Drifter Holiday Gift Guide

We here at Drifter Merch are out and about selling our music-inspired goods all of the time at live music lots, events and festivals. We thought it would be fun to put together a holiday gift guide of some of our friends and fellow vendors who sell a variety of cool goods. Check out this list and shop small business this holiday season. Some vendors have offered specials to our followers!

1. Artist Preston Smith sells a variety of music art for any style or budget. Featuring artwork of many of favorite artists, his website works with a printer to make his art available on different canvas types from paper, wood, acrylic or metal. You can play around with different mats, paper styles, and frames to design a shape and size to fit your wall and budget. All art is currently reduced to $20 a square foot. Click here to shop.

2. Grateful Fred brings you chrome for the holidays with chrome car badges, metal stickers, and more! While this store is officially licensed by the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia’s family, it also offers products inspired by Widespread Panic and Phish. Check out the newest addition to the Grateful Fred lineup, the Stealie 2.0, available in color and matte black for only $25. Get it here.

3. SunHeist Eyewear is where your new, favorite shades await with ultra lightweight sunglasses with 100% UV protection and quality frames. The Willow sunglasses shown are sleek lifestyle shades with a face-hugging, flexible frame, comfortable rubber tips, and glare-blocking polarized lenses made for adventure. Grab some that are non-polarized for $50 or polarized for $85 by shopping here and using promo code “DRIFTER” at checkout to save 20% off your order.

4. Shakedown Goods is owned by a husband/wife duo who not only sell their own art and goods but also have a passion for supporting other vendors by cross selling. This Ain’t Life Grand Pin is based on the company’s original drawing. It is rainbow metal and double posted. The pin retails for $15 and can be purchased here along with other great gifts.

5. ICEMULE Coolers has championed boundless adventure by creating high-performance, hands-free coolers that provide the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Inspired by venues where a clear bag policy is enforced, ICEMULE has developed the first-of-its-kind, air-insulated, ultra-portable, and reusable CLEAR cooler. It sells for $79.95 on ICEMULE’s website.

6. GRILLKILT is a game-changing grilling apron with integrated tool belt & practical pockets. Featured here is the Tailgater Grill Apron in a tie-dye print that has deep hand and cargo pockets making this waist apron great for grilling and chilling as well as other activities such as crafting, gardening, and other artistic endeavors. This tie dye apron costs $65 and you can get 25% off all tailgater models with code DRIFTER on the website.

7. Stupindous is a jam band merch vendor that has mostly Phish designs but also carries Widespread Panic and Billy Strings. The company offers these super soft, stretchy, and comfortable yoga leggings that are inspired by Phish. Made of 82% polyester, 18% spandex, the leggings have a four-way stretch. Get a pair by clicking here.

8. Cotton Patch Hemp was created to offer products designed to help your body operate at its fullest with quality, organic, all-natural CBD products. Keep the holidays from being tough with Trifecta that is 1000mg each of CBD, CBG & Delta 8. Cotton Patch Hemp’s Trifecta will make your life better for $125. Buy here.

9. Sophie Kate Candles make a great gift for anyone on your list. The company features all natural soy wax candles infused with an essential and fragrant oils in refillable wooden dough bowls. Try the tree shaped candle in fraser fir to fill the house with the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. These are on sale for $40 now on the website.

10. Zinnialou Jewelry Designs by Shelly Marie Lynch features products made from semi-precious stones and metals inspired from her enjoyment of music, nature and travel. May we suggest these 14k gold filled Spike earrings that are 2.5 inches in length. They are on sale for $110. Grab a pair here.

We hope this is a great start to help you get some ideas to complete your holiday shopping. Don’t forget that we also offer lots for the music lovers on your list with premium music-inspired apparel and accessories from tees and hoodie to hats and flags. Click here to shop Drifter Merch.

Learning More about Vector Images

As we do custom printing orders often, we are always sent various formats of logos. Many times they are in the incorrect format needed for screen printing. Our friends at Sticker Mule have allowed us to reprint their blog covering all that relates to vector images. Hope this helps in your printing journey.

What is a vector image?

To better understand what a vector file is, it is important to learn the two basic categories of a digital image: raster graphics and vector graphics.

You may already be familiar with a flat or raster graphic. These graphics are .jpg (Joint Photographic Experts Group), or .png (Portable Network Graphics) file types. Notice that when you zoom in a .jpg or .png image, you’ll see that the image becomes blurry and you start seeing little square dots. These dots are called pixels. This is the basic foundation of a raster graphic: flat little dots that form the full picture.

