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Keep Your Brand Yours: The Creator’s Guide to Copyrights and Trademarks

Let’s get real: as a content creator, your work is basically your baby, right? Whether it’s that super catchy slogan everyone quotes, your fire logo, or a design that’s totally your vibe, these aren’t just fun little side projects. They’re your brand. And as your brand starts blowing up, you better believe others are going to take notice—some might even try to snag your ideas if you’re not careful. That’s where copyrights and trademarks come in, to keep your stuff yours and protect you from anyone trying to ride your creative coattails.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know the difference between copyrights and trademarks, how to get your hands on them, and why they’re the best way to safeguard your creative empire. We’re about to break it down for you so that you can make moves like a pro, keep your brand safe, and avoid any messy legal drama down the line. Ready to level up? Let’s go.

Quick Jump to the Section You Need:

Copyright vs. Trademark: What’s the Difference?

Alright, let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your head spin: copyrights and trademarks might seem like they’re the same thing, but they’re actually here to do different jobs for your brand.

  • Copyright allows you to protect your creative work. If you’re an artist, designer, or creator making original content (think artwork, designs, music, videos, etc.), copyright is your best friend. The moment you create something tangible—like uploading a design or a video—you automatically have copyright protection. But here’s the kicker: registering it officially gives you even more legal muscle if someone tries to rip you off.
  • Trademark, on the other hand, is about protecting your brand’s identity. This includes things like your slogan, brand name, or logo—anything that makes your brand instantly recognizable in the marketplace. So, if you’ve got a killer catchphrase that’s become part of your brand, you’re going to want to trademark it before someone else does. Unlike copyright, trademarking isn’t automatic; you’ve gotta file for it.

Quick Recap:

  • Copyright = Protects your creative work (e.g., designs, videos, written content).
  • Trademark = Protects your brand elements (e.g., logos, slogans, brand names).

Which One Do You Need? If you’re designing merch or have a unique logo or slogan associated with your brand, you’ll probably want both! Copyright protects the creative stuff you’ve made, while trademarks lock down the branding that makes your content or products stand out.

Why Trademarking is a Big Deal for Creators

Your slogan, logo, and overall brand vibe are what make you stand out. They’re what people remember, what they associate with you, and ultimately what can help you monetize your creative genius. So, if you don’t protect these key pieces of your brand, you’re basically leaving the door wide open for someone else to swoop in and take what’s yours. And trust us—you do not want that kind of drama.

Here’s why trademarking your stuff is a must:

  • Protect Your Brand Identity: Your slogans and logos aren’t just cool design choices; they’re how people recognize you. If you don’t trademark them, someone else could legally claim them, and suddenly, that iconic catchphrase isn’t even yours to use anymore. Harsh, right?
  • Turn Your Trademark into a Business Asset: A trademark can seriously add value to your brand, especially if you start selling merch or expanding your business. Your logo or slogan could become a huge part of your income stream, and trademarks protect you as your business grows.
  • Stop Others from Cashing In on Your Work: Without a trademark, other people could use your branding, confusing your fans and potentially taking sales away from you. It’s like someone else cashing in on your hard-earned success. Nope!

Take TikToker Jools Lebron as a real-world example. Her catchphrase, “very demure, very mindful,” blew up, and it seemed like everything was going great—until someone else trademarked it before she could. Oof. Jools had poured so much time into building her brand around this phrase, but without the right protection, she couldn’t do anything about it at first. She was super open about how tough it was, posting on TikTok about how she didn’t have the resources or knowledge to avoid the situation​(PinkNews)​(indy100).

Thankfully, she’s getting it sorted now with a solid team backing her up, but it’s a major reminder: if you don’t lock down your brand early, someone else might beat you to it. Trademarking from the start saves you from the headaches (and maybe a few sleepless nights) later on.

Bottom line? Protect your brand, protect your future. Trademarks might not sound glamorous, but they’re your brand’s secret weapon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trademarking Your Work

Ready to make sure no one can steal your brand’s vibe? Let’s go step-by-step so you can trademark your work like a pro. This might sound a little overwhelming, but don’t worry—it’s easy to follow!

Step 1: Do a Trademark Search 

Before you get too hyped, you’ve gotta make sure someone else hasn’t already claimed your genius idea. This means doing a trademark search to check if your logo, slogan, or whatever you want to protect is already taken. Head to the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database and search for any similar trademarks in your field. If you’re outside the U.S., make sure you’re using the right database for your country.

Pro tip: Do this early! You don’t want to spend time building your brand only to find out someone else got there first.

Step 2: Prep and File Your Application 

Once you know your brand is all yours, it’s time to file! You’ll need to include the details of what you’re trademarking—whether it’s a logo, slogan, or both—and how you plan to use it (for example, on merch, in branding, etc.).

You’ll also need to pick a “class” for your trademark, which basically means choosing the category that best describes your business or product. There are a bunch of different classes (like clothing, entertainment, etc.), so make sure to choose the one that fits your brand.

Step 3: The Waiting Game (aka Application Review) 

Once your application is filed, it goes to the USPTO for review. They’ll check to make sure your trademark meets all the criteria and that it’s not too similar to any existing trademarks. This part can take a while—sometimes months—so be patient!

Step 4: Publication and Opposition

If your application passes the review, it gets published for the world to see. This is when other people have a chance to speak up if they think your trademark is too close to theirs. Don’t stress—oppositions don’t happen too often, but it’s something to be aware of.

Step 5: Trademark Approved! 

Congrats—you’ve made it! Once your trademark is approved, you’ll have the exclusive rights to use it in the categories you selected. That means you can slap it on your merch, use it in your branding, and no one else can touch it without your permission.

