Where Business Meets Creativity: The Launch of Swagline

At cat&tonic, we’ve always believed that creativity is the lifeblood of business. It’s not just about problem-solving or slick campaigns—it’s about identity, innovation, and connecting in ways that matter.

Driven by this belief, and a desire to shake things up, we created a unique and sassy collection of merchandise that brings creativity to business. Swagline blends style and wit for the creators, doers, and thinkers who make the world go ’round.

Why merch? Lots of reasons.

1. As marketing people, we spend most of our work lives making things for others. We abandon plenty of good ideas because they don’t fit the brand, the brief, or the client’s mood that day. Sometimes they become internal lore. Sometimes they fade away completely. And sometimes they deserve to be on a t-shirt.
2. Just because a design, illustration, or combination of words doesn’t land with a client, doesn’t mean it won’t land with someone else. So, we want to share it with the world.
3. Business without creativity is just math. And frankly, if we enjoyed math that much, we would have chosen different careers.
4. There’s a reason merch has stuck around, even in the digital age. Good design is an extension of one’s identity. Swagline is our answer to a call in the back of our heads (possibly near the reptile brain).
5. Why the hell not?

We’ve noticed a shift in the professional world. People are tired of the corporate stiff-upper-lip approach. They want to express themselves, show their personality, and embrace the joys and frustrations that come with being a thinker and a doer. Finding a balance between professionalism and personal expression is important to them. It reminds them that creativity isn’t just a part of work—it’s what makes work meaningful.

Creativity isn’t just about producing flashy ideas or fun campaigns—it has a tangible impact on productivity. According to research from the Harvard Business Review, companies that prioritize creativity see significant boosts in both innovation and efficiency. Creative thinking helps employees find new approaches to problem-solving, often leading to faster solutions and more streamlined processes. When employees feel empowered to think outside the box, they’re more likely to discover shortcuts and innovations that drive better results.

Creative expression also helps to alleviate the mental fatigue that can come from rigid, task-driven work. Studies show that when workers engage in creative thinking, they experience higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of stress, both of which directly contribute to higher productivity. It’s the cognitive flexibility that creativity fosters—helping teams adapt to challenges and push past traditional limits. (Like opening a merch store when we’re exhausted by writing proposals for the Big, Serious Work).

Companies that foster a culture of creative expression don’t just benefit from increased productivity; they also build more engaged and motivated teams. A 2018 report from McKinsey & Company found that organizations that emphasized creativity and innovation were 2.3 times more likely to outperform their competitors in revenue growth. Why? Because when employees are encouraged to contribute new ideas and express themselves, they feel a stronger sense of ownership over their work. This leads to higher engagement, better collaboration, and an overall more dynamic workplace environment.

In addition, fostering creativity can enhance a company’s ability to attract and retain top talent. In today’s competitive job market, creative professionals seek out workplaces where they can make a real impact. Companies known for nurturing creative expression stand out as desirable employers. By allowing employees to be themselves, share their ideas, and see those ideas come to life, organizations build loyalty and create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired.

The way we see it, those of us working in creative fields can either lament the creative grind or celebrate it. Swagline was born to celebrate it. We all know what it’s like to push through a brainstorm session, present a killer pitch, make last-minute changes, and rearrange a launch around vacation schedules. Our merch speaks to these realities. But it isn’t for the masses. It’s for people who want to make a statement about the ups, the downs, and everything in between that come with working in the creative trenches.

This is just the beginning of Swagline, but we’re already dreaming about the future. Over the next few months, we’ll be releasing new products that continue to highlight the unique experiences of creators and anyone who values ingenuity and fun in their work.

We want to hear from you. How do you bring creativity into your business? How do you use your professional identity to express who you are? Which piece of Swagline merch speaks best to your creative spirit? What do you want to see as our next t-shirt design?

Reach out to us on social media and let’s talk about the power of creativity in the workplace.

Harvard Business Review: The research on creativity and its impact on productivity comes from multiple HBR articles and studies that highlight how creativity enhances problem-solving, innovation, and cognitive flexibility in the workplace. One notable source is the article “The Business Case for Curiosity” by Francesca Gino, which discusses how creative thinking boosts productivity by encouraging employees to explore new approaches.

McKinsey & Company: The 2018 McKinsey report that links creativity to revenue growth is from “Creativity’s Role in Business Performance”, which shows that companies that prioritize creativity and innovation are more likely to see stronger financial outcomes. This report details how creative strategies contribute to higher growth compared to competitors who may not focus on innovation.