Patreon is a community that has re-newed my love of supporting the arts. Started in 2013, it was designed to allow musicians and creators to directly connect with fans in a pay that allows them to make a profit on their work. As of 2019, it now pays out over $1 billion directly to creators on the sit
In the past, I have d opportunities to sponsor local artist and their work as a form of monthly donation through bank transfers and checks. When I downloaded the Patreon app, I found a revolutionized way to support artists that I enjoy.
My first introduction to Patreon started with Pinniped Arts, who provides a monthly art package, ranging in various sizes based on the subscription. I bought it to inspire my 5 yr old to be interested in drawing, art, and playing with watercolors. Since then, I’ve enjoyed finding an emerging nature artist and have invested more and more based on how much I enjoy the perspectives in the art.
My second Patreon find came in a game designer creating a world called “Peace Island” where cats roam and rule the land left behind my extinct human kind. It’s in the process of being built, but subscribing lets you in to try the test platforms, with the highest subscription giving you a chance to have your name written into the storyline.
As I look for more creators to sponsor, there are musicians connecting with fans, some with only $1-2 dollar subscriptions to get access to the artist’s updates and limited mp3 downloads.
In essence, it can be a way to both spur creativity and support emerging artists, and as a way to provide a direct line for artists connecting to supporters.
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