How to Copyright Your Work

If you’ve created something original, you’re already halfway there when it comes to copyright protection. Let’s walk through the process to make sure your work is fully locked down.

What Can Be Copyrighted? 

Basically, any original work you’ve created can be copyrighted—whether it’s a logo design, video content, illustrations, written content, or even music. If you’ve put in the effort to make something new and creative, copyright can protect it.

Step 1: Create Your Work 

Good news: copyright protection kicks in automatically the moment you create something and put it out there in a tangible form (like uploading a video or finalizing a design). You don’t need to file for it to get some level of protection, but don’t stop there—filing it officially gives you extra backup in case someone decides to mess with your work.

Step 2: Register Your Copyright (Optional but Highly Recommended) 

While copyright protection is automatic, registering it gives you that legal muscle you’ll need if someone copies your work. It’s super helpful if you ever end up in court defending your creations. Here’s how you do it:

  • Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website (or the equivalent office in your country).
  • Submit an online application with the details of your work, and upload the content you want to protect (this could be a file of your design, a video, a script, etc.).
  • Pay the filing fee (don’t worry, it’s usually not too expensive).

Step 3: Play the Waiting Game 

Once your application is in, the approval process can take a few months. But once you’re registered, your work is fully protected under copyright law, meaning you’ll have a way stronger case if someone tries to copy or steal your stuff.

How Long Does It Take?

When it comes to locking down your creative work, patience is key—these things take time! Here’s what you can expect when going through the trademark or copyright process:

Trademarking: 6-12 Months (ish)

The trademark process isn’t exactly lightning-fast. On average, it takes around 6 to 12 months to get your trademark fully approved. Why the wait? Well, it depends on a few factors:

  • Complexity of your trademark: If your logo, slogan, or design is super unique, you might breeze through the process. But if it’s similar to something already out there, the reviewing process could take longer.
  • Oppositions: After your trademark application is published, there’s a window where others can challenge it if they feel it’s too close to theirs. If someone opposes your application, that could slow things down.

Bottom line: trademarking takes time, so get started early to avoid delays messing with your business plans!

Copyrighting: Instant (Kinda)

Good news: your work is automatically copyrighted the second you create it and put it in a tangible form. But if you want to take that extra step and register your copyright (which, let’s be honest, you definitely should), the whole process takes about 3 to 6 months for full registration.

During this time, your work is still protected, but having that official registration gives you way more legal power if someone tries to steal your stuff.

So, while both processes take a bit of time, it’s worth it to protect your creative empire! Just be patient, and your brand will be locked down before you know it.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s the rundown on what you’re looking at when it comes to protecting your work:

Trademarking:

  • USPTO Filing Fees: The cost starts at $250 per class of goods or services if you use the TEAS Plus application and $350 per class for the TEAS Standard application ​(USPTO)​.
  • Additional Costs: If you decide to work with a lawyer (which is often a good idea), that can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,000 depending on the complexity of your case​ (Counsel for Creators LLP).

Copyrighting:

These fees can vary slightly in other countries, but this gives you a general idea of what to expect. If you’re ready to lock down your brand, it’s worth considering these costs upfront!

When you officially trademark or copyright your creative work, you’re gaining some powerful rights. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

What Rights Do You Have After Trademarking or Copyrighting?

For Trademarks:

  1. Exclusive Use: Once your slogan, logo, or brand identifier is trademarked, you have the exclusive right to use it in your specific field. That means no one else can use it without your permission, preventing brand confusion.
  2. Legal Protection: If someone tries to copy or misuse your trademark, you have the right to take legal action. This can involve anything from sending a cease-and-desist letter to suing for damages.
  3. Licensing: You can license your trademark to others, meaning you can allow other businesses or individuals to use your branding in exchange for a fee. This is especially handy for creators who want to expand into merchandising or collaborations.

For Copyrights:

  1. Reproduction Rights: Copyright gives you the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display your original work (e.g., designs, videos, artwork). This means you control how and where your work is shared or sold.
  2. Infringement Protection: If someone uses your copyrighted work without your permission, you can take legal action. This might involve suing for damages, getting your work taken down from platforms, or stopping unauthorized use entirely.
  3. Licensing and Selling: Like trademarks, copyrights allow you to license or sell your work to others. You can also earn royalties if your work is used commercially, giving you a continuous revenue stream.

Having these protections ensures that your brand and creativity remain under your control, giving you full ownership of how your work is used and monetized!

What Rules Do You Need to Follow Once Your Work Is Trademarked?

Once you’ve secured a trademark, it’s not just a “set it and forget it” deal. There are a few important rules and guidelines you need to follow to keep your trademark in good standing:

  1. Use It or Lose It: Trademarks must be actively used in commerce. If you stop using your trademark for an extended period (typically three years or more), it could be considered “abandoned,” and you might lose the exclusive rights to it. So, keep your trademark in regular use on your products, services, or branding materials.
  2. Renewals Are a Must: Trademarks in the U.S. need to be renewed. The first renewal happens between the 5th and 6th years after registration (filing a Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use), and then again every 10 years. These renewals require proof that you’re still using the trademark in commerce​ (USPTO) ​(USPTO).
  3. Monitor for Infringement: It’s your responsibility to keep an eye out for anyone infringing on your trademark. The USPTO won’t monitor this for you, so you need to be proactive in protecting your rights. If someone uses your trademark without permission, you can (and should) take legal action to enforce your rights.
  4. Maintain Proper Use: Make sure you’re using your trademark consistently and correctly. This means using the exact version of your logo or slogan that you registered. Any major changes might require filing a new trademark application. Also, don’t forget to use the trademark symbol (™) before registration and the ® symbol once it’s officially registered.

