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Members of the community share how they’re dealing with September’s buzz — and the pressure that comes with it.
Had a good summer? Whether the season has been kind to you or not, the fact is, it’s soon coming to an end. And typically, with that comes a shift in gears in work patterns.
Traditionally, the end of summer means fresh opportunities and a sense of renewal, as client activity ramps up again in the post-holiday season, new projects are launched, and the countdown to Christmas begins. But with the industry in such turmoil right now under the challenge of AI, who knows what will happen this year?
To take the temperature of the profession, we asked members of our own community, The Studio, how they’re feeling about it all. We share some of their thoughts below, while you can read the full discussion here (don’t worry if you’re not signed up yet: membership is free!).
A season of mixed emotions
Most strikingly, the responses to our questions reveal a community grappling with uncertainty. Graphic designer Adrian Beston is typical when he says: “I’ll be completely honest; I’m concerned that autumn will be as quiet as the summer. Without my main client, I’d have very, very little work right now.”
This sense of vulnerability echoes across the industry, where feast-or-famine cycles remain a persistent reality. Yet many, such as mixed media and graffiti artist Core Sway, are still embracing the seasonal change. “I love autumn, it’s my favourite season,” he enthuses. “As much as I like summer, once autumn hits, I’m head down and then powering through until the end of the year, with clear goals to try and realise.”
And timing, for Core, is all-important. “September and October are crucial for me,” he explains. “Because I find that nowadays, once November hits, people are starting to down tools already.”
Strategic preparation and renewal
For those anticipating busy months ahead, preparation takes many forms. Photo retoucher and creative artworker Sandrine Bascouert, for instance, takes a comprehensive approach.
“I’m preparing my outreach, social media posts, and a new showreel,” she explains. “My autumn being busy isn’t a given; I’ve been pretty busy over the summer, and the only guarantee in my line of work is that January and February will be dismal.”
Brand and marketing consultant Denise Strohsahl, in contrast, prioritises recuperation before the storm. “I’m taking next week off to get some rest before starting on Christmas campaigns and such,” he shares. “The end of the year is usually very busy, so I’m bracing myself.”
This emphasis on self-care is increasingly important as more and more creatives realise the dangers of overstretching themselves. Designer and illustrator Mel Langton admits: “I’m feeling hugely burnt out at the moment, and the grind of trying to keep up with everything is just wearing me down. So I’m planning to kick off September with a week off. Hopefully that’ll help me reset.”
Finding focus in uncertainty
Of course, it’s lovely when you choose to rest, but when it’s enforced by unemployment, it’s not so fun. As Ikram Hirse notes: “I’m eagerly searching for a job these days, but honestly, the opportunities feel very limited. It’s really sad and frustrating at times—but I’m staying hopeful that the right opportunity will come my way soon.”
Despite these challenges, though, this transitional period can be a good moment for strategic reflection. That’s certainly how graphic designer Meredith B is feeling right now, anyway.
“I think the most important thing to do right before a busy season is refocus and reevaluate, making sure your day-to-day and pursuits are in line with your overarching goals,” she says. “Right before a busy season is the perfect time for reflection; a good time to recentre if needed.”
Personal projects, mindful practices
Autumn also presents an opportunity for creative renewal beyond client work. That’s exactly the approach that illustrator and lettering artist Stefa Cantillo is taking. “I’m currently preparing for a series of personal projects I want to work on during these last months of the year,” she explains. “I’ve decided to take a break from social media, since it can be very distracting and I’ve noticed it’s been affecting my mental health too.
“I’m now using the Internet and YouTube only for learning and research purposes, and it has been awesome,” she adds. “Now, I’m learning how to use my time more efficiently and mindfully by creating systems for the goals I want to accomplish.”
Despite the challenges, Ikram embodies the resilient spirit many creatives are carrying into autumn 2025. “I’m feeling optimistic at the start of a new season, with a renewal of intentions,” he says. “It’s been a challenging and emotional rollercoaster with funding bids for my project. So plans to come back stronger and stay rooted.”
Even small traditions matter. Take Sandrine Bascouert. “The thing I’ve carried since childhood is that September is for buying new supplies,” she notes. This simple ritual connects childhood excitement with professional preparation, reminding us that renewal can begin with the smallest gestures.
Essential tips for autumn preparation
Plan your energy, not just your time: Schedule rest periods before anticipated busy periods, recognising that creative work demands mental and emotional resources alongside technical skills.
Conduct a strategic review: Use September’s natural rhythm as a checkpoint to evaluate whether your current projects and pursuits align with your long-term creative goals.
Prepare your pipeline early: Begin outreach, portfolio updates and marketing materials before you desperately need new work. October preparation starts in September.
Set boundaries with social media: Consider how digital platforms affect your mental health and productivity, and establish clear usage guidelines for the busy months ahead.
Embrace seasonal traditions: Whether it’s buying new supplies or reorganising your workspace, small rituals can provide psychological anchoring during uncertain times.
Build realistic expectations: Acknowledge that industry patterns exist for reasons, and plan accordingly rather than hoping this year will be dramatically different.
Invest in systems: Create organisational frameworks that support your goals, from habit trackers to project management tools that keep you focused when pressure mounts.
The autumn ahead may bring uncertainty, but it also offers you the chance to approach your work with renewed intentionality and strategic thinking. Best of luck!
