you wear a a hardcore gaming shirt, you will likely be associated with: Halo, Call of Duty, Counter Strike, League of Legends, Street Fighter, Starcraft... And I don't want to mistaken for some of those people. Hell, even a lot of people in the Starcraft/Dota community I wouldn't want to be associated with, it can simply be damaging to social standing. The general PC gamer has a negative connotation attached in Canada, and justifiably so, I think many people cannot handle the rest of their life when immersed in video games.
And that's what it comes down to, the gaming/esports community is so vast, hardly anyone likes to be associated with it, because it's easy to misinterpret who they are, and the "bad" gamers, are some of the worst people you can be mistaken for in my eyes, no friends, unable to formula arguments, impossible to talk to, poor grades, greasy.
This is why gaming gear for the classier folk needs to be different. Essentially all gaming gear is a t-shirt with lots of logos and many graphics, and pull over hoodies which are $20 walmart quality. This is not something I want to see my self wearing - it is not cool, it gives a low class image, it's too flashy, while gaming communities like TL like more subtle things. Stuff like the Complexity shirt, Dignitas shirt, EG shirt, etc... All fit the criteria described.
I would like to show my support in a more subtle way wearing something that's well made, and something I wouldn't mind wearing around business affiliates, potential customers, as well as professionals at the university and other companies that I may want to use for references or other information later. For me, the way I look at the big TL items:
TL Jersey: Wouldn't wear this anywhere but if I went to an esport event.
TL Winged Horse Shirt: If I have gamer friends over, if I go to a LAN center, or if I'm going to any gaming themed event. Also just for general at home wear it's alright.
TL Hoodie: Quality looks very nice, I would not mind wearing this to when I casually go to the bar with non-gaming friends, wear this for a typical long day at the university, and just wear it like a regular hoodie I would buy anywhere else, albeit good quality and I would wear it and show my support in most instances where professional clothing is unnecessary.
TL Jacket: Looks sexy, from the pictures it simply seems like a solid jacket, with the exception of the sponsor logos. If I owned one, and it would be what I expect, I would very well make it my regular jacket. I would wear it like any normal jacket I'd buy for $100-$200, and whether it's a chilly day in fall and I'm going to the store, or seeing friends, meeting for a group project, I'd enjoy wearing it. Only when casual-moderate business attire or more professional is required, I would rather where something more generic. I like the design of the teamliquid jacket a lot though.
I haven't yet bought any esports apparel - I was on the fence about the hoodie, but in the end I chose not to. However if the Jacket doesn't have the HyperX logo I will buy it, and if it does contain all the sponsor logos, I'll still consider it. I suppose I'm probably the minority in wanting more professionalism in clothing, more collars, better cuts, but it's what I'm willing to spend money for. I suppose if you're a 25+ adult, you wouldn't want to dress after a 16-20 year old kid playing video games on a regular day, it's just a mental thing.
I'm not exactly sure where I want to go with this post, as it's two completely different demographics, I do think the veteran users would rather only want little hints of the gaming, because they are on this site for far more than just the video game, and those people are the minority, and I'm in that minority. Then there are the crazy fans of players, teams, and just the game in general, generally a younger audience - those are the people that would rather buy the generic team shirts with sponsors and whatever else, and I think teamliquid needs to appeal to both crowds, however I do hope that teamliquid to keep on the trajectory of continuing to create premium fashionable apparel, I think that's more of what teamliquid is about.
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There are a few problems to marketing the shirts in general. FiWiFaKi touched on a few points designating himself and the general population as shallow individuals (saying it like it is). As such, I can't always justify going around advertising for Twitch.tv and TLAF but I do it sometimes because fuck the police. I've given a 3 hr class while wearing my teamliquid tshirt because sometimes I go casual. That being said, it does look a bit dorky and while I don't mind it for myself, it does have an incidence on the whole social factor. There are a lot of people who certainly think of me somewhat negatively when they see me going around with gaming swag because they think I'm a basement dweller. I've spent a few days out with my Team Dignitas hoodie but I can see why most people wouldn't like that. I was conscious that some people would inevitably see the Razer logo on my arm and think I'm a twat and they'd be somewhat right.
Lose the sponsor tags, they look goofy and frankly I don't like to be free god damn advertisement for some huge international corporations, especially since it doesn't seem to have an influence on the product's price. Find a way to get your prices under control which is possible even if you're not moving a huge number of shirts. And lastly, the TL logo shouldn't be too gamey. The hoodie was great for that and I still wear it a few days a week during the winter.
