It’s not just the bar mitzvah boy or bat mitzvah girl who gets presents at the party. Each guest takes home swag, something as a memento of the occasion. Swag is often a wearable or usable gift that brings an extra dose of happiness to guests and reminds them how much fun they had at your simcha. And swag is becoming more sophisticated.
A bar/bat mitzvah party is a time to celebrate coming of age and identity. When the girl or boy has the spotlight and their name is displayed in a catchy logo, it’s probably the first time they are really thinking about who they are and their place in the world. A logo has become de rigueur, a necessary element that says something about the person’s unique sense of style. When applied to swag, it’s a way of telling friends and relatives, “This is who I am and I thank you for helping me celebrate.”
Julie Farkas, a graphic designer who produces branded logos and swag for both corporate clients and simchas, talks with both the parents and the boy or girl to get a full picture of their personality. “In order to get the best product, it has to be a partnership,” said Farkas. “I’ll ask the parents to tell me more about the child. Does she like to dance? Does she like to do art? Is she a math student? Does he like sports? Music? Tell me something a little bit deeper about your child. And then the kid will tell me a little bit more about what their favorite subjects are, what they like to do and what their hobbies are.”
Kids are growing up with a basic sense of digital design and are very visual from spending time on social media. Many sit with Farkas to pick out fonts and colors together. Sometimes they come to Farkas with what they think is a ready-to-go logo they’ve made themselves on a program like Canva. But producing a logo that can be blown up and reproduced requires professional software like Adobe Illustrator. Sometimes she uses the design as a model and reproduces it with her tools, or refines the design so that it can be reproduced. “I love the fact that everybody is involved in this creativity, that the kids are doing it. Sometimes when you get older, you get sort of jaded.” She tells kids who want to design their own logos to ask someone first and make sure their design can be reproduced.
So what are the best items to brand with a personalized logo? Clothing of different types has been popular for a while but the material is getting better and the designs trendier. Farkas just did the graphics and swag for a Barbie themed bat mitzvah party. The girls took home fuzzy, soft pink shorts and a matching bag with a Barbie influenced logo. Some items can really multitask. She has made a sweatshirt that turns into a backpack. Good pajamas, sweatshirts and jackets with an embedded logo are much appreciated and worn for years. Farkas made socks with a logo for a party and before it was over, everyone was dancing in them. “My kids were wearing everything in college from the things they got from their bar/bat mitzvah years,” said Farkas. “I really encourage people to do something that’s going to last and not spend money on something that people are just going to throw away.”
One client came to her and said her son wanted football gloves. Farkas didn’t know what they were but the client brought pictures. “They had to be custom done because there’s nobody in the United States that does this,” Farkas said. She explained that you have to have a lot of grip on the front. She designed the gloves so that when you hold both hands together, you see the complete logo. A girl who felt strongly about the mitzvah of morning brachot and had artistic talent, made a piece of artwork with morning breakfast and correct brachat to put on a ceramic mug.
One of the most meaningful bat mitzvah gifts Farkas worked on was a family history book given to all the guests. The book, written by the father of the bat mitzvah and designed by Farkas, documents the lives of the extraordinary grandmothers in their family. “This is a book they will keep forever,” she said.
Just about anything can be personalized with a logo. Electronics are a new category. Bluetooth speakers with a custom logo are a big hit at parties. Who doesn’t need a phone charger? Farkas has printed logos on those too. For kids and adults who like to stay hydrated all day, customized Stanley type cups that keep drinks cold 24 hours are a giveaway that doesn’t get thrown away.
Farkas said anyone who wants a logo and swag for an upcoming simcha should contact her at least a few months in advance, but she has seen her share of last minute projects. Parents of the bar/bat mitzvah should have some ideas before they call her. But don’t go to the opposite extreme and make a logo that may not be technically correct for reproduction. The process works best when it’s a partnership.
Follow Julie Farkas Graphic Design and Promotion on Instagram, www.instagram.com/designer613 and visit online, juliefarkas.com.
