COVID-19 // Resources to Help Fellow Creatives During This Crazy Time

Seriously, WHAT A WEEK… ACTUALLY, WHAT A START TO 2020…

Being here in Seattle, the U.S. epicenter of COVID-19, life is going to change for all of us. This holds especially true for fellow creatives and other small business owners in the service industries. While countries are closing their borders and quarantines are going into effect (hello Washington state and closures of all restaurants, social gatherings, etc., we have the opportunity to reassess our lives and how we run our businesses. It’s also an chance to see how we can be adaptive and pivot in what we can offer.

Ways We Can Do to Help During This Time

• Help our communities minimize any further complications by following all preventive measures mandated by credible health agencies, such as the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Prevention and Control

• Help minimize mass hysteria by using our networks to battle misinformation and providing compelling images as visual aids. #FactsOverFear

• Help one another by sharing resources (see below for some) and opportunities, especially those who are hit worse by the impacts of COVID-19.

• If you are able to… Eat, Drink, and Spend Like It Matters. This blog provides a consolidated list for customers looking for information on which restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, breweries, and bars are offering take-out, delivery or special services during this time. Our fellow businesses need our support!

• For small business owners: Connect with your clients and communities directly and keep communication lines open as things unfold. Make sure they know you care!

Resources that Can Help Small Businesses During This Time

• Resources for Artists and Organizations Amid COVID-19, including an up-to-date list here

• Seattle Independent Artist Sustainability Resources By Gig-Based Sector (including Photographers, other Artists, Musicians, and more)

• Northwest Folk Life COVID-19 Resource List

• City of Seattle Small Business Support including the 2020 Emergency Fund for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (for businesses with physical locations)

• Small Business COVID-19 impacts weekly webinar from the City of Seattle

• Honeybook’s “How to prepare your business for coronavirus – 18 protection steps” I found this particularly helpful especially in handling postponements, cancellations, and helping prepare for the future beyond massive worldwide events such as this.

• Switch to Virtual Meetings if you haven’t already. Google Hangouts Meet (the usually paid premium version) will be available to use for FREE until July 1. Thanks, Google!

Other Important Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic

• World Health Organization Coronavirus Information

• Centers For Disease Control 

  • Coronavirus Resources

  • About Coronavirus Disease

  • Situation Summary

  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

• Department of Homeland Security Pandemic Guide

• US Small Business Administration  

  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease   

  • Funding Programs Page

• Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with Kids ( for: actual quarantine, school closures, weekend social distancing, anytime!)

As I find more helpful links, I will continue to post here and share on my social channels. I’ll be home with my family (no school until at least April 24) in the meantime and keeping busy with wrapping up galleries for my clients and prepping for all postponed events and sessions.

Stay healthy and virtual, everyone!

Photo by Anna Shvets