I'd say that your analysis in the OP was largely good. Understated logo is the key.
But additionally, there's the obvious price issue. Find yourself some distributors or something... $20 to ship the SKT1 jersey or some lightweight thing made out of fabric to Canada is abusive.
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My gf only have socks with pigs, horses, cats on them.. i would happily buy pack of TL horse socks for a good price
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United Kingdom14103 Posts
On May 14 2014 00:41 disciple wrote:
Another parallel which is worth making is with skating and skater apparel. Skaters have a lifestyle that goes with particular apparel brands like VANS Globe DVS etc, but over the years these brands managed to reach a much bigger audience. Random guys wear VANS shirts cause its cool. Sure most of these brands used to have and sponsor pro skating teams, but by now its hard to even make that connection cause they are so much bigger than that. For the customers though this all is still bottom line a cool lifestyle. If you ask me how I want people to see Esports and gaming apparel in 10 years I will probably say I would want it to be like VANS.
as someone who lives a skater lifestyle and wears skater clothes I kind of avoid brands like vans and burton in favour of smaller brands like lrg and enjoi just because otherwise it feels a bit like you blend into one of a crowd rather than being proud of your scene.
not that i dont wear this stuff, i have a pair of plimsolls from both vans and dvs, its just noticeable when a brand starts to cater to others
edit: id also like to say that comparisons between skating or any other extreme sport and esports are far better than comparisons between esports and traditional sports because extreme sports went through the phase that esports are going through now
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I think in general alot of the esports fanbase is going to be quite introverted about what they wear, they wouldn't want to wear a giant TEAMLIQUID+Horse tshirt in public because it would beg the question "WTF is teamliquid" and stands out alot - something many people would want to avoid. This is because of the stigma of gaming and (sorry to say) i feel many people who are big into esports enough to buy some merchandise are more likely to be shy about it. I am one of those people (I have a razer hoodie ive worn...3 times, once to a barcraft. Granted, its probably because it doesnt fit me anymore fucking subway )
The TL Hoodie doesnt do that, its all but your standard hoodie, plenty of hoodies have a small writing+picture logo on them that nobody has ever heard of and TL fits right into that mould of "Its just a (nice!) hoodie." It fits well into everyday fashion and doesnt stand out as over the top or flamboyant, just as damn stylish.
Your merchandise (especially the tshirts) are extremely well-designed but i think its that "nerd" stigma that would pull them down. Wearing one proudly displays your love of the unknown, opens up a plethora of questions, judgemental opinions, ridicule and cunts who just look down on you because cunts. Something alot of people fear and want to avoid.
This is just my opinion but its how i personally would feel about donning a brazen TL-shirt "Man this shits awesome but i bet people are going to laugh and be like WTF is that, i dont want that "
Maybe im just a max-level introverted shy nerd though. Still buying that merch now im back in the UK. That hoodie is going to look so sexy covering my beer belly.
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LiquidHero sneakers PLEASE, ADD TO TL STORE.
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Those are some interesting thoughts into the design and marketability of TL merch. While I havent had the burden of a large scale operation, I have designed and sold shirts for several small projects throughout the years. One experience that could be similar was making band shirts for a very small and local metal band. There was only a relatively small, loyal group interested in the product, and they wanted something that needed to look good for everyday wear without looking too ostentatious and "in your face".
It's just one of those situation where everyone is so excited about getting their hands on some sweet TL merch that they all buy right when it comes out and sales slow down after.
I wear my TL hoodie almost daily sometimes and has become my go to. No one on the street would know it is a shirt for a gaming community because of it's clean design, but sometimes I get asked and are happy to explain to them about the amazing-ness that is TL.net
Also, I would definitely buy the shit out of a TL tank/polyester type shirt! would wear it to the gym everyday as cleanliness permits. Hats are always a popular item as well and I think TL could do well selling one similar to the styling on the hoodie. Something like the coffee mug someone else mentioned I think would sell a ton too, because it has become pretty synonymous with working on a computer. I would definitely buy one of those too and keep it at my office and even gift them to some like minded friends
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Northern Ireland27422 Posts
I didn't realise how many people here care about the ridicule of strangers, something I have literally never experienced when out with buddies wearing apparel of that kind, or I myself.
