So, I have a website, as I assume you’re reading this on. However, being a sleazy tech bro who shamelessly has to plug my own website, I decided to get myself a custom hat. I forgot how the idea popped into my head. Still, I’m pretty sure I was browsing AliExpress for a cheap vendor to custom print a flag (I also got myself a trio of Frieren shirts, but we don’t talk about that) when I saw Custom Embroidered Caps and Hats - Personalized Logo or Text- - Ideal for Business, Events, and Gifts.

AliExpress Page

It was the only embroidered hat I could find; the others were printable fabrics. Plus, the good reviews (most importantly, with photos) were a green flag.

Reviews with Pictures

Besides the comically oversized title, this looked solid. “Ideal for Business, Events, and Gifts,” yeah, I have full intentions of wearing this to a job fair. It seemed like a cool hobby advertising thing to do. “Hey, is that a QR code?” “Yes, feel free to scan it,” and then it’ll either do to a PDF of my resume or to this website homepage. Either that’s moxy or autism showing, and I’m too poor for a psychological evaluation.

Visualization of how I feel

Static/Dynamic QR Code and Design

So, apparently, there are two types of QR codes. A static QR code is usually the better choice because it’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t require a subscription or third-party service to keep it working. Static codes permanently link to a single URL, meaning once created, it will always direct to that link without any changes. Dynamic QR codes, however, allow you to update the link without changing the barcode, which is helpful for campaigns or changing URLs, but they often rely on a paid service to maintain that flexibility. Since a hat design is a long-term, unchanging item, a static QR code keeps things easy, cost-effective, and forever scannable. However, I wanted flexibility and love not paying for shit, so I made a landing page and used HTML to refresh the page to the direct. Since my site uses self-hosted analytics, this essentially copies the functionality of a dynamic QR code.

Just make a layouts/_default/redirect.html, then make a basic landing page with this in the head:

    <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0; url={{ .Params.redirect }}" />

and this basically anywhere in the body

If you are not redirected automatically, <a href="{{ .Params.redirect }}"><b>click here.</b></a>

Lastly, when you make your markdown file, just put the redirect URL like so:

---
title: "QR Code Redirect"
layout: "redirect" #name of the layout
redirect: "https://kevinzarate.dev" #url to redirect to
---

I wanted to go all in, so I put my favcon, QR code, and url on the hat. I do have to say that the seller was accommodating, I asked on AliExpress if it was possible to embroider the QR code. I initially thought the barcode itself would pop out if that makes sense. I did express concern that it would be too messy for the machinery and got told that two better options would be printing onto the hat or printing onto fabric and then stitching a border around the fabric.

Understandable and Helpful Response, I had concerns

Emailed the designs to the vendor after my purchase

Embroidery Locations

I am happy to say that I received a good-looking mock-up. The favcon was nicely centered, and the URL was curved on the back. The vendor was very able to fill in the blanks my monkey brain had left behind

The Prodigal Hat Arriveth

Ordered on the 14th of October, 2024 and arrived on the 26th. Fast shipping, considering the Chinese delivery service got the hat two days after purchasing. When I opened it, I was impressed by the pop-out text.

Yippee, pop-out text!!!

Embedding this video was a pain

The QR code looks like it’ll hopefully not peel off; unfortunately, time will tell. The URL text on the back was okay. Nothing bad; it was actually exactly what I set my expectations for, considering the curve was perfect.

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up this little adventure into Chinese sweatshops, I can’t help but feel excited about the potential of this quirky accessory. Not only is it a fun conversation starter, but it also has the potential to be a nice gimmick at job fairs. Imagine someone asking about that eye-catching QR code and getting a sneak peek into my schizo yapping or maybe even a PDF of my resume! It’s like a modern business card, but way cooler. Plus, it opens the door for some lighthearted moments—who doesn’t love a good Rickroll? Just imagine someone scanning my hat and instead of my website, they land on Rick Astley belting out “Never Gonna Give You Up.” In a world where personal branding is critical, I finally understood what my social networking teacher was talking about: blending professionalism with a touch of humor, all while keeping things effortlessly stylish. Who knows, I might make a merch store one day…

Drip

Happy Halloween