The First "Bandwagon LockBox" at HHN Orlando

If you have been following me for some time, you know that one of my favorite things to do with my artwork and small business is to pass out stickers at Universal Orlando Resort.

In the past, I would place my stickers in baggies with my business card and a "Thank You" note and hide them throughout the park. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, Universal Parks and Resorts has banned leaving items like that behind.

I expanded my plan to hang my little sticker pouches off my backpack, using a keychain and a sign that said, "Ask me for a sticker!".

It worked! I could trade and give away stickers while waiting in line at Universal or rides and HHN mazes whenever I visited. I even brought my stickers along when I visited EPIC Universe for my Passholder preview.

Read about my day at EPIC Universe!

The only challenging aspect of this process was creating the keychain itself. We had to unclip it from the bag, have the guests sort through to see which one they wanted, and then manage to do this without holding up anyone behind us in line. I knew my system needed improvement, but I couldn't figure out how to do it.

Until a creative storm struck!

What if I placed my stickers in a transparent container and carried them around? That way, I didn't have to fumble with a keychain or carabiner, and guests could easily see which sticker they wanted.

I know! A clear backpack should do the trick.

With this new idea, I wanted to completely overhaul my process for distributing stickers in theme parks.

I knew I still wanted to have some sign for people to read, so they'd know to ask me for a sticker. I designed, cut, and placed a vinyl decal on my backpack using permanent outdoor vinyl.

I also made sure to buy a clear backpack that had a front pouch for easy visibility and access.

Because of this new tactic, I wanted to create an extra element to help me grow awareness of my brand and my business. Instead of placing a business card in the pouch, I included a paper with a list of instructions to follow me on Instagram and DM me for a free prize (phone wallpaper art).  

This year, I decided to test out my new plan on the day I was going to attend HHN with my friends. We went, we conquered; however, I didn't hand out as many stickers as I had hoped.

There are two things, I think, that were significant factors:

• We had express passes.

  • In the past year, I've often found myself waiting in standby for the mazes, which has meant standing next to various groups of people for extended periods throughout the night. When one person asked, it prompted other guests to ask as well.

• We were always on the move.

  • Since we were only attending the event for one night this year, we wanted to stay on the move so we wouldn't miss anything. Yes, we stopped for snacks and breaks, but we never hung out in an area long enough for me to post updates to our online Facebook groups or share stories with the "come and find me!" group.

In the future, I will need to use Social Media as my secret weapon - especially those Passholder & HHN Fan Facebook groups.

On my next casual visit to Universal, I plan to take my backpack and explore the park's busy areas and lines, where I can keep my bag on me to see if I can get people's attention that way.

The best part about this project is that it never has to be complete. It can keep growing and evolving! I am always looking for more creative ways to share my art.

What should I do next?