Our Story

Midwest Action is a clothing line established to inspire and mobilize the region's artists. We support a lifestyle of expression, creativity, and the energy of the Midwest.

Midwest Action was just a fleeting thought in Marketing 101. The assignment was to create a marketing strategy for a brand that either already existed or that was created. I presented my Powerpoint explaining the purpose of Midwest Action along with marketing proposals and a few quick designs. The class seemed very enthusiastic about these ideas, and I was instantly motivated.

After my summer class had ended, I began to seriously plan the execution of Midwest Action. I want people to be able to relate to this line and see it as more than just a corporation, so the decision was made that screen printing each shirt by hand would add the personal touch. After the logo, website, and shirt were designed, I thought it would be fun for each shirt to feature a regional designer as another way of showing support. Two designers, Sandra Crouse and Eric Slager, were recruited. Once their designs were turned in, Midwest Action was in its final stages.

So far, the only thing holding Midwest Action back is funding. This project has become very near and dear to my heart in the passing months, and any contributions towards this goal are appreciated more than words can describe.

The Impact

Midwest Action will bring together artists and musicians through events paid for through T-Shirt sales. It will offer a platform for networking, for making new friends, for growth, and for travel experiences. Themed shows will feature artists from all over and would be excellent additions to resumes. For bands, tours will be organized to give these musicians an opportunity to perform for new audiences. Though the brand is based in the Chicago suburbs, we do not fear traveling and hope to physically bring Midwest Action events, tours, and shows to each and every Midwestern state.

MWA will feature a variety of strong and talented musicians and artists in an effort to revitalize the image of the Midwestern region.

What We Need & What You Get

A large amount will go towards the purchase of shirts in bulk. The line is starting off modestly with approximately sixty shirts. Each shirt will be screened in house, and as such a portion of the funds will go towards silk screening materials such as screens, emulsion, and ink. Designers and photographers who have donated their time and art towards the project will be paid as well. Though they have donated their time, I think a very important part of creating a brand to benefit artists is to compensate them for the time spent. Extras we plan on purchasing with the money raised are logo stickers, buttons, and small printed brand booklets to give as gifts to designers and photographers we employ.

If we do not reach our entire goal, some of our marketing efforts will be temporarily cut, but all the money raised will still be spent as best as it can be on growing the Midwest Action brand and events. At MWA, we are very resourceful, so no matter how much or how little is raised, we will still work towards actively bringing together regional creatives.

There are quite a few perks offered as well, ranging from handwritten letters to free shirts and stickers. As you donate more, you receive more for your generosity. We will also offer digital high fives.

Previews of the shirts can be found here: http://www.midwestaxn.com/images/line2011_all.jpg

Other Ways You Can Help

We really believe in the power of social media, so spread the word about Midwest Action through Twitter, Google+, and FaceBook. Tell your friends, artists, and "that band you see every time they're in town" to send their contact information to midwestaxn@gmail.com so that we can make the MWA experience perfect for YOU!

Don't forget to share this campaign with friends, and any donation (even a dollar) will help us more than you can imagine. Thank you all so, so much!