July 2025 Studio Notes - How to update your branding in the slower months for success and less stress
Summer is my favorite time for all the things - beach, bbq, break ā¦ but work-wise, it can sometimes feel slow. Fewer client calls, quieter inboxes, and with less hustle, maybe a feeling of less urgency to get things done, too. Iām a believer in calm business practices whenever possible, but not stagnation - that gets me stressed. And I think one way to maintain a stress-free but productive mindset is to take advantage of the downtime, with a strategic approach.
š Summer Slump or āļø Summer Strategy?
Here are some steps you can take before your next busy rush period:
1. š Audit your visual presence
Why it matters: Your website, social feed, and branded materials are often someoneās first impression of your business. Make sure theyāre still doing their job (bonus if itās while youāre sitting poolside!).
How to start:
View your homepage and socials as if you're a new visitor, or ask a friend to give you a critique.
Ask: Is it clear what I offer? Does everything look consistent and professional?
Note anything outdated, or off-brand. Consider a quick font or color refresh.
2. šŖ„ Refresh your client-facing materials
Why it matters: Working on things like your proposals, welcome guides, or lead magnets may have been put off for more urgent business matters. But they are critical in connecting and building trust.
How to start:
Choose one item you havenāt updated in a while.
Make sure it reflects your current pricing, tone, and offerings.
Consider updating the design or adding fresh visuals. Nothing says designed and not looked at since 1970, like photos from, well, the 1970s!
3. šš½āāļøāā”ļø Get a head start on fall promotions
Why it matters: Printers, vendors, and your own time get stretched thin in the fall. Planning now = less stress later.
How to start:
Brainstorm and outline your fall promotions or events. Look through last yearās calendar for recurring dates and events.
List the materials you'll need (social posts, banners, flyers, packaging, etc.)
Begin working on one piece this monthāyouāll thank yourself later.
Even if business feels slow, your brand doesnāt get to snooze. A few small updates now can help you show up stronger when your audience is back and business is busy! š
š” Quick Tipā¦
If people arenāt responding to your messaging, it might not be the wordsāit might be the layout.
People skim. If your offer or key point blends in, they may get ignored.
Good design uses size, spacing, and contrast to guide the eyeāso your most important message gets seen first.
Hereās an example, from a clientās social media templates, of typography hierarchy to draw attention to the main message, and then using icons and graphics to help viewers hone in on the information they are looking for.
Whatās New in the Studio
Iāve been busy on the book publishing side of my business. We launched a new legal-themed book for an author, attended a book reading and launch party for the Madison NJ history book. In a visit to the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in my town, I spotted the Madison book in their gift shop. Itās always great to see the end result of hard work make it out into the universe!
My business partner Celeste of CLP and I published the second workbook in our Inspired series, this time for non-fiction writers. If youāre looking for a way to share your expertise and promote your business, maybe writing a book is for you! helps you take the writing and editing from idea to completion, and I add the finishing touches with the layout and cover, and uploading to self-publishing platforms. I also took a stab at selling the Madison-themed merch I designed, at my local Farmerās Market. It was a HOT day, but I was happy to make some new face-to-face connections and drum up some local interest in my products.