At the end of the day, your creative work is your brand, and that brand is your future. As a creator, locking down your intellectual property—whether it’s a slogan, design, logo, or more—shouldn’t be something you put off. Here’s why:

Secure Your Brand’s Future: As your brand grows, your intellectual property (IP) can turn into one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re launching merch, expanding your online presence, or collaborating with other creators, having the legal rights to your work ensures that no one else can cash in on what you’ve built. Plus, a protected brand is far more attractive to potential partners or buyers.

Take the First Step Today: The longer you wait to protect your IP, the more you risk someone else claiming it first. Copyrighting or trademarking your work early on can save you from the legal mess and stress that comes with trying to reclaim your creations later. Protecting your work upfront is like putting up a fence around your creative empire—it keeps others out and keeps your brand safe.

  • For Trademarks: Head over to the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) and start the trademark application process here.
  • For Copyrights: You can register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office by visiting their site here.

These official resources will guide you through the process, and you’ll be one step closer to locking down your creative assets!

Categories
Creator success Holiday Season Spring store tips

4 Steps to Prep Your Store for the Holidays

Ready for the busiest, most profitable time of the year? That’s right! Election Day!… JK… The most profitable time of the year is the HOLIDAYS!!! And nothing says Holidays like snow, hot cocoa, and lots of GREEN. And we’re not talking about Grinch Green, but the kind that goes in the bank.

Updating your store to be in line with your brand and style will help you rake in even more money this year. That’s why we put together this cheat sheet with everything you need to do to customize your Spring store. 

Plus, doing these three steps will mark off your first three bingo spaces! And if you don’t already know, you can win up to $3000 for hitting 5 in a row (read more about the competition here)! So let’s get started! 

5 Seconds to Impress

It’s human nature. When we visit an online store, we first judge it by how it looks, and that can be the difference between a sale and someone movin’ on. 

Facts:

  • 82% of consumers are less likely to make a purchase if a store appears dated.
  • Shoppers are 5 times more likely to come to your storefront during the holiday season. 
  • It only takes 50 milliseconds to form an opinion of a website and 75% of consumers judge a store’s credibility based on it’s design. 
  • Products featured within storefronts get 58% more views and sell 20% more on average. 

Knowing all this, you need to prep your store for this increased traffic, and you only get one shot. 

4 Quick Steps to Prep Your Store:

Step 1: Refresh your content & organize your products

Scan your store. Top to bottom. Pretend you are a fan. How does it look to you? How much old content is on there? It’s time to sweep away the clutter and put your best merch forward. Here are some things to consider:

  • Get rid of old messaging. Add any new catchphrases. 
  • Make sure your products are up to date! If something isn’t selling well, deprioritize it. Does that T-shirt need a new color? Change it up!
  • Consider refreshing your logo with a holiday twist.
    • To add a logo to your store, clock on Stores, Edit Store. 
    • On the left-hand side, click on the Navigation bar. 
    • Read some great tips on refreshing logos here! 
  • Revamp your navigation bar and footer to make sure the aesthetic is consistent with your brand.
  • Re-order your products so your newest ones are first. You want your best sellers and holiday specials upfront and center. Featured products will appear at the top of your store, and there’s no limit to how many you can feature. Here’s how:
    • Go to your Store Editor
    • Click on Products
    • Click on the Star Icon to feature products
    • Another method to reorder your products: Remove them from your store (clicking on the circled x) and then re-add them based on the order you want them to appear. New products get added to the bottom of your store, so add the ones you want at the top of your store first! 

Step 2: Update your banner

Customizing your Spring store is super easy, so why not give it a Holiday face-lift? For an instant effect, customize your Hero Banner. It’s the first thing your customers see and it sets the tone for the rest of your store.

  • First, click on the Hero banner in your store editor. Here you can drop in your image. 
  • Tools like PlaceIt make it easy to create eye-catching lifestyle mockups. Just upload your design file, and you’re good to go.

Step 3: Add your branding

Adding your branding to your store makes it feel like YOU. Your fans already love your style and personality, so let’s bring that into your Spring store.

First off, add a logo to your store by clicking on Stores, Edit Store. On the left-hand side, click on the Navigation bar. 

A logo not only sets your store apart but also helps your buyers recognize and remember you. 👀✨

Already have a logo? Perfect! Why not give it a holiday makeover? Add a little festive cheer with some fun Christmas fonts or sprinkle in a few snowflakes to spread the seasonal joy. If you don’t have a logo yet, now’s the perfect time to create one! Learn how to do that here.

But why stop at just a logo? You can also switch up the background and text colors in your navigation bar. Bright holiday colors might be just what your store needs to stay trendy this season! Just remember to keep your changes on-brand to keep your store looking sharp and cohesive.

And don’t forget about your footer! Keep that festive vibe going with a consistent design that ties your store’s look together from top to bottom. Staying on-brand in both your nav bar and footer will give your store a sleek, polished vibe that’ll leave a lasting impression.

Step 4: Get connected

How will you drive fans to your store? Your social channels, of course. So now is the time to make sure your channels are integrated. 50% of consumers are disappointed when a brand has no social media presence. 

Here’s how to connect: 

  • Go to Stores.
  • Scroll down to Social Profiles.
  • Connect your social media accounts. 
  • Enable “Display Links” in your store editor under the navigation bar and footer.
  • If both are enabled, your social icons will then appear on the right-hand side of your navigation bar, as well as in the center of your footer. 

Secondly, you want to make sure your domain is easy to remember. Keep it short, easy to type, and use a name that describes your brand. If you want to know how to connect or buy a domain, we’ve got that covered, too.

