What kinds of businesses do you work with?

We work with growing businesses, founders, nonprofits, and established brands across a variety of industries. While many of our clients are based in Montana, we also partner with organizations nationwide. If you value clear marketing strategy, thoughtful design, and integrated brand support, we’re likely a strong fit.

Do you only work with Montana businesses, or do you serve clients nationwide?

While we’re proudly based in Montana, we work with businesses across the U.S. Our process is flexible and collaborative; whether we’re meeting in person or remotely, you’ll receive the same hands-on, strategic approach rooted in clear marketing, thoughtful design, and practical execution.

How does working with Trusted Scout typically begin?

It starts with a conversation. We get to know your business, your immediate opportunities, and your long-term goals. Our discovery call helps clarify priorities and map out the right next steps. If we’re a strong fit, we’ll craft a proposal outlining the marketing, design, or branded support you need—built around a timeline that works for you.

How do you price your services?

Every business is different, so pricing is tailored to the scope and goals of your project. Some clients engage us for a defined initiative—like a website refresh, campaign launch, or branded product rollout—while others prefer ongoing strategic marketing support. After our discovery call, you’ll receive a clear proposal outlining recommended services, timeline, and investment so expectations are aligned from the start.

Do I have to sign a big contract to work with you?

Not at all. We believe strong partnerships should feel flexible, not forced. Whether you’re tackling a focused project, launching a seasonal campaign, or seeking ongoing marketing support, we’ll structure an agreement that aligns with your goals and pace, without unnecessary commitments.

Can you assist us in sourcing branded merchandise or premium custom gifts?

Absolutely. When branded merchandise supports your marketing strategy, we source high-quality products that align with your brand and audience. From apparel and drinkware to tech gear and client gifts, each selection is chosen intentionally to reinforce your message and create a lasting impression. Find your perfect merchandise .

What makes Trusted Scout different from other marketing and design partners?

Trusted Scout combines strategic direction with hands-on execution. We help you map the plan—and then design, build, and launch the pieces that bring it to life. That may include website updates, digital campaigns, or high-quality branded merchandise, but everything is aligned intentionally to support your broader marketing goals. Explore our services .

Festival Branded Merch That Defines Cool Culture

Note: This post was initially published by Brendan Menapace/Advertising Specialty Institute and is shared with permission.

South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin isn’t just a cultural juggernaut—it’s a trend spotlight. Music, film, tech, food, and fashion all collide in one big celebration of “what’s next.” And naturally, event merchandise trends play a starring role. When you gather tastemakers from every corner of creativity, what they wear, carry, and collect gives us major clues about what’s hot right now across promotional products and branded swag.

We may not be boots-on-the-ground in Austin, but by analyzing this year’s SXSW merchandise, we’ve pulled out four big takeaways that distributors and marketers can use in any product category or customer vertical.

1. Quality Over Quantity: Scarcity Drives Demand

The traditional promo model of mass quantities is getting a glow-up. Inspired by streetwear “drop” culture, many brands are embracing limited-edition merch, creating urgency and hype by offering small batch, exclusive products.

SXSW tapped into this model again in 2025 with the return of its SXSW Merch Truck—a branded, mobile store selling truck-only exclusives and event wristbands. It’s merch with movement, both literally and strategically. The limited nature of the inventory builds buzz, and the truck itself becomes a promotional product on wheels.

Even more telling is SXSW’s partnership with AS Colour, a New Zealand-based supplier known for high-quality blank apparel. The message? This isn’t just a shirt—it’s a wearable story. Using a known ethical supplier adds credibility, aligns with conscious consumer values, and positions the merch as something worth keeping.

Takeaway: Lean into limited-run drops and name-brand apparel to create a merch experience that feels intentional, elevated, and desirable.

South By SouthWest Merch Vendor Truck on Twitter Post

The truck is going around Austin selling exclusive truck-only promos as well as selling wristbands for SXSW showcases.

The idea of investing in quality is also backed up by the festival’s official merchandise partnership.

SXSW teamed up with New Zealand merchandise provider AS Colour, which bills itself as an elevated supplier of blank apparel. This creates a brand story that end-users can latch onto and feel like they’re getting something more thoughtfully manufactured. By putting AS Colour front and center, it borrows the brand’s reputation and shows that the merchandise is more than simply a corporate giveaway with items from some unnamed supplier whose manufacturing practices could be opaque at best, and unethical at worst.

2. Headwear Trends Are Holding Steady

Headwear continues to be a big player in event merch, with trucker hats maintaining their comeback and rope caps becoming the next nostalgic go-to. At SXSW, the headwear lineup included:

Classic snapbacks
Faded, relaxed-fit “dad” caps
Fisherman–style beanies with minimalist woven labels
Embroidered details, patches, and tonal logos

Takeaway: Hats are a staple, but style matters. Retro shapes and minimalist design are where it’s at in 2025.

In terms of decoration, there are embroidered caps, patches and small labels on items like beanies, which opt for relatively minimalist branding on the cuff of the fisherman-style beanie.

3. The T-Shirt Still Reigns Supreme

The humble T-shirt remains the cornerstone of concert and event merch, and SXSW’s 2025 collection proves it. Of the 15 posted designs:

Most stick to earthy neutrals with occasional pinks and blues
Themes include cowboy culture, cassette nostalgia, and—you guessed it—tacos

Whether attendees are repping their favorite showcase or just grabbing a cool design, the T-shirt is still king when it comes to brand visibility meets personal style.

Takeaway: Never underestimate the power of a great tee. Just keep it relevant, design-forward, and rooted in local or event-specific storytelling.

4. Print Isn’t Dead—It’s Just More Exclusive

While digital reigns in marketing, print remains powerful in event settings—especially when it’s limited and collectible. SXSW is known for its annual silkscreened poster, and this year’s artwork by Taylor Rushing (Not Bad Illustration)was limited to just 350 copies. Scarcity strikes again.

Even badge pickup gets the print treatment. Every attendee received a limited-edition canvas tote featuring the artwork—a smart combination of practical merch and artistic souvenir.

Takeaway: Print still has a place, especially when it’s beautiful, exclusive, and tied to the event’s identity.

Final Thoughts: What SXSW Teaches Us About Merch Strategy

From exclusive drops to thoughtfully branded apparel and collectible art prints, SXSW merch isn’t just swag—it’s strategy. For distributors, marketers, and brands, the big lesson is this: people want merchandise that feels meaningful, not mass-produced.

Whether you’re curating a client gift, outfitting an event, or launching a seasonal campaign, ask yourself:

Can this product stand on its own as something people would buy?
Does it align with the values of your audience?
Is there a story behind it?

If yes, you’re not just handing out merch—you’re building brand equity.

Andrea Stevenson

Andrea Stevenson is a seasoned Opportunity Navigator, guiding brands toward bold new frontiers. With expertise in organizational leadership, marketing, and branding, she helps businesses chart purposeful, results-driven paths. Her approach blends strategic thinking, creative execution, and premium promotional products to spark growth and elevate customer experiences. Andrea enjoys connecting with fellow explorers to talk all things branding, marketing, and creative—reach out on LinkedIn to start the conversation.