Bellingcat Launches Official Merchandise Line with Community Design Contest

Bellingcat, the renowned investigative journalism platform, is embarking on a new venture by launching an official merchandise line. The initiative aims to engage its community of supporters and contributors in designing unique items that reflect the brand's identity and values.

The project will include various products such as coffee cups, caps, t-shirts, hoodies, and more, all crafted with high-quality materials from a sustainable merchandising company. This move comes after years of anticipation among Bellingcat’s followers who have long wished for official merchandise bearing the organization’s name and logo.

To ensure that the merchandise resonates with its community, Bellingcat is inviting submissions from fans to design the products themselves. Participants are encouraged to let their creativity flow by imagining what “Bellingcat” means to them and expressing it through artwork or written concepts. The platform emphasizes originality and authenticity in the designs, explicitly stating that AI-generated entries will not be accepted.

Submissions can be made via a Google Form provided on Bellingcat’s website until October 2, 2026. Once all entries are collected, Bellingcat staff will review them based on criteria such as originality, creativity, and representation of the brand's essence. The most promising designs will then undergo public voting to determine the final winners.

Winners will not only see their creations come to life but also receive exclusive merchandise featuring their design at no cost. However, it is important for participants to understand that if selected, they must transfer commercial rights, intellectual property, and copyrights of their work to Bellingcat Stichting under Dutch law while retaining moral rights.

The contest offers a unique opportunity for the community to contribute directly to the visual identity of an organization known for its groundbreaking investigative reporting. By engaging in this design competition, supporters can help shape how Bellingcat is perceived through tangible items that promote transparency and accountability in journalism.

Interested participants are advised to read the detailed terms and conditions available on the provided link before submitting their entries. The initiative underscores Bellingcat’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where its community plays an active role in shaping the brand's future.