I started my Patreon page after years of supporting artists like Gwenn Seemel, and I thought it would be a great way to begin my own art career as an artist. For me, it was an opportunity to connect with art supporters and share my vision.
Since launching my page, my audience has mostly consisted of friends who have supported me for years. They've been wonderfully open to whatever I want to do. Just the act of explaining the "what's" and "how's" of my art has helped me see it in new ways. Their feedback has been invaluable, and I love the sense of connection we’ve built.
Last year, one patron asked me if I'd ever painted a mandarin duck. I hadn't, so I decided to start one and worked on it at art fairs that year. It quickly became one of my most commented on pieces, and I’m happy to say it recently sold. It's moments like these that make me so grateful for the direct connection Patreon offers with my supporters.
I create content for my patrons that reflects both my artistic journey and their interests. Each tier gets something special: all patrons receive a monthly recap with links to more details, while higher tiers enjoy advanced views of new art and weekly studio peeks. For my top-tier supporters, I send small original artworks in the mail every other month. One patron lets me decide the subject, but sometimes I pull inspiration from their social media, keeping things personal and meaningful.
The most rewarding part of running my Patreon has been the support and trust from my community. “I want to see you create what excites you.” is how many of them have approached my work. As long as I don’t overwhelm them with daily updates, of course! Their ongoing belief in me has been humbling and has given me the freedom to explore my creativity without hesitation.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about how my new Patreon tiers, launching in March 2025, will fit into the direction my art is going—especially with my increased focus on pet portraits. I’m looking forward to how these changes will align with my art and the continued support of my patrons. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
If you’d like to join me on this creative journey, I’d love to have you as part of my Patreon community. Your support helps me continue to explore new ideas and share my process along the way.