Journal
Field notes.
Notes on branding, apparel, and the people building brands worth wearing.
Community Stories · 5 min read
Building Rise & Tide: The Story Behind the Shirts
A missing sink, a Brother garment printer, and shirts for the SofaKillers: how Eric and Natalie found a practical path toward building Rise & Tide Apparel Co.
The Rise & Tide Team · October 15, 2026
Marketing · 7 min read
5 Ways Branded Merchandise Can Market Your Business
Put branded merchandise to work with five practical small-business ideas, from staff apparel to referral kits, plus budget priorities and simple ways to measure impact.
The Rise & Tide Team · October 15, 2026
Design Tips · 7 min read
7 Common Mistakes When Designing Custom Business Shirts (and How to Avoid Them)
Avoid seven common custom business shirt design mistakes, from blurry artwork and poor contrast to fit and proof checks. Get practical fixes and a pre-order checklist.
The Rise & Tide Team · October 15, 2026
Branding · 6 min read
Your Logo Is More Than a Logo: How to Build a Brand People Remember
Build a memorable small business brand through consistent visuals, dependable service, and useful apparel. Follow a practical, budget-aware five-step plan.
The Rise & Tide Team · October 15, 2026
Small Business · 6 min read
How Many Custom Shirts Should a Small Business Order?
Plan your first custom shirt order with a practical staff sizing formula, spare-shirt guidance, and tips for samples, bulk pricing, and reorders.
The Rise & Tide Team · October 15, 2026
Apparel · 6 min read
DTF vs. DTG vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Compare DTF, DTG, and screen printing for custom business shirts. Learn which method fits your design, order size, fabric, and budget.
The Rise & Tide Team · October 15, 2026
Branding · 5 min read
How a Shirt Becomes a Story
A closer look at the difference between a printed shirt and a piece of apparel that actually means something.
The Rise & Tide Team · March 12, 2026
Small Business · 6 min read
Small-Business Uniforms That Don't Look Like Uniforms
The best team apparel earns its place in a staff member's regular rotation. Here's how we get there.
The Rise & Tide Team · February 24, 2026
Apparel · 4 min read
The Quiet Power of a Good Blank
Fabric weight, drape, and finish do more for perceived quality than any print technique.
The Rise & Tide Team · February 8, 2026
Community Stories · 7 min read
Case Study: A Team Drop for a Local Restaurant
How we helped a growing coffee shop build a merch line their regulars actually wear.
The Rise & Tide Team · January 22, 2026
Community Stories · 9 min read
The Best Custom Apparel for Fundraising: A Practical Guide
How to pick garments, design for visibility, and manage small-run printing for charity events, school drives, and community causes.
The Rise & Tide Team · July 28, 2026