And that’s it! These steps will get your BINGO board started. Have fun connecting with your audience, fans, customers, and make a ton of Holiday Green!

Categories
Holiday Season

Win Big with Holiday BINGO! Up to $3,000 in Prizes!

Can you guess what’s in store for you this Holiday Season? BINGO! That’s right, Spring’s busting out the checkerboard that leads to big prizes! 

The gameplay is simple: every time you complete a bingo task, a box on the Spring Creator Bingo card gets checked off. 

Each square represents an important step you should take to ensure a successful holiday season. After all, it’s the biggest selling season of the year! 

Just follow the steps on the squares, hit five in a row, and hit the Bingo button on our Resource Hub! For every Bingo you call, your name will be entered into a raffle to win one of these amazing prizes:

  • $3,000 grand prize
  • $1,000 second prize
  • $500 third prize
  • Plus, 10 lucky winners will also score a $10 gift card each!

Complete the entire bingo card to maximize your chances of winning! Everything on the card is designed to set you up for maximum success this holiday, so let’s get started and make it your best season yet!

How to Play 

Playing Holiday Bingo is simple and fun! 🎉

  • Every time you complete a task on the bingo card, you get to check off a square.
  • The tasks are designed to help you maximize your holiday success, from sharing your products on social media to launching new designs.
  • Once you’ve completed 5 squares in a row—vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—you’ve got a Bingo!

It’s that easy!

Read our full terms and conditions for our Holiday Bingo here.

How to Claim “BINGO!”

  1. Complete tasks on the Spring Creator Bingo Card, such as sharing your products on social media or launching a holiday design.
  2. Once you’ve checked off 5 squares in a row—whether it’s vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—hit the Bingo button by submitting through the Bingo form.
  3. Each Bingo you hit enters your email into our raffle for a chance to win big prizes.
  4. Keep going! Complete the entire Bingo card for more chances to win!

Got 5 in a row? Click here to claim Bingo!

Winner Selection Dates

Winners will be announced during the first week of January, so be on the lookout!

If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll get an email with all the details on how to claim your prize. Make sure to check your inbox (and maybe your spam folder, just in case)!

Don’t wait too long—winners need to respond within 7 days to claim their prize. If we don’t hear back, we’ll pick a new winner!

And of course, we’ll be shouting out our winners across social media—so you might just see your name in lights! 🌟

Winning Tip: Winning prizes might inspire you to offer discounts to your fans, too. Announcing on your socials that you’re in the Holiday Spirit by offering promo codes just may rocket up your sales even more! 

Set Yourself Up to Break Your Sales Record


Yes, games are fun, but the Spring Creator Bingo Card is designed to help you boost your holiday sales by getting your store in top shape and promoting your products effectively. 

But don’t forget Community & Fun: It’s not just about sales—connect with your community and have fun while doing it! Holiday Bingo is a way to keep the momentum going all season long.

So what are you waiting for! Get started on your Bingo card today, have fun, and start knocking out those squares to win BIG this holiday season! Happy Holidays, and Happy Selling!

Read our full terms and conditions for our Holiday Bingo here.

Categories
Creators

Transforming Passions into Life-Changing Success

At Amaze, we are redefining the future of creator commerce by providing creators with the tools they need to turn their passions into thriving businesses. With our Spring platform, creators across every industry can seamlessly monetize their content, sell products their fans love, and build meaningful connections with their audiences—all without the traditional barriers to entry.

Our platform makes it easy for creators to launch custom products, grow their personal brands, and unlock new revenue streams, allowing them to focus on what matters most: creating. From fitness enthusiasts building communities to bakers sharing their passion, Spring helps creators bring their ideas to life and turn their influence into income. Here are just a few stories of creators who have used Spring to transform their passions into profitable, purpose-driven businesses.

The Garage Gym Competition

Joe Gray’s journey began with a passion for lifting weights in the comfort of his own garage. That simple love evolved into the Garage Gym Competition, an online powerlifting event that has brought together over 5,000 athletes from around the world. But what sets this competition apart is not just the physical strength it celebrates—it’s the sense of community and impact it creates.

Through his competition, Joe has helped people stay consistent with their fitness goals, meet new friends in the lifting community, and live healthier lives. Beyond that, his initiative has raised more than $12,000 for nonprofits. Joe says, “I’ve been told over and over that my competition has helped people get into lifting, stay consistent, and live happier and healthier lives.”

Now with over 11,000 followers on Instagram, Joe continues to grow his community and influence in the world of powerlifting. Using Spring, Joe has also launched a store featuring products that celebrate the love of weightlifting, allowing his fans to connect even more deeply with the sport they love. His merchandise resonates with the lifting community and has become an extension of the passion that drives the competition.

See his entire lineup here. 

Bake It Simple

For the creator behind Bake It Simple, baking wasn’t just a hobby—it was a passion that had been simmering for years. However, living in a small town meant there were few avenues to pursue it professionally. “I’ve always had a passion for baking, but the town that I lived in had no opportunities for me to pursue it as a career,” she shares. That all changed on October 16, 2022, when she decided to take a leap of faith and start her YouTube channel.

Launching Bake It Simple started as a platform to share recipes and quickly evolved into something much bigger—a space for personal growth and self-discovery. “My content made a big difference in my own life. It helped me get over a lot of my insecurities—social anxiety, public speaking, and worrying about what others think of me,” she explains. Beyond that, creating content gave her a new set of skills that she could take into the professional world, opening doors she hadn’t imagined before.

