From Stars Hollow to Your Closet: An Exclusive interview with Dragonfly Merch Co.
Settle in for a chat with this popular fan-forward merch creator!
There are so many nuanced ways we experience our most beloved fandoms. We watch the content, discuss with other fans, attend conventions and festivals, and find like-minded communities online. One thing most fandoms have in common? Merch! It’s a tale as old as time–or as old as the concept of a commemorative concert T-shirt–we love to wear our fandom. From fan fiction to visual art, creativity abounds in fan subcultures. You can almost always find official merch from IP owners, but fans always take the creativity a step further by tapping into what their peers really connect to in their respective communities. In the same way that fan fiction and fan art explore concepts within any given fandom, creators with a gift for design and business savvy help fans express themselves through clothing and accessories.
One such fan is Jenn, owner of Dragonfly Merch Co., a Cleveland, OH based company where she has taken her love of Gilmore Girls and expanded it into a thriving online merch outpost. We’ve loved Dragonfly Merch Co. designs for a while, and so we jumped at the chance for an exclusive interview with proprietor Jenn. Recently, Dragonfly Merch Co. has set up booths at Gilmore-themed events in Brighton, MI at Destination Stars Hollow and in Akron, OH at the Smells Like Snow and Coffee Festival and we were able to see a wide display of their fun tees, sweatshirts and hats on display in person! They’ve already expanded into merch for the show Psych, and hope to explore more in the future.
Check out our exclusive interview with Dragonfly Merch Co. below. And don’t forget to follow them on Instagram, and sign up via email for alerts on new product drops and sales. As we enter the holiday season, you might be able to find the perfect gift for your friends and family in the fandom–or, you know, for yourself!
Remarkist Editors: Tell us a little bit about Dragonfly Merch Co. Why did you decide to go into this business and what is your background?
Dragonfly Merch Co.: My background is actually in business, but I’ve always loved art and design. I was a wedding photographer for 5 years and I’m an avid knitter. So I guess you could say I’m an organized creative! I’ve been a Gilmore fan for a very long time, and I’ve always wanted to design pieces that expressed my love of the show. My husband has always encouraged me to pursue it over the years, so in 2023 I finally decided to start!
RE: What is your Gilmore Girls story? How did you become a fan?
DMC: I can’t remember the exact year I started watching, but one of my close friends introduced me to the show. I remember being drawn to it because Rory was close to my age, and I loved the fast banter and endearing (but wacky) Stars Hollow characters. I watched reruns on the CW every chance I could, and I finally bought the DVD set so I could watch it in order whenever I wanted! (hello, pre-streaming).
When the 4 new episodes [Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life] came out, I had a themed watch party with friends, and stood in line to get my “Luke’s” coffee downtown. Over the years I’ve been able to stand on the Stars Hollow Gazebo steps in California, travel to the towns that inspired the show in Connecticut, and meet the lovely Rose Abdoo and send her my Gypsy tee! Experiences that will stick with me forever.
RE: You also have merch devoted to the show Psych. What is your fandom story with that series?
DMC: Psych is my husband’s favorite series. So a handful of my Psych designs are actually created by him! The dynamic between Shawn & Gus is like no-other. I don’t think there’s a single episode in the series that doesn’t make us laugh out loud.
RE: How has your relationship to the fandoms changed or evolved as a result of the merch line?
DMC: I’ve become a little more analytical when I watch a favorite series–taking notes when I see or hear something that I think would make a fun t-shirt or hat. Being a vendor at so many Gilmore Girls themed events the past few years has made me love the GG community even more. Connecting with like-minded fans about the show has been one of the most fun experiences!
RE: What is your process like? How do you decide what products to feature, and who designs them?
DMC: As I mentioned previously, if I need inspiration, I just start watching my favorite shows and take notes for future design ideas. My favorite designs are ones that true fans would understand (IYKYK merch) so I like to focus on characters or moments that aren’t necessarily the most widely recognized. Or adding details to a design that show the depth of my fandom. After that, I’ll get to work designing a few drafts, create a few mockups to help me decide on a final design, and order a sample from my printer. If it passes, it’ll go straight on the website! And if it doesn’t, it’ll be saved for another time when I want to revisit and tweak it a little bit.
RE: We know for a brief stint, Kirk went into the t-shirt making business (babette ate oatmeal)! What advice would you give him for the future of his product line?
DMC: I think he should pursue the custom t-shirt business! The shirt that Lorelai has waiting for Rory in her room that says “rory’s going to yale” is definitely on the right track. Anyone in the town could come to him for merch for their special moments. I think he should stick with the classic black tee and white lowercase text, too. It’s his signature look!
RE: What’s one character or storyline you really want to create around that you haven’t already?
DMC: I think for Gilmore Girls, I’d like to create some Sookie & Jackson merchandise! They are by no means minor characters in the show, and I love their relationship with everyone in the town. I’m looking forward to expanding the fandoms offered on my website as well.
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