Merista

Hello Everyone,
I know it's been a long while and a lot of things have happened.  Just to quick cap:
-My mother pasted away last year which left my teenage sister in my care.
-Just recently we moved to be closer to my little sister's High School. 
-No Internet!

If your interested I can talk with you more about that later or create a separate journal but those are some of the reasons for my absence. My main reason for being here today is to talk about Patreon and some really amazing artists I know.

Thing is... I saw Patreon around but for the longest time but had NO idea what it was. In fact I really didn't care cause I thought, if anything, it was like Paypal (yes that shows how old and how out of date I am with technology) But after one of my favorite mini comic artists posted this:   I figured it was time to really dig in and figure out what it was. After all, if I can help out my fellow artists that have given me the privilege to enjoy their work for free? For years? Then it's time to start giving back. One great thing is I don't have to break my bank. (Heaven knows I need all I can get being a 25 year old with a teenage dependent) Unlike Kick starter that funds big projects or donation pools that are one time, Patreon is an on going campaign that supports the artist for every creation that they make.  At first I thought "Oh no, what if they post a lot and it drains my pocket money completely?!"  But no fear there is a max limit that you can impose so that you don't go over budget or fear that you'll get in way over your head. Phew~ that was a weight off my shoulders.
But the best thing of all (and I know this sounds selfish) is those works of art that you are "donating" for? They are still free. You can see these amazing pieces at any time. So your not really "Paying" for it. You're helping support an artist so they have more time to do what they and you love.

Hey I admitted it earlier but I'm selfish. If I don't have to I don't want to pay for something that is free.  The thing that really got me though, is as a consumer if they have more time to create then that means more creations for me to enjoy. As displayed by the earlier artist  once she started Patreon I saw a lot more work from her. So if your selfish and poor like me you can still think about being a supporter. 

After all it's a give and take relationship. The artist is human too and needs help sometimes. To quote another incredible artist and to look at it in a different light:   Art takes time, effort, and emotional participation. As an artist myself I know that I am always looking for more time to do what I love. But because reality likes to rear its ugly hydra head and drag me back, I never have time to get done what I really want to.  In fact I think I might join Patreon as a creator as well because more then anything I would like to support myself as an artist.

Since I've already admitted I'm selfish I may as well admit that I am afraid as well. Afraid of asking for money to help support me. During my research though I came across one more fascinating artist. What she had to say was inspiring. Check out Amanda Palmer and what she states is so much better then anything I could say or describe to you.

So Artists... Don't be afraid to ask for help and readers don't be afraid to give it. It doesn't have to be painful either. Pick your tool whether it is Patreon (my new favorite), Kickstarter, a donation, or (like Amanda's examples) social media and general trade. With it you can break the fear and that stigma that art and all the effort that goes into it isn't worth a dime, literally.

So concludes my lecture about supporting the Artist. I hope with this information and short gathering of artists you feel as educated and inspired as I was.

Hey Guys check this out. This amazing artist is holding free requests. Even if you aren't interested in having you're character drawn (I mean come on who doesn't?) then you should still check them out. I've been in their gallery and while still progressing they have a beautiful coloring style and a nice art sense. So get on it!

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