On the other hand, a vector graphic is made up of mathematical formulas rather than flat, fixed, and solid colored pixels. The formulas create the points, paths, lines, curves, shapes, and colors that you see in a vector image.

The most important attribute of a vector image is that it is infinitely scalable without compromising the quality of the image. No matter how close you zoom in, or how big you scale a vector image, it will remain smooth. The resolution will also remain high! Some common file formats of vector files are .ai (Adobe Illustrator), .eps (Encapsulated PostScript), and .svg (Scalable Vector Graphic).

Where are vector images used?

Vector images are used in branding and printing. Most logos, icons, and other graphics that you see displayed on websites online are vector images. Most print jobs you have seen might also have been vector images before printing.

What can you do with vector images?

Because vector files are resolution independent, they are great for large scale printing like banners, signs, and other large format jobs. Vector files are also great for smaller prints like business cards, packaging, and stickers because even the tiniest details are guaranteed to be sharp and clear.

It is generally a good idea to keep graphic assets as vector files because of its smaller file size compared to a raster image. You can also update and edit vector files with ease as well as export it into any other file type you need anytime.

What are tools that can convert an image to a vector?

There is a variety of software, both offline and online, that have the ability to export vectors. Some popular professional software are Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. There are also open source and free software like Inkscape and Vectr.

Alternatively, there are a lot of free vector conversion websites where you can upload your image and convert them to a vector image. The downside of using free and automatic conversion tools like them is that you will not get an accurate image. Some include watermarks, while some simply do not produce high resolution vectors.

Here’s our pro tip: Redraw from Sticker Mule converts and upgrades any image to a high resolution, vector graphic. Redraw eliminates the hassle of tracing, coloring, finetuning, and exporting. Though you may need to shell out a few bucks, Redraw guarantees that it will convert any image into a high-quality vector image that is infinitely scalable! And after that, your new poster, sticker or image for screen print will be ready in no time!

How do you convert images to vector for free?

There are a lot of websites that convert flat images to vectors for free. Some of them go as far as giving the user the ability to input the number of color output, as well as designating a color palette. One of the best examples is pngtosvg.com.

The downside to this is that aside from the webpage being heavy because of numerous ads that pop up all over the site, the output creates imperfect and crooked lines. (And be careful with clicking on those ads too! Sometimes, they may lead you to malicious, virus-ridden websites! Yikes!)

The converted vector also creates unnecessary extra shapes. You would still need to download and edit the vector image using software to finetune and clean up the vector.

Converting images to vector: Tips from a designer

Here are some tips on converting a flat image into a vector:

• Converting images into vectors works well for images that are simple, clear, and have minimal colors.

• When manually tracing, zoom in as close as possible so that you are able to follow the lines with better accuracy.

• Use the color picker tool when filling in paths and shapes.

• If the software that you are using has advanced automatic tracing tools, take advantage of it! You will only spend time fine tuning the result

• If you’re not a pro designer, then doing this process manually may not yield the best results. It’s better to take advantage of online tools like Sticker Mule’s Redraw to get that perfect finish!

These are all great tips from Sticker Mule. Be sure and check out their custom stickers​ for all of your projects!

Taste of Folly is Back

Celebrate Folly Beach’s eclectic beachside cuisine at the annual Taste of Folly hosted by the Folly Association of Business. The Taste weekend includes a cocktail competition featuring cocktails from all your favorite spots on Friday, January 14th, and a family-friendly Center Street event on Saturday, January 15th, with food, drinks, live music, many craft vendors including Drifter Merch and events for everyone!

Begin your weekend with the cocktail competition sponsored by Ketel One Botanicals on Friday at the Tides in the Pavilion Ballroom from 7-10pm where all of your favorite Folly restaurants and bars will compete with their own cocktail creations featuring Ketel One Botanicals liquor. Tickets are $24 in advance or $30 at the door. A sample of all cocktails in the competition are included with ticket purchase. Must be 21+ to attend.

Continue the celebration at the main event on Saturday with the Savory Saturday Center Street event from 10am until 4pm. This family-friendly street closure festival will include live entertainment across three stages, 60+ arts, crafts, and food vendors, multiple kids areas, server Olympics, hot dog eating and oyster shucking contests, cooking demonstrations, and more! Center Street will close to vehicle traffic at 7am and reopen at 6pm. Admission is $9 in advance or $14 at the gate. Folly residents and kids 12 and under are free.

In addition to the live events, people can purchase a Taste of Folly Virtual Passport to use from Friday, January 14th through Monday, January 31st. Purchase your Taste Passport then visit participating locations and scan their QR code to be entered into drawings. The more establishments you visit, the more chances you’ll have to win prizes, including overnight stays on the island, kayak and golf cart rentals, restaurant gift cards, and more!

