What to Offer During Slow Season as an Invitation Designer
If you’re wondering what to offer during slow season as an invitation designer, you’re not alone. Most of us see a dip in orders once wedding season ends or holidays pass. But the slow season doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. It can be a great time to try new things, grow your business, and stay top-of-mind with your audience.
But first, Hi, I’m Alane, a wedding calligrapher turned mentor and founder of Write Pretty for Me. I help calligraphers and invitation designers grow profitable businesses with clear offers, better marketing, and real connections. If you’re in a slow season and not sure what to focus on, these ideas will help you use your time well and build real momentum.
Offer Holiday or Seasonal Products
One smart idea for what to offer during slow season is holiday or seasonal products. These are perfect for the slower months, especially around fall, winter holidays, or Valentine’s Day. Think greeting cards, gift tags, place cards, or printable stationery sets. You can keep it simple and still show off your style.
If you sell on Etsy or plan to, this is a good time to test small products and see what your audience likes. I’ve written more about this in my blog post if you want extra tips.
Seasonal products don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be useful, easy to buy, and easy to send. And they keep your shop active, which helps with visibility during a time when fewer people are ordering custom invites.
Brand Collaborations
Another good answer to what to offer during slow season is collaboration. Teaming up with other small businesses can bring new energy to your work and get your name in front of new people.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Pop-ups
Split a booth with a local brand, show samples, or offer mini calligraphy to connect with people in person. If you’re doing a pop-up or live event, make sure you’re also collecting emails. Use a tool like BDOW to add a pop-up form to your website. This is a simple way to grow your list and stay in touch with visitors who find you through events. - Styled shoots
Partner with vendors to build your portfolios. Share the final photos online and tag everyone involved. - Live activations
Some brands hire artists for on-site calligraphy. I’ve shared more about this in my live events blog post.
Working with others helps fill slow months with fresh content, new connections, and possible future bookings.
Save 50% on your first year with Flodesk! An easy, clean way to send emails that actually get read. Use my link to grab the deal and start sending better emails today.
Teach a Workshop or Class
Teaching is a simple way to stay active during slow season. You can offer a local calligraphy class, a virtual workshop, or a short training for other creatives. Keep it small and easy to run, think beginner-level content or a one-hour session.
Workshops help you connect with new people, build your brand, and even bring in extra income. They also position you as a go-to expert in your space. You don’t need a big audience to start, just a clear topic and a way for people to sign up.
Work on Your Portfolio
The slow season is the perfect time to refresh your portfolio. Update your website with recent projects, clean up older photos, or add mock-up designs that show your style. If you don’t have new client work, create personal projects that fill any gaps in your offerings.
A strong portfolio helps future clients understand what you do. It also gives planners and vendors something to share when they refer you. Even one or two polished projects can make a big difference.
Outreach to Planners and Vendors
If you’re thinking about what to offer during slow season that helps long-term, building relationships is a good move. Use this time to connect with planners, photographers, and other vendors.
Here are a few ways to start:
- Send a short intro email
Keep it simple: who you are, what you do, and how you can support their clients. - Mail a sample pack
A small box with invite samples, a note, or even a treat can leave a lasting impression. - Engage on social
Comment on their posts, share their work, and tag them when relevant. This builds trust over time. - Set up coffee chats
If they’re local, ask if they’d meet up. If not, offer a quick Zoom call to get to know each other.
Referrals often come from people who know and trust your work. A little outreach now can lead to bookings later.
What to Offer During Slow Season: Final Thoughts
Slow season doesn’t mean you have to sit still. From seasonal products to vendor outreach, there are plenty of smart ways to stay active and visible. Focus on what makes sense for your goals, your schedule, and your style. A little work now sets you up for a smoother, more booked-up busy season later.
Looking for smart ways to use your slow season? The Calligrapher’s Client Template Bundle is a great place to start. It includes ready-to-use emails, proposals, and pricing guides, so you can clean up your backend, prep for new clients, and feel more organized going into the next busy season.
If today’s blog got you thinking about how to stay visible and connected, check out my private podcast just for calligraphers and stationers. It’s full of honest, useful advice to help you build strong relationships and keep momentum, even when things are quiet.
Want more support? My 1:1 mentorship is a hands-on way to plan, refine your offers, and make real progress. Or follow along on Instagram to see how I’m using this season, too.
