Instagram Meme Sparks a Creative Marketing Idea

Bernie Sanders went viral after his photo on Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony caught the attention of netizens. The photo showed Bernie, who was wearing a casual coat and mittens, sitting with his arms crossed, and legs crossed- the perfect pose for a meme.

The picture sparked an instant wave of hysterical memes, with people editing the photo to feature Bernie sitting in different locations, sporting various outfits, and hanging out with different people. The internet storm was overwhelming, and the memes were everywhere. Bernie even went live on Late Night With Seth Meyers to explain the now-infamous photo.

But that wasn't the end of the viral sensation. The Bernie meme continued to spread deep into the merchandising realm, with one creative idea involving Sanders' pose on the sweatshirts. Thousands of Bernie fans wanted to own a piece of the meme, and they got a chance to do soselling out in record time.

Here's everything you need to know about the Bernie sweatshirt phenomenon:

How the Idea was Born

Mike, a Vermont-based teacher, and community organizer, was the mastermind behind the Bernie sweatshirts. He had been experimenting with Silk Screen printing on fabric, working with his students as they created t-shirt designs. When his friend saw the Bernie meme go viral, she suggested creating sweatshirts with the photo on them.

Mike argues that the idea was rooted in Bernie's authenticity, especially as it relates to his Vermont roots. He wanted to celebrate him not as a politician per se but as an authentic and passionate public figure.

The Design Process

Mike didn't want the design to be too flashy or overly commercialized. Therefore, they decided to keep it simple and clean. Mike came up with a clean and straightforward design, screen-printed photo of Bernie along with the words Mittens, America 2021.

The sweatshirts were made using a 100% cotton fabric, ensuring they were not only warm but also soft and comfortable.

The Success of the Idea

The Bernie sweatshirts concept was an immediate hit. Mike and his team started this project by producing a limited number of sweatshirts, but the admirers of Bernie's viral meme quickly snatched them all up. They were available online for $45 each with 100% of the proceeds going to local charities in Vermont.

By the time the Bernie sweatshirts were released, the world was thoroughly divided into those who loved the Bernie meme and those who didn't see what the fuss was all about. But Mike's idea gave them a way to pick a side, and they could do so warmly wrapped in cotton.

The Bernie Sweatshirt Controversy

When Bernie Sanders was asked about the sweatshirts with his meme on them, he said he had no idea about it. He and his team were more focused on dealing with COVID 19 and getting President Biden's policies passed.

In closing

The Bernie Sanders sweatshirts represent just one example of how a meme can turn into a creative marketing idea. The phenomenon is a testament to Bernie's supporters' passion for their political representative as well as to their taste in memes.