To purchase tickets to the Taste Cocktail Competition, the Savory Saturday Center Street Event, and the Taste Virtual Passport, go to VisitFolly.com.

The 2022 Taste of Folly sponsors include our title sponsor Ketel One Botanicals, and additional sponsors Folly Vacation, Law Office of Nick Thomas, David Ayler Law Offices.

The 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam Announced

Presented by Drifter Merch and Ear for Music, 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam will be held on Saturday, September 11th from 7-11pm. The first event to be held at the new Refinery Amphitheater in Downtown Charleston, Drifter Fest will feature live music from jam band Indecision with local favorite Junco Partner opening. A free pre-jam to kick off the weekend festivities will be held on Friday, September 10th at Home Team BBQ downtown with entertainment provided by Atlanta’s Last Waltz Ensemble.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Carolina Studios, founded right here in the Lowcountry by Hootie and the Blowfish’s Mark Bryan to foster creative, educational, and career-focused initiatives for students through music, technology and media arts. In partnership with local businesses, sponsors include Slane Irish Whiskey, Truly Hard Seltzer, Southern Flavor Magazine, Eskimo Advertising, Rodgers Wranglers, Mass Mutual South Carolina and Carolina Audio Video. Providing a true festival experience, the event will have craft vendors that include Drifter Merch, Zinnialou Jewelry, Cotton Patch Hemp, and GrillKilt. Additionally, there will be food trucks including local favorites Callie’s Biscuits and The Immortal Lobster. 

Saturday’s event will be ticketed with general admission available for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. A limited number of $50 VIP tickets will include GA access plus a second level viewing area above the event, two drink tickets, private bar, seating, bathrooms & premium parking as well as a commemorative laminate. Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 9th at 10am at City Paper Tickets.

Drifter Fest celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs. A huge fan of live music, Bert also turned his passion into a well received apparel and accessories company, Drifter Merch, that was inspired by his favorite bands. Additionally, Bert was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Bert had an innate ability to make everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. He never met a stranger. In fact, he was everyone’s best friend. He had the sweetest soul and a tender heart that loved hard and deeply. Bert had a unique sense of humor with an infectious laugh and smile that could light up the darkest room. 

For more information about the 2nd Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam, visit
www.drifterfest.com. 

Drifter Merch's Corona Couch Tour Series

We're kicking off a new online live music series this week called Corona Couch Tour: The Music Never Stops. The shows feature some awesome musicians that are Drifter friends and customers to introduce you all to new music to enjoy while we're all at home! The music starts on Drifter Merch’s Facebook page every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30pm ET.

Monday, April 4th: Rob Williams of Solid Country Gold playing a tribute to John Prine

Wednesday, April 6th: Bobby Houck of The Blue Dogs

Friday, April 8th: Reid Stone of Guilt Ridden Troubadour

Monday, April 13th: Will Haraway of The Sundogs

Wednesday, April 15th: Sam Holt of Sam Holt Band, Outformation

Friday, April 17th: Cameron Williams of Tishamingo

For more details, click here!

Drifter Fest: The Inaugural Bert Griggs Memorial Jam

Drifter Fest: The Inaugural Bert Griggs Memorial Jam

We invite you to Charleston on March 6-8th to celebrate Drifter Merch Co-Founder Bert Griggs' life.

In addition to Bert’s passion for designing and creating music-inspired and custom goods for his Drifter Merch customers, Bert was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Bert had an innate ability to make everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. He never met a stranger. In fact, he was everyone’s best friend. He had the sweetest soul and a tender heart that loved hard and deeply. Bert had a unique sense of humor with an infectious laugh and smile that could light up the darkest room. He is intensely missed.

We hope you can join us for a weekend of fun events complete with great company, stories and lots of live music.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH:
Drifter Fest: Pre-Jam at Home Team BBQ Downtown (126 Williman Street) from 8pm-11pm with live music featuring our friends SHONUFF.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH
Doors for the Drifter Fest: The Inaugural Bert Griggs Memorial Jam open at 8pm at the Charleston Pour House (1977 Maybank Hwy.). Inside the venue from 8:30pm-1am, guests will enjoy a collaboration of Bert's favorite tunes from many of his friends including Reid Stone and bands Gaslight Street, The Travelin' Kine, SHONUFF, Solid Country Gold and more.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH:
Drifter Merch will be vending at Reckoning in the Park, a family friendly event featuring The Reckoning, an awesome Grateful Dead cover band from 2pm-5pm in the meadow at James Island County Park.

Drifter Merch will be available for sale on Saturday and Sunday as well as the awesome event poster created by TRiPPs Prints and Bert's portrait by artist Jason Moore.

