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Angelina Tamez

5 Years Ago

Developing Patrons Through Patreon

Hello, I did a search on the subject of website Patreon, which is meant to help creative people develop a following which is supportive to artistic endeavors, and the discussion was brief.

I just set up an account and I can see it being a positive push to advertise my art on individual artist page and create interest in my new work.
https://www.patreon.com/angelinavick

Patreon users, thoughts on the platform and it's purpose?

This seems like a fantastic idea, but I understand...like all things, it works if you are willing to work it.

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Drew

5 Years Ago

This is interesting. Kinda like kickstarter for artists.

 

Roger Swezey

5 Years Ago

Like so many sites I've entered, I joined Patreon over a year ago, with great enthusiasm.

Getting 3 patrons right away

As I proceeded to post images about once a week, the interest in my work kept decreasing posting to posting

And therefor my interest also kept waning.

So for many months now I haven't done a damn thing.


When I found that the 3 patrons are very close friends, I pleaded with them to stop paying their chosen monthly pledge.

One still is putting money into my page, month after month,.in spite of my pleading

So, until I find a reason to revive it, This site sits on that pile, where all the other sites I had thought would be the answer sits

https://www.patreon.com/RogerSwezey

 

Abbie Shores

5 Years Ago

Because she loves you, Roger and doesn't want to miss out when something new happens




probably

 

Regina Valluzzi

5 Years Ago

I've looked at Patreon, but have not yet launched. trying to clear the blocks of time to do all of the prep work.

I went in and looked around at people who were using Patreon successfully and working with original and one of a kind marketable wall mounted Art - our general "space".

For something like Patreon to work for you you need to have a few things already developed:
1. A fairly large reach or following of people who might be a good fit as Patreon patrons. These are people who might not be buying originals and large prints, but who are definitely interested and supportive. A fraction of that group might actually offer financial support
2. A coherent back story about you and your art
3. A goal directed forward-looking "story". In the start-up world VC's would call this "What are you going to do with my money?" Your answer can be "more of the same", but a new ambitious goal and roadmap are far more persuasive. At the very least you should have a story that tells people what parts of your practice they can sustain and grow with you.
4. Specific and valuable awards at each tier. This can be tricky for visual artists working with originals - what can you give away without losing money? And at what reward tier? If what you are giving away is access Video tutorials or walk throughs, images of in progress work etc) it still pays to be as specific as possible.

These points are the reasons I have not yet "launched" my Patreon profile. I've been working on #1 and #4 in particular and also trying to refine the other two. (where does patronage allow me to go with my work?)



 

David Bridburg

5 Years Ago

On principle, I do not like their fee structure. I think the percentages are too high on simply the exchange of money and no other product.

But beyond that, I studied a dog trainer personality, that someone here likes a lot, he has something over 100k followers on YouTube if memory serves me. He offers Patreon from his YouTube channel. I believe last year he has roughly a few hundred Patreon subscribers. It works for him in a mass marketing sense.

I am not a mass marketer at heart. NO my nose is not in the air, I have it bent out of shape a bit over my inability to mass market. I am being honest with myself.

Dave

 

Regina Valluzzi

5 Years Ago

Dave - good points.
I also looked a bit outside the categories relevant to Fine Artists, just to see if there were particular professions that were working their system really well and also to look for areas that were getting crowded. "Personalities" and performance related groups and people seem to do the best. Perhaps they have a much more natural and "organic" way to transition their market appeal into patronage.

 

Angelina Tamez

5 Years Ago

I'm going to guess, Roger, it is out of love...=)

Great feedback, thanks Regina. I am going to research more, but I have already launched my page.

Dave and Regina, yes, I can see that. It makes sense. Personalities sell.

 

Xueling Zou

5 Years Ago

Angelina, Interesting idea, thanks for sharing it.

 

Val Arie

5 Years Ago

Angelina - thanks for posting, I read something about this a while ago but never checked it out.

My only thought now is that is too much pressure for me, I don't think I want to feel that obligated to create.

 

Angelina Tamez

5 Years Ago

You're welcome Xueling and Valerie.

My daughters bf told me about it.

You're right. There is some pressure to perform by committing to creating on a regular basis. I'm okay with that.

 

Cynthia Decker

5 Years Ago

I'm curious about it.

Just on the face of it I think it's good for artists starting out, or who are seeking commissions. But I hate feeling forced to do stuff. Just in general. I know for some folks a waiting audience is motivation, but it would just freak me out, AND, I'm very lucky in that I don't need the financial support.

I think it's an interesting way for emerging artists to get personally involved with their audience, though. Especially when that audience is young and steeped in online interaction.

 

Angelina Tamez

5 Years Ago

I like the idea of the interaction between the artists and the patrons.

 

Frank J Casella

5 Years Ago

I've been hearing or seeing Patreon more and more, but have not looked into it. Here's and blog post I just came across by one artist who's put it to work for them. Hope this helps with this discussion, Angel.

https://www.rowdykittens.com/blog/2018/3/why-im-breaking-up-with-social-media

 

This discussion is closed.