Her journey hit a special milestone when she reached 500 subscribers, an achievement her family celebrated by crafting a homemade YouTube “plaque” from aluminum foil and a cereal box. That moment wasn’t just about numbers; it symbolized the pride and growth that came from turning a lifelong passion into something real. Since then, her YouTube channel has continued to grow and has reached almost 5,000 subscribers. 

Thanks to Spring, she’s been able to seamlessly expand her brand by creating a free Bake It Simple store selling products that her fans love. One of the most convenient features she uses is Spring’s YouTube integration, which allows her merchandise to be displayed right beneath her videos. This integration not only makes it easy for her audience to shop directly from her channel, but also captures impulse purchases that she might have missed otherwise. By using Spring, she’s found an effortless way to monetize her content and turn her passion for baking into a growing business.

“I wanted my community to have something tangible that connects them to the joy of baking, just like my videos do,” she says. By combining her content with a carefully curated product line, she’s created a cohesive brand experience that keeps her fans engaged and inspired.

Empowering Creator Commerce with Amaze

These are just a couple of the many creators who have been able to add a new source of revenue to their lives, allowing them to continue pursuing their passions and creating impactful content. With the help of Amaze and Spring, creators are not only connecting deeper with their online communities, but they’re also expanding their brands in meaningful ways.

At Amaze, we’re committed to fueling the future of creator commerce. By providing seamless tools, integrations, and platforms, we empower creators to monetize their influence and earn income while doing what they love. For creators everywhere, the journey to financial independence and brand growth has never been easier.

Categories
Creator success News

Supporting Grassroots and Success Stories: Success at Amaze 

Creativity has always been a powerful force, but the Internet has taken it to an entirely new level. 

At Amaze, we’re investing in the next generation of content creators with grassroots initiatives. We genuinely believe that when you combine creativity with entrepreneurship, you get an almost-magical skillset that can transform lives. 

From dorm rooms to thriving brands: Meet our new college student ambassadors program

Recent studies show a significant increase in students’ interest in entrepreneurship, with many seeking opportunities to start their own businesses or side hustles while still in school. Around 70% of college students report that social media isn’t just for socializing — it’s also for building out personal brands and exploring business opportunities. 

We want to help these students grow and learn the skills that set them apart after graduation. That’s why we’re so excited about our new college student ambassadors program, which supports two different types of students and helps turn dorm rooms into centers of creativity and business. 

First, there’s the ambassador. These are passionate, positive, and outgoing social butterflies who want to help their peers thrive. The ambassadors are working hard to find their creative peers on campus, and build communities and networks where they can thrive. Ambassadors not only earn commissions and bonuses for every successful sign-up, but they also gain invaluable, hands-on experience in leadership, sales, and marketing. This opportunity allows them to directly see how their hard work and ambition translate into real financial results, as each paycheck reflects their individual efforts.

We’re also supporting on-campus creators and helping them get started with their entrepreneurial journey. As part of the program, we’re offering students a free online storefront where they can customize and sell over 180 products, from apparel and decor to digital downloads, all without any upfront investment. We take care of the production and shipping, so the students can focus on building their brands, sharing their creations, and earning money. 

Turning ideas into impact

Students are just one piece of our network though. We’re also proud to be empowering anyone to turn their passions into impact. 

Many of our creators start their content creation journey as a passion project. They simply find something they love and start sharing their joy for it online. Whether it’s a love for dogs, a desire to tell jokes, or simply a dream to share life’s small moments, the goal isn’t necessarily to create a business — it’s a way to express themselves and bring them closer to the people who love what they do.

Once they start creating content though, many discover they can have a huge impact on those communities — and we’re here to help them do that with product lines. Our creators can use our tools to sell anything to anyone, anywhere on the planet, and spread their message further than ever before. 

A lot of our creators have used product lines as a way to raise money for the causes they care about. They may not have the desire to build a fully product-based business, but find that products are a great way to increase awareness around their personal passions and as a vehicle to funnel money back into their communities. By selling a product and donating the profit, they’re able to have a huge impact. 

Helping creators create more financial security and freedom

As the creator economy continues to grow, creators are redefining the way businesses are built. Today, they’re no longer just promoting brands—they’re building their own. In a recent survey of our creators, we found that many of them were moving away from creating content just for entertainment. Instead, their content was starting to become a marketing tool in its own right that drove fans to other revenue streams.

At Amaze, we help creators build out product lines that they can turn into revenue. One of the most rewarding aspects of the work we do is helping creators see financial independence faster. Our creators and small business owners regularly report that adding products as a revenue stream has helped them spend more time with their families, travel the world, secure their retirement, and design a life they love. 

Better yet, they get to do it on their own terms. Instead of promoting other businesses, they get to have full creative control over their products. It’s a new way for them to express themselves and catapult their businesses forwards.

We’re excited to help creators grow

Looking to the future, we’re excited to help more creators build product lines. We’re proud to help them create endless possibilities for expanding their reach, developing innovative projects, and fostering a supportive community.

Categories
New Hires News

Good Things Come in Threes. Meet Our New Dream Team for Creator-Led Growth!

It takes a village to help creators everywhere turn their ideas into impact, especially today. Remember when selling merch was just a side hustle? Creators today are now inventing entire product lines and building business empires — and we’re here to support them as they do it. 

That’s why we’re so excited to announce we’re adding some new faces to our creator growth and customer success teams, all with the goal of helping even more creators expand their businesses.

First at bat is our new Executive Vice President of Global Growth, Derek Francis. Derek brings over 24 years of experience, and has previously worked with companies like Microsoft, American Express, and Disney. Derek joined the team to help build out our client-centric growth strategy, as he calls it, which means we’re committing to putting creators at the center of our future growth plans. As Derek himself said when he announced he was joining Amaze, “As a 24-year SaaS veteran, it’s always the goal to skate to where the puck is heading, and I can’t imagine selling into an industry hotter than the creator economy, which is expected to reach a value of $485 Billion Dollars by 2030.”

