The slow season doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re normal.
Every creative business has natural highs and lows. When the rush calms down, it can feel like something’s off. But it’s not. The slow season is your secret advantage — if you use it.
You finally have space to shift your attention away from client work and back to your own business. And that quiet time? It’s full of possibility. Let’s turn that pause into progress.
1. Polish What You’ve Been Putting Off
Client work always comes first. Which means your own stuff gets pushed aside. Until now.
Use the slow season to:
- Update your portfolio or case studies — Add fresh projects that reflect your current style and skill.
- Refresh your website — Fix the broken links, update your bio, rework your service pages.
- Organize your files and folders — A tidy workspace helps you think clearly and move faster.
Pro Tip: If you cringe at looking at your website or portfolio, your potential clients probably feel the same. Start there.
2. Tighten Up Your Money Flow
- When things slow down, cash flow usually does too. This is the perfect time to look under the hood.
- Review your pricing — Are your rates aligned with your expenses and your skills?
- Track what’s coming in and going out — Use FreshBooks, Xero, or QBO to get a real-time view.
Set aside for taxes and savings — If you haven’t already, now’s the time to build that buffer.
Pro Tip: Add a “slow season” fund to your budget. A few small deposits during busy months will ease the pressure when work slows down. Here’s more on this subject: Burnout-Proof Your Finances: Building Buffer Zones During Peak Seasons.
3. Rethink How You Work
The slow season gives you space to pause and ask: Is this still working for me?
- Maybe you’ve outgrown the way you manage client projects. Maybe you’re tired of the same old back-and-forth just to get paid. This is your chance to make your day-to-day feel smoother.
- Look at your typical project from start to finish — What parts feel clunky, confusing, or chaotic?
- Swap out energy-draining tasks — Is there a tool or shortcut that could free up your time? (Think: auto-reminders, simpler forms, or pre-written email replies.)
- Jot down the steps you take when things do go well — This doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a quick checklist can help you stay consistent and focused.
- Entrepreneur has a nice article on this topic, and this Credibly article gives ideas on expanding your range of products and services for longer seasons.
Pro Tip: Choose one thing that always frustrates you — client onboarding, contracts, timelines, revisions. See if there’s a way to make it easier next time.
4. Reconnect With Past Clients (and Future Ones)
- The slow season is a great time to remind people you exist.
- Check in with past clients — A simple email to say hello can lead to a new project.
- Ask for testimonials — Fresh reviews keep your brand strong.
- Share behind-the-scenes content — Post something real about your process or passion.
Pro Tip: Create a short email template now. Use it every time you want to reconnect without overthinking.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
- You are not a machine. Slow seasons are also for you.
- Take time off — Yes, on purpose. It keeps burnout from creeping in.
- Revisit your creative hobbies — Paint, read, build something with your hands, garden.
- Say no to panic projects — You don’t need to fill the calendar just to stay busy.
Pro Tip: Block off a “creative recharge” day on your calendar. No client work. No guilt.
6. Get Outside and Recharge in Nature
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step away.
Being outside—away from screens, deadlines, and constant notifications—can clear your mind in ways a to-do list never will. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, an afternoon at the beach, or just sitting under a tree with your sketchbook, nature gives you space to breathe.
- Let your senses reset — Listen to birdsong, feel the wind, notice the light, notice what you smell. This kind of rest feeds your creativity.
- Ditch the productivity pressure. You don’t need to brainstorm or plan. Just BE. That’s enough.
- Let new ideas come naturally. Some of your best creative breakthroughs might show up when you’re not trying so hard.
Pro Tip: Don’t treat time in nature as a ‘task.’ Treat it as a ‘reset.’ Go slow, stay present, and let the experience be enough – no goal, no agenda, no pressure to get results. The clarity, the calm, and the rejuvenation you’re craving can meet you right there, between the trees or along the shoreline.
Downtime Isn’t Wasted Time
It’s easy to feel nervous when work slows down. But the slow season is where real growth begins. It’s the space to plan, improve, and come back stronger.
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk through it.
Book a complimentary 20-minute call and let’s find a way to make your slow season work for you.
