welcome to

The Common Thread

Your go-to guide for custom apparel, branded merchandise, and graphic design trends. As a leading custom merch provider based in the Pacific Northwest, College Hill shares expert insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes info to help your brand stand out!

Branded Merch Trade Shows: Why In-Person Sourcing Matters
Branded Merch Trade Shows: Why In-Person Sourcing Matters
  • Apparel Design
November 2, 2026

Branded Merch Trade Shows: Why In-Person Sourcing Matters

Discover the value of attending a branded merch end user show. Learn why seeing apparel...
Apparel vs Products: How the Design Process Differs
Apparel vs Products: How the Design Process Differs
  • Apparel Design
October 26, 2026

Apparel vs Products: How the Design Process Differs

Designing branded merch? Learn why the artwork must adapt to the item. Discover the key...
The Power of Branded Pens for Brand Awareness and Marketing Reach
The Power of Branded Pens for Brand Awareness and Marketing Reach
  • Best Promotional Items
October 26, 2026

The Power of Branded Pens for Brand Awareness and Marketing Reach

There is something universally satisfying about getting a free pen. At a business event, conference,...
10 Trade Show Tips for Better Booth Results
10 Trade Show Tips for Better Booth Results
  • B2B
October 19, 2026

10 Trade Show Tips for Better Booth Results

We believe that every touchpoint on a trade show or conference floor is an opportunity...
What Is Foil Printing? Best Practices for Merch & Packaging
What Is Foil Printing? Best Practices for Merch & Packaging
  • Behind the Scenes
October 12, 2026

What Is Foil Printing? Best Practices for Merch & Packaging

Looking for a way to make your branded apparel, packaging, awards, or promotional products stand...
Behind the Scenes: What Your Account Manager is Actually Doing For You
Behind the Scenes: What Your Account Manager is Actually Doing For You
  • Account Management
September 28, 2026

Behind the Scenes: What Your Account Manager is Actually Doing For You

Behind the scenes, there is a lot happening to make sure everything turns out exactly...
10 FAQs About Working with a Branded Merchandise Partner - Answered
10 FAQs About Working with a Branded Merchandise Partner - Answered
  • Best Promotional Items
September 14, 2026

10 FAQs About Working with a Branded Merchandise Partner - Answered

Planning custom apparel, promotional products, or corporate gifts? You probably have practical questions before you...
Behind the Scenes: How We Pack and Ship Branded Merchandise
Behind the Scenes: How We Pack and Ship Branded Merchandise
  • Behind the Scenes
September 8, 2026

Behind the Scenes: How We Pack and Ship Branded Merchandise

At College Hill, individually shipping orders is a carefully coordinated process with a lot more...
How Branded Merchandise Boosts Recruiting, Retention & Company Culture
How Branded Merchandise Boosts Recruiting, Retention & Company Culture
  • Brand Design
August 31, 2026

How Branded Merchandise Boosts Recruiting, Retention & Company Culture

At College Hill, we view branded merchandise through a different lens. It isn’t just stuff...
What is Sublimation Printing? Benefits & Best Uses
What is Sublimation Printing? Benefits & Best Uses
August 24, 2026

What is Sublimation Printing? Benefits & Best Uses

Choosing the right decoration method can make all the difference for your custom merchandise. If...
How to Create Branded Merch People Actually Keep
How to Create Branded Merch People Actually Keep
  • Best Promotional Items
August 17, 2026

How to Create Branded Merch People Actually Keep

Branded Merch is everywhere. Pens, tote bags, water bottles, notebooks, hats, tech accessories. Some end...
Why Do So Many Companies Use Blue? The Psychology of Brand Colors
Why Do So Many Companies Use Blue? The Psychology of Brand Colors
August 10, 2026

Why Do So Many Companies Use Blue? The Psychology of Brand Colors

When asked, large international surveys have consistently found that blue is the most commonly selected...