Derek is just the start, though, when it comes to our new leadership team. We’ve also hired Yoheswaran Gnavavel (better known as Yogi), who joined at the end of July as our Director of GTM for Europe and India expansion. Yogi’s been a strategic GTM advisor for much of his career, with a particular bend towards partnerships and marketing. He previously worked at Canva and helped them expand into India. He’s been busy since starting at Amaze and helped us officially launch in India in August. 🇮🇳

Our third big hire is Jude Trapp as our Director of Global Partnerships. Jude comes to us with years of experience in building out great partnerships for tiny companies like SiriusXM, where he was the cross-functional sales lead (and managed a $10 million portfolio) across key accounts on Pandora, SoundCloud, Stitcher Podcasts, and the SiriusXM platforms. At Amaze, he’ll help us connect with even more creators, suppliers, and brands. 

Talk about making big moves. 🔥
At Amaze we’re expanding globally, but we’re also working hard to help creators go beyond merch and establish full-fledged product lines. We’re setting the stage for a new era where creators are not just making sales — they’re building brands.

Our new hires are here to help make that a reality in every way, from developing new and interesting partnerships that creators can leverage, to building out a customer success function that helps creators grow. For creators, this means next-level opportunities. You’ve got the vision and the audience. We’re bringing the business savvy and global reach to amplify what you do best.

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News

Going Global, Staying Green: Building a Sustainable Future for Creator Commerce

Fast fashion has become the norm. Cheaply made, mass-produced items are often worn only a handful of times before being discarded. This cycle of disposable fashion not only creates enormous amounts of waste but also fuels global sourcing practices that prioritize low cost over ethical production, driving up carbon emissions and environmental degradation.

The problem extends beyond clothing. Creators who want to offer quality, responsibly sourced products to their communities often face the challenge of balancing cost, sustainability, and accessibility. This conflict is worsened by the environmental toll of global retail—cheap sourcing, long shipping routes, and products that ultimately end up in landfills.

But as consumer awareness grows, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, especially for younger generations. 75% of Gen Z shoppers believe that buying sustainable products is more important than purchasing based on brand name, and 75% of millennials consider sustainability when making purchases. Creators care too, but they often lack the tools to meet these demands without sacrificing profitability or reach.

A Sustainable Solution for Creators and Their Communities

At Amaze, we’re committed to changing the way creators connect with their audiences. It’s not enough to simply offer creators a platform to sell their products; we need to make it smarter and more sustainable. We’re addressing the root issues by reshaping how products are created, sold, and delivered.

Our global expansion isn’t just about reaching more creators and fans—it’s about building smarter, more sustainable connections. By optimizing shipping routes, embracing local production, and reducing product costs, we’re helping creators reach their audiences faster, more efficiently, and with a lower environmental impact. This is how we’re building a sustainable future for creator commerce—where creativity thrives and carbon footprints shrink.

Printing Only What’s Sold and Reducing Waste with Manufacture-on-Demand

One of the biggest contributors to environmental waste is overproduction. In traditional retail models, items are produced in bulk, and unsold products often end up as waste, contributing to landfills. This is a significant challenge for creators who may not have the ability to accurately predict demand but still want to offer products to their fans.

At Amaze, we’ve embraced a manufacture-on-demand model, which is fundamentally more sustainable. Instead of producing large quantities of stock upfront, we only create products when they’re actually sold. This helps reduce waste by 90% and gives creators the freedom to experiment with new ideas without the risk of overproduction. For creators, this means they can sell their products without the fear of items sitting on shelves unsold, and for the environment, it means less waste.

This practice also benefits creators financially. By removing the need for large upfront investments in inventory, creators can test new products without taking on unnecessary risk. They can focus on refining their offerings based on audience demand rather than worrying about unsold stock.

Optimizing Shipping and Cutting Emissions with Local Production 

When a fan does buy a product, we’ve set up back-end logistics to make sure it gets to them in the most sustainable way possible. A big change we’ve made to support our global expansion has been our partnership with 25 different fulfillment centers around the world, including in regions like Australia, Europe, the UK, India, and Mexico. These fulfillment centers mean creators can get products to fans faster at a lower cost, but it’s not just speed and affordability we’re after — they also help us cut down on transportation emissions.

The impact is pretty big. In Australia, for example, our new fulfillment center has helped us cut 15,000 kilometers off of our transport distances, which has slashed emissions by 98%.  Previously fans had to wait for imports from the US or the EU, which could take anywhere from 9-17 days. Now, if Australian fans order from a creator that uses Amaze, shipping only takes 2-7 days. 


Our local fulfillment centers have the added benefit of making products more affordable for fans. Where previously fans would have to pay higher shipping costs or import tax fees, local fulfillment means they can skip these expensive add-ons. In Australia, the local production, fulfillment, and distribution means we’ve been able to cut shipping costs for fans by an average of $8.50. The more affordable shipping means that creators can keep their products accessible. 

Sustainable Packaging

We’re also continuously working on improving how we package products. We ship everything out in white-label standard plain poly mailers. We don’t do any individualization, because it creates extra costs, complications, and waste. We’re working hard to minimize, if not eliminate, plastics in our packaging—continuing our commitment to more sustainable production and shipping practices.

