The Kawhi Tee
Project Name
The Kawhi Tee
Headquarters
Toronto, Canada
Industry
Apparel
Timeline
2019
Project Hero Image

PRSM – Leveraging Cultural Moments for Brand Awareness

Objective

PRSM sought to capitalize on the excitement of the Raptors Playoff run to build brand awareness and engage directly with a highly energized audience. Using a previously created graphic by an artist as the foundation, we developed a fast-paced strategy to create a T-shirt design and execute a street-level awareness activation. This approach leveraged the cultural moment of the playoffs to position PRSM as a dynamic and connected collective while driving engagement through social media integration.

Approach

1. Tapping Into a Cultural Moment:
Recognizing the collective energy surrounding the Raptors Playoffs, we identified an opportunity to connect PRSM’s identity with a passionate audience. An existing sketch of Kawhi Leonard, created by a collaborating artist, served as the perfect centerpiece for this initiative, combining cultural relevance with artistic integrity to amplify PRSM’s message.

2. Quick Turnaround with a DIY Mindset:
To meet the tight timeline ahead of the semi-finals, we embraced a hands-on, agile approach. Starting with consultations between the brand and the artist, the artwork was refined and adjusted for T-shirt production. Color schemes and layouts were finalized, mockups were created, and production-ready files were prepped for screen printing. Affordable, high-quality Gildan Heavy-Duty T-shirts were sourced to ensure durability and cost-efficiency. In collaboration with a team of four, over 400 T-shirts were screen-printed and ready for distribution, demonstrating our ability to deliver under tight deadlines without compromising quality.

3. Strategic Street Activation:
A guerrilla marketing campaign was executed at Jurassic Park, the epicenter of Raptors fandom, to maximize visibility and engagement. A street team distributed T-shirts featuring a special edition design that included social media handles for PRSM and the artist. Fans could obtain a T-shirt by following every handle printed on the shirt, creating a seamless integration between physical merchandise and digital engagement. This activation turned each recipient into a walking advertisement and encouraged organic social media growth for both PRSM and the artist.

Project Hero Image

Results

The activation successfully positioned PRSM at the intersection of culture and creativity, driving substantial engagement and awareness. Over 400 T-shirts were distributed, and the campaign generated 200+ new followers across four major accounts within days. By connecting the excitement of the Raptors Playoffs with a creative, on-the-ground strategy, we amplified PRSM’s brand visibility and engaged with a passionate audience in a meaningful way.

Key Takeaways

This campaign exemplifies our agency’s ability to identify and leverage cultural moments for impactful brand activations. By aligning PRSM with the excitement of the Raptors Playoffs, executing a fast-paced DIY production strategy, and integrating physical and digital touchpoints through guerrilla marketing, we delivered a memorable and high-energy campaign. The result was a powerful branding opportunity that demonstrated the value of thinking outside the box to connect with audiences in innovative ways.

Related Projects

project thumbnail image
View
Project
CinéStarz
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Tasked with enhancing the social media presence of CinéStarz, a chain of local theatres, across five key locations. The goal was to drive audience engagement, improve reach, and foster community connections through tailored content and campaigns while adhering to a modest budget.
project thumbnail image
View
Project
Studio Love
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Studio Love, a custom wholesale supplier for dance studios, aimed to expand its footprint across North America. The challenge was to capture a niche B2B audience, increase brand visibility, and generate qualified leads.