Holiday Sales Prep for Artists: 5 Things to Do Before the Busy Season
5 Things Artists Should Do Now to Prep for Holiday Sales
As a full-time artist, I’ve learned that the 4th quarter isn’t just busy—it’s one of the biggest opportunities of the year. Holiday shoppers are actively looking for unique, meaningful gifts, and art or handmade products are perfect for that. But if you’re not prepared, it can feel overwhelming fast, and can make your own personal Christmas season feel stressful and dreaded, robbing your joy and focus for the "reason for the season".
If you’re a little earlier in your art business journey, here are five things you can do right now to set yourself up for a smoother and more successful holiday season:
1. Do an inventory. Before the holiday rush hits, spend time looking at what artwork and products you already have on hand. I normally start thinking about this in September, but big time artists and retailers do this in July or earlier. Do you have enough of your best-sellers? What will you offer as a more affordable piece someone might grab as a gift? Knowing what you have (and what you need to make) gives you a clear plan going forward. Remember you don't have to paint all new artwork. Take a best selling original collection from the year before and offer products, like ornaments or wrapping paper, and prints. Learn more about this process HERE.
2. Spruce Up Your Online Shop or Sales Pages
Think of your website, Etsy, or social media shop as your storefront window. Update photos so they’re bright and clear, rewrite any descriptions that feel outdated, and double-check your pricing. A little polish now can make your shop look more professional and trustworthy when holiday buyers show up.
3. Map Out Your Marketing Content
It’s easy to get caught in “posting on the fly,” but a little planning goes a long way. Make a list of key dates like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and shipping cutoffs. Then plan a few social media posts or emails around those dates to build anticipation. Canva is a great tool for creating ads and posts. Even simple behind-the-scenes photos of you creating or packaging art can connect with buyers. In the past, I've created a digital Christmas Look Book to showcase my Holiday offers.
4. Get Your Packaging and Shipping Ready
My least favorite part is packing and shipping, so I've learned that preparing in advance makes it more tolerable. Nothing kills momentum like scrambling for boxes or running out of tape in the middle of December. Stock up early on packaging supplies, shipping labels, and any little extras (like thank-you notes, fun freebies or tissue paper). Even if you don’t use fancy packaging yet, make sure what you have is sturdy and professional. Read more about creative packaging ideas for your art HERE.
5. Decide on Your Holiday Offers
You don’t have to run a big sale to participate in holiday shopping. Sometimes free shipping, a small bonus gift, or creating a bundled set is enough to encourage people to buy. Decide in advance what makes sense for your business and your profit margins so you’re not discounting on the fly. I've done some fun tie-ins with the 12 Days of Christmas where I've offered a special each day leading up to Christmas.
Want to start get organized for this Christmas season? Grab my FREE downloadable Holiday Prep Checklist for artists when you sign up for my Behind the Brush newsletter HERE. It will be available in the September 2025 Issue!
The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful—it can actually be exciting and fun when you plan ahead. Each year, I find that a little preparation gives me more confidence and helps me serve my collectors and customers better. If you’re still building your art business, start small with these steps and let each year teach you how to grow.
What do you do to help prepare for the Christmas season? I'd love to hear more of your tips and suggestions!