Environmentally-Friendly Production
The products we help creators bring to life aren’t just sustainable in terms of production—they’re designed to be high-quality items that customers will want to keep and use, rather than throw away after a few wears. Our eco-friendly, water-based, biodegradable inks and sustainably sourced cotton ensure that products are responsibly made. In addition, our production facilities operate with green technology, minimizing pollutants, toxic fumes, and waste


The Path Forward: A Sustainable Future for Creator Commerce

At Amaze, we understand that sustainability is not a one-time fix but an ongoing commitment. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far, but we know there’s still more work to do. By embracing sustainable practices like manufacture-on-demand, local fulfillment, and eco-friendly materials, we’re helping creators not only grow their businesses but do so in a way that positively impacts the planet.

Our mission is simple: build a future where creator commerce thrives without compromising the environment. By building smarter, more sustainable connections, we’re ensuring that creators and their communities can continue to create and innovate, all while leaving a smaller footprint.

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Creator success Insights News

Building the Future of Creator-Powered Commerce

As the creator economy continues to grow, creators are redefining the way businesses are built. Today, they’re no longer just promoting brands—they’re building their own. At Amaze, we’re at the forefront of this transformation, enabling creators to seamlessly monetize their communities and scale their businesses through ecommerce.

We provide creators with everything they need to succeed—whether it’s selling their own branded products or offering curated items from popular consumer brands. From expanding globally to developing new revenue streams, Amaze is empowering creators to take control of their financial future with ease.

Global Growth: Powering Creator Commerce on a Global Scale

As creators expand their reach beyond borders, ensuring fast, affordable, and sustainable shipping is critical to their success. That’s why Amaze’s global expansion of in-country fulfillment centers is so vital to driving creator-powered commerce. By establishing fulfillment hubs in regions such as Australia, Europe, the UK, India, and Mexico, we enable creators to connect with their global audiences more efficiently than ever before.

This global footprint means creators can now deliver a seamless shopping experience to fans around the world, without the traditional barriers of long shipping times or high costs. In Australia, for instance, our new fulfillment center allows creators’ merchandise to reach fans in under 7 days, a 70% improvement in delivery speed. This quicker, more affordable service not only increases customer satisfaction but also makes creators’ products more accessible and appealing, resulting in more sales and revenue growth.

In addition to these benefits, Amaze’s expansion reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. By cutting 15,000 km off transport distances in Australia alone, we’ve slashed carbon emissions by 98%. This commitment to sustainability not only reflects the values of creators and their audiences but also positions creators as eco-conscious business leaders.

With faster, localized shipping, creators can market their products to fans worldwide with confidence, knowing that their customers will receive their orders quickly and affordably. This enhances the creator-powered commerce model by ensuring that creators’ global communities are supported with the same care and efficiency as local customers.

New Opportunities: Empowering Creators to Expand and Thrive

At Amaze, we understand that creators need a variety of ways to monetize their online communities and grow their brands. Offering new products, tools, and services is key to helping them not just survive, but thrive in the evolving creator economy. The more diverse the opportunities available to creators, the more successful they can be in turning their influence into real income.

One of the key ways we do this is through our custom products team, which helps creators bring their most imaginative ideas to life. From apparel to one-of-a-kind items, creators can develop products that truly resonate with their audiences. For example, social media star Howie the Crab became a household name thanks to his quirky TikTok personality, and through Spring, Howie’s owner was able to launch a custom plushie that captured his charm. This product not only deepened Howie’s connection with fans, but it also led to 20 times more sales in its first week than previous weeks selling standard merchandise.

For creators who aren’t focused on custom products, Spring by Amaze offers a constantly expanding catalog of ready-to-sell items. From custom apparel to digital downloads, Spring provides the tools creators need to offer products that resonate with their audiences. By tailoring their offerings to meet their followers’ preferences, creators can deepen engagement, boost sales, and grow their brand.

The ability to continually evolve and expand their offerings is essential for creators to stay relevant, attract new audiences, and capitalize on their community’s trust. At Amaze, we’re making sure that creators are equipped with everything they need to succeed in the creator-powered commerce landscape.

Strategic Partnerships for Success

A key driver of creator success at Amaze is due to our strategic partnerships, which offer creators more ways to diversify and grow their revenue. 

For example, our partnerships with industry leaders Kornit Digital and Cameo have transformed how creators can monetize their influence. Through on-demand production with Kornit, creators can launch products faster and more efficiently, maintaining flexibility in what they offer without the burdens of inventory or overproduction. Meanwhile, our collaboration with Cameo introduces innovative monetization tools that allow creators to leverage their influence in new and engaging ways.

These are only a few of Amaze’s partnerships that not only help creators sell more, but they also help them sell smarter. By simplifying ecommerce and providing powerful tools for product creation and fulfillment, Amaze equips creators to scale their businesses, build sustainable revenue streams, and grow brands that reflect their unique voices and passions. 

The Future is Creator-Powered

At Amaze, we envision a future where creators aren’t just part of the commerce ecosystem—they’re leading it. By providing them with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to succeed, we’re helping them transform their creative passions into sustainable, scalable businesses. The future of commerce is creator-powered, and at Amaze, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.

As Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze, says, “Creators are building the brands of tomorrow. Our mission is to make that journey as smooth as possible, so they can focus on what they love—creating content and engaging with their community—while we handle the rest.”

For creators, this is just the beginning. Whether it’s through global expansion, new monetization opportunities, or strategic partnerships, Amaze is helping creators turn their influence into income—and, ultimately, into impact.

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News

From Dorm Rooms to Thriving Brands: Amaze’s Spring Platform Empowers College Students Nationwide

September 18, 2024 – Amaze Software, Inc., a leader in creator commerce solutions, is bringing the power of entrepreneurship to college campuses with its Spring platform, turning dorm rooms into centers of creativity and business. Spring offers students a free online storefront where they can customize and sell over 180 products, from apparel and decor to digital downloads, all without any upfront investment. Spring handles production and shipping so students can focus on building their brands, sharing their creations, and generating passive income with ease.