Please email info@driftermerch.com for additional information or questions. Read more about Bert Griggs here or search the social networks for these hashtags: #bertgriggs  #driftermerch  #driftergriggs  #ripdriftergriggs #DrifterFest #BertGriggsJam #RememberBertGriggs

Listen to Lorrie's interview on 105.5 The Bridge as she talks about Bert Griggs, Drifter Merch and Drifter Fest:

Jam on the Water Concert Series in Charleston

Join Charleston Harbor Tours, Sweetwater Brewing Company and Follywood Productions for an amazing music and cruise series. The Carolina Queen will set sail for a two hour entertaining cruise featuring some great tributes to a classic rock band, Drifter Merch selling music-inspired tees, ad seasonal selections from Sweetwater plus a full wine and liquor bar. You don't want to miss this series. It will make the perfect beginning to your weekend!

The following dates for 2018 include...

April 20 - Tom Petty Tribute by Honey Smoke
May 11 - Grateful Dead Tribute by Burnt Wood
June 15 - Jimmy Buffet Tribute by Folly Pirates over 40
July 20 - Neil Young Tribute by Josh Roberts & Friends
August 24 - Widespread Panic Tribute by 54 Bicycles
September 14 - Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead Tribute by Grateful Brothers  
October 5 - The Band / Last Waltz Tribute by Shonuff
October 19 - Led Zeppelin Tribute by Wax Groove Revival
November 9 - Grateful Dead Tribute by The Reckoning

The 21 and over cruises will run from 7-9 p.m. with boarding beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Charleston City Marina. Tickets are available now through Charleston Harbor Tours and will cost $22-25. To purchase advance tickets, click here.

A Look at Zinnialou Jewelry

While all of our offerings are music-inspired, we knew Zinnialou Jewelry would be a perfect fit for our store. Drifter Merch carries Zinnialou's custom bangles that are made with recycled guitar strings in gold, brass and silver tones. The can be worn solo or mixed with multiples styles.

Based in Folly Beach, SC, Zinnialou Jewelry is owned by designer Shelly Lynch, a childhood friend of Bert's who actually first introduced us in Jackson Hole! Shelly's ability to cut stones along with her dedication to using original components such as porcupine quills and bullet shells enables her to create jewelry unique and customizable for her clientele.

“I love making custom pieces for clients, because it’s challenging and rewarding when you’ve created a piece that speaks to someone’s personality," stated Shelly. 

Shelly’s southern roots have provided the inspiration for many of her pieces. Her inspiration for her jewelry line is derived from a perfect combination of music, nature & travel.

For more information and to shop all of her design, visit www.zinnialou.com. 

Searching Inside Pink Floyd's Album Animals

In 1977, Pink Floyd released its tenth studio album, Animals. To mark the record’s 40th anniversary this year, I wanted to take a peek inside the timeless album that even after so long, still rings very true today with the current political climate.  

Written at the band's studio Britannia Row in London, Pink Floyd's Animals album had only five tracks and ran for 40 minutes. It is the start of Roger Waters taking more of the reigns during this period of the band.  One of my favorites, this literal album itself makes subtle human behavior comparisons to animals and is very reminiscent of George Orwell's literary masterpiece Animal Farm.

The first tune "Pigs on the Wing, Part 1" is an intro setting the tone of the album offering unvarnished lyrics like “If you didn’t care what happened to me/ And I didn’t care for you/ We would zig-zag our way through the boredom and the pain/ Occasionally glancing through the rain/ Wondering which of the buggars to blame/ And watching for pigs on the wing.”  Next, "Dogs" is a lengthy song that speaks about the band's perspective of capitalism.  During "Dogs" with Waters & David Gilmore handling the lyrics, it's Gilmore's talent on guitar that actually takes this song to places only he can.  On side two, "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" was written by Waters where he portrays what he describes as different types of pigs who have influence over the people from the politicians, authority figures and government types. The next song "Sheep" is referring to the followers that rarely do anything to change their circumstances. Finally, after all of the lengthy jams, the second part of "Pigs on the Wing" merely served as a short outro of the album. 

While Animals was an album widely appreciated by uber Pink Floyd fans, it did not see much radio play on the rock stations. However, it is interesting to note that even with such political underlyings, Animals still went to #2 on the UK Albums Chart and #3 on the US Billboard 200 chart as well as reaching 4x Platinum. 

1. Pigs on the Wing, Part 1 1:25

2. Dogs 17:06

3. Pigs (Three Different Ones) 11:26

4. Sheep 10:20

5. Pigs on the Wing, Part 2 1:26