Summer Slow Season? Use It to Work On Your Business—Not Just In It
Summer might be slow—but it’s the perfect time to tidy up your business, prep for the holidays, and feel ahead for once.
For many artists, makers, and small business owners, summer can bring a natural slowdown. We've felt it here, and I'm sure that you and your artists friends relate. Markets might be quieter (even though you are a saint for standing outside in 95 degree weather), commissions might lag, and social media can feel like it’s talking into the void while everyone’s off on vacation.
But here’s the good news: that lull can be a gift if you look at it the right way—a chance to finally step back from the daily hustle and do the kind of deep, intentional work that sets you up for a thriving fall and winter.
Here’s how to make the most of the summer slowdown:
Audit Your Online Presence
When was the last time you Googled yourself?
Now’s the time to take a close look at your digital storefronts. Make sure everything feels aligned, updated, and easy to navigate:
Is your Instagram bio still accurate?
Do your website links work?
Are your prices, offerings, and about page current?
Do your images reflect the kind of work you’re doing now?
If you’ve evolved your style or services in the past few months, your online presence should reflect that growth.
If you have taken some of our past tidbits like using a digital portfolio to showcase your work:
Then this is a great opportunity to make sure that is up-to-date, too! Maybe you've completed a new project that you are super proud of, or hit a big milestone - flaunt it!
Batch Your Content
It’s hard to create consistently when you’re in survival mode. But batching content in advance can keep your audience engaged and free up your brain for creativity.
Try this:
Dedicate a single day to writing 4–6 Instagram captions or TikToks (or enlisting a trusted ai chatbot to help like … (two self promos in one post? what am I doing?)
Shoot photos of recent work while the summer light is good
Schedule a few email newsletters or blog posts to roll out over the next month or two
Need ideas? Think: behind the scenes, works in progress, tips, testimonials, process videos, or throwbacks. Luckily for you, the art|Works Initiative tiktok is full of timely, trendy TikToks that are easy to apply to your own brand (three self promos??).
Refresh Your Branding
Your brand doesn’t have to be locked in stone—but it should feel consistent and intentional.
Use the summer to:
Revisit your logo, fonts, and color palette
Create branded Canva templates for social posts or flyers
Update product packaging or business cards
Make sure your visuals reflect where you are now, not where you were two years ago
Even a light refresh can make you feel more confident—and more ready to market your work.
Set Goals for Q4 (Holiday Prep Starts Now!)
The fall and holiday season will be here before you know it. And if you sell goods, services, or giftable experiences, Q4 is your Super Bowl.
Start mapping it now:
What do you want to launch or promote in October–December?
Are you participating in any winter markets or pop-ups?
Do you need inventory, shipping supplies, or gift-ready packaging?
What’s one big goal you want to hit by the end of the year—and what can you do this summer to get closer?
Even a 1-hour planning session now can save you weeks of stress later.
TL;DR: Slow Isn’t Bad—It’s Strategic
Taking a step back this summer doesn’t mean stalling—it means setting the stage for what’s next.
Use this time to clean house, reconnect with your “why,” and plant seeds for a more organized, inspired, and profitable Q4. You’ve got this.
Need help with content planning, branding, or setting up your online shop?
Reach out—we’re here to help you build a creative business that actually works for you.
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