To amplify its reach and empower more students, Amaze has launched the Spring College Ambassador Program, selecting driven, entrepreneurial students to represent Spring on their campuses. Ambassadors not only earn commissions and bonuses for every successful sign-up, but they also gain invaluable, hands-on experience in leadership, sales, and marketing. This opportunity allows them to directly see how their hard work and ambition translate into real financial results, as each paycheck reflects their individual efforts.

More than just a side gig, the ambassador program instills essential skills for the future, fostering leadership, drive, and resilience in participants. As they build confidence, these students are helping spread the message of Spring’s transformative power—showing their peers how creativity can turn into a profitable venture, right from the comfort of a dorm room. Through their influence, these ambassadors are not only changing their own lives but also empowering their classmates to take control of their financial futures, developing a ripple effect of innovation and entrepreneurship across campuses nationwide.

“Spring is empowering a generation of students to take control of their futures,” says Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze. “We believe in the power of young creators and their ability to turn ideas into thriving businesses. With Spring, we’ve made it incredibly easy for students to take that first step toward financial freedom, all while balancing their studies. We’re building the next generation of entrepreneurs, one dorm room at a time.”

As financial pressures on students continue to rise, the Spring platform provides a flexible, low-risk way for them to generate income and develop entrepreneurial skills that will benefit them in any career. With a user-friendly interface and the full support of Amaze’s logistics and marketing services, Spring makes it easier than ever for students to build their own businesses and create financial opportunities from anywhere.

For more information about the Spring College Ambassador Program and to join the movement, click here. 

About Amaze

Amaze Software, Inc. is an all-in-one, end-to-end commerce solution for any creator looking to generate sustainable monetization and depth of community connection. Our creator success solutions include a merchandising platform, advanced commerce design application, and scalable managed services that help anyone sell anything, anywhere. We believe anyone can be a creator and that everyone should be empowered to tell their unique story, cultivate deeper connections with their customers, and create authentic, shoppable experiences that allow them to monetize their passion.
We’re on a mission to unleash potential and make it easy to create, share, and sell products and services. Build a no-code web page at www.amaze.co or launch a free store at www.springforcreators.com. For press inquiries, please email info@amaze.co.

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Creator success News

Amaze Teams up with alphabeats to Level Up Creator Performance and Improve Mental Fitness

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 — Amaze, an all-in-one, end-to-end creator commerce solution is thrilled to announce a partnership with alphabeats, a leader in mental performance. This partnership brings alphabeats’ mental training technology to creators through the Amaze platform, offering them advanced tools to manage the unique mental demands of content creation.

The Struggle Behind the Screen

The pressures of consistently generating fresh content, meeting deadlines, and maintaining audience engagement can take a significant toll on creators’ mental health. Research indicates that content creators are particularly susceptible to burnout, making tailored mental health support essential for sustaining creativity and productivity.

Enter alphabeats: The Ultimate Mental Performance Tool For Creators 

alphabeats is a game-changer for mental wellness. By combining neurofeedback with music, alphabeats trains the mind for better focus, heightened creativity and improved output. Like a workout for your mind, alphabeats is a mental fitness tool designed to help creators recharge, refocus, and consistently deliver their best work.

“At Amaze, we understand the critical role mental health plays in the creative process,” said Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze. “This partnership with alphabeats is about providing creators with the tools they need to excel. When creators prioritize their mental well-being, the quality and impact of their work reach new heights, they’re happier, more efficient, and more successful.”

“The challenges facing content creators are intense, with the need to constantly shift between competing tasks and priorities while balancing creative, strategic and operational demands,” said Jorrit DeVries, President & Chief Commercial Officer, alphabeats. “alphabeats, originally developed for elite athletes, translates perfectly to the creative world. It offers creators the same mental performance tools that help these athletes excel, enhancing their focus and creativity and aiding in their sleep and recovery for overall health and wellbeing.”

Elite athletes and content creators face similar mental challenges; both need to perform at their best under pressure. Alphabeats is designed specifically for this, offering targeted mental performance training that helps creators combat burnout, promotes deeper sleep, and keeps them inspired.

To celebrate the launch of this exciting partnership, Amaze and alphabeats will provide a special Creator bundle designed exclusively for the creator community. Start training with alphabeats and unlock your full creative potential. Learn more

About Amaze

Amaze Software, Inc. is an all-in-one, end-to-end commerce solution for any creator looking to generate sustainable monetization and depth of community connection. Our creator success solutions include a merchandising platform, advanced commerce design application, and scalable managed services that help anyone sell anything, anywhere. We believe anyone can be a creator and that everyone should be empowered to tell their unique story, cultivate deeper connections with their customers, and create authentic, shoppable experiences that allow them to monetize their passion.

We’re on a mission to unleash potential and make it easy to create, share, and sell products and services. Build a no-code web page at www.amaze.co or launch a free store at www.springforcreators.com. For press inquiries, please email info@amaze.co. 

About alphabeats

alphabeats envisions a world where everyone can train their mind without limits, becoming the directors of their attention, flow, and focus. This vision comes to life with a pioneering approach that fuses curated music and neurofeedback technology, enabling athletes to master their mental performance. alphabeats is designed for athletes looking to push the boundaries of mental resilience, focus, and recovery. By offering a unique pathway for enhancing mind-body synergy, alphabeats sets new standards in athlete training. Discover more about the vision and join the movement towards boundless mental training at listenalphabeats.com, and follow the journey on Instagram, Meta, YouTube, and LinkedIn.