Is it a fear of said ridicule, because given how much ridiculous clothing is seen on the average nights out, a discrete horse logo on a well-designed jacket will not stand out at all in a negative attention-attracting way.
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On May 22 2014 04:45 Wombat_NI wrote:
I didn't realise how many people here care about the ridicule of strangers, something I have literally never experienced when out with buddies wearing apparel of that kind, or I myself.
Is it a fear of said ridicule, because given how much ridiculous clothing is seen on the average nights out, a discrete horse logo on a well-designed jacket will not stand out at all in a negative attention-attracting way.
It's not black and white. I don't necessarily care about the ridicule of strangers, but doesn't mean I should go around inviting it.
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On May 23 2014 05:02 plogamer wrote:Show nested quote +On May 22 2014 04:45 Wombat_NI wrote:
I didn't realise how many people here care about the ridicule of strangers, something I have literally never experienced when out with buddies wearing apparel of that kind, or I myself.
Is it a fear of said ridicule, because given how much ridiculous clothing is seen on the average nights out, a discrete horse logo on a well-designed jacket will not stand out at all in a negative attention-attracting way. It's not black and white. I don't necessarily care about the ridicule of strangers, but doesn't mean I should go around inviting it.
How does wearing clothes with some teams insignia or any kind of colorful imagery invite ridicule? I mean by itself disregarding the topic of said imagery, cause that's how I uerstood that exchange betweenyou two.
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On May 23 2014 05:27 McRatyn wrote:Show nested quote +On May 23 2014 05:02 plogamer wrote:On May 22 2014 04:45 Wombat_NI wrote:
I didn't realise how many people here care about the ridicule of strangers, something I have literally never experienced when out with buddies wearing apparel of that kind, or I myself.
Is it a fear of said ridicule, because given how much ridiculous clothing is seen on the average nights out, a discrete horse logo on a well-designed jacket will not stand out at all in a negative attention-attracting way. It's not black and white. I don't necessarily care about the ridicule of strangers, but doesn't mean I should go around inviting it. How does wearing clothes with some teams insignia or any kind of colorful imagery invite ridicule? I mean by itself disregarding the topic of said imagery, cause that's how I uerstood that exchange betweenyou two.
No one is saying that team insignia or colourful imagery alone invites ridicule. The whole thread is on the topic of the said imagery and how tastefully it is done. You can't just disregard that.
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On May 23 2014 05:33 plogamer wrote:Show nested quote +On May 23 2014 05:27 McRatyn wrote:On May 23 2014 05:02 plogamer wrote:On May 22 2014 04:45 Wombat_NI wrote:
I didn't realise how many people here care about the ridicule of strangers, something I have literally never experienced when out with buddies wearing apparel of that kind, or I myself.
Is it a fear of said ridicule, because given how much ridiculous clothing is seen on the average nights out, a discrete horse logo on a well-designed jacket will not stand out at all in a negative attention-attracting way. It's not black and white. I don't necessarily care about the ridicule of strangers, but doesn't mean I should go around inviting it. How does wearing clothes with some teams insignia or any kind of colorful imagery invite ridicule? I mean by itself disregarding the topic of said imagery, cause that's how I uerstood that exchange betweenyou two. No one is saying that team insignia or colourful imagery alone invites ridicule. The whole thread is on the topic of the said imagery and how tastefully it is done. You can't just disregard that.
Fair enough but then even more so, nothing on TL appareal seems to be ridiculous in the slightest. The question I think I'm trying to pose is "how much of taste are you looking for in casual, informal wear or sport clothes"? Since I kind of pushed myself into your conversation I don't mean to get down on you or anythin, just that wear like this is perfectly fine for what it is supposed to be which is everyday casual thematical wear.
Then again, it can be highly subjective I guess, I went to my uni classes today, and do so on everyday basis, in a T-shirt with a Happy Tree Friends character cut in half with lumber tools with words "Work is such a buzz kill" that I bought in a popular clothing franchise and am always perfectly fine with it.
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Pretty much what everyone is saying. The TL hoodie is more popular than everything else because everything else looks stupid for everyday wear.
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First time I wore the http://www.teamliquid.net/store/us/teamliquid/tshirts/winged-horse-t-shirt I was at the mall buying shit and got a few compliments from randoms. Of course those lead to questions and then baffled people but it's not a bad looking shirt. The hoodie is nice, its understated, clean design, good colors can't really bitch about it it's just a good looking hoodie. I do think keeping things on the simpler side is good personally.
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EPT
