If you've been to Daytona Bike Week in previous years you're well aware of the many different types of embroidered patches available from all the vendors. You're probably also familiar with both the "official" and "unofficial" logos attributed to the event. But have you ever wondered who designs the logos and patches?
Embroidered patches for Daytona Bike Week and other similar events are usually designed by independent artists who submit them to the organization looking to make a custom patch. For example, the official 2012 patch (as sanctioned by the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce) was designed by artist Chris Highline, a Daytona Beach native son and employee at Cubco Screen Printing & Embroidery. Highline donated the logo to the Chamber of Commerce who, in turn, makes a little money by licensing its use for T-shirts, and embroidered patches, etc.
In theory and artist who submitted a design according to guidelines could be eligible to have his or her work adopted as an official logo. When chose, that gives the artist great exposure through resellers and retail operations.
When patch resellers purchase wholesale patches, they get them from dealers like Daytona Beach's The Cheap Place. This is another local company that has been serving Bike Week participants for many years. The Cheap Place accepts designs from talented artists who want to see their work become an embroidered patch. Every approved design is sent to one of the suppliers from whom they purchase, where it's made in bulk so it can be sold to retail and wholesale customers.
Now that you know who designs patches for Daytona Bike Week perhaps you have an idea of your own. If so, send it on over to The Cheap Place and see what they think. You never know!
