Holiday Planning in July: Your Artist's Guide to Sleigh-ing the Season

Hi sweet friends! 💛

While you might be sipping lemonade by the pool or enjoying those long summer evenings, here's a little secret: the big retailers already know the holiday season planning is in full swing!

That's right! By the time Halloween decorations hit the shelves, major brands have already mapped out their entire holiday strategy months in advance. But don't worry - it's not too late for creative entrepreneurs like you to get ahead of the curve and make this holiday season your most profitable yet.

Why Start Holiday Planning Now?

The most successful artist shops don't scramble in November to create holiday offerings. They methodically build their holiday inventory and marketing strategy during the warmer

months, giving themselves time to:

• Create thoughtful, quality designs without the pressure of looming deadlines

• Test products and gather early feedback

• Build anticipation through strategic marketing

• Avoid the last-minute rush that leads to burnout during what should be a joyful season

With planning and beautiful, unique holiday designs, your shop can have the best quarter of the year! 

The Retail-Inspired Timeline for Independent Artists

JULY – AUGUST: Creation Phase 💛

• Research trending holiday themes and colors (hint: traditional reds and greens are being complemented by pastels and metallics this year)

• Sketch and develop 3-5 core holiday designs that reflect your unique artistic style

• Consider product categories beyond your usual offerings - ornaments, gift tags, or limited edition prints perhaps?

  
  

SEPTEMBER: Production & Photography 🍋

• Finalize all holiday designs and begin production

• Create beautiful product mockups with seasonal touches using AI

• Prepare your online shop by updating your banner, about section, and policies for holiday shopping (shipping deadlines, return policies)

• Set up holiday-specific collections in your shop

OCTOBER: Soft Launch

• Update your shop with holiday items, marked as "Early Access" or "Holiday Preview"

• Send an exclusive preview to your email subscribers or loyal customers

• Begin seeding holiday content on social media (1-2 posts weekly)

• Prepare all marketing materials - email templates, social media posts, and promotional graphics

  
  

NOVEMBER: Full Launch & Marketing Push

• Implement full holiday shop launch to coincide with early November shopping trends

• Increase social media posting frequency (3-4 holiday-related posts weekly)

• Send weekly emails highlighting different holiday offerings

• Consider strategic discounts or bundle offers for early shoppers

DECEMBER: Sustained Promotion & Shipping Focus

• Highlight shipping deadlines prominently

• Pivot to promoting digital products after shipping cutoffs

• Share customer photos and testimonials as social proof

• Begin teasing January offerings for post-holiday shoppers – think winter or New Year/New You themes

Making Your Holiday Marketing Authentic

Big retailers might have massive budgets, but you have something they don't – an authentic connection with your audience. Use these relationship-building strategies alongside your timeline:

• Share your creative process through stories or videos

• Explain the inspiration behind your holiday designs

• Create content showing how your items enhance holiday celebrations

• Remember your "why" – helping others give meaningful, artful gifts that support independent creators

The holiday season isn't just about boosting sales; it's about sharing your artistic gifts with others during a time when people are looking for something special and meaningful.

Ready to transform your holiday planning from stressful to strategic? Download my free Holiday Marketing Timeline & Checklist below to keep track of all these important milestones!

What holiday products are you most excited to create this year? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear what you're planning!

Until next time, keep creating beautifully!