Some appreciation for all you lovely people!
Added 2016-10-20 02:08:11 +0000 UTCSo lately my Patreon has been blowing up and I'm getting closer and closer to a living wage doing what I love to do-- making comics. You all are so great, and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your interest in my work and your willingness to pay for it.
A good majority of you came here for Persephone, which I started working on right around the time I left my day job. Originally it was just a warm-up doodle that garnered more attention than I was used to on Tumblr. Then I thought more about the story and made a test page for a comic. That was when left my job, and when I was desperate for income this comic is what propelled my Patreon forward.
I thumbnailed the full first chapter and released the pages as I finished them to DeviantArt, then put the full chapter on Tapastic where it would be easier to read. I tried to explain in the author's comments that future chapters would be Patreon-exclusive, but there were still a few people who left comments begging for updates without reading what I had posted.
When I posted the announcement for chapter 2 there was still confusion as to whether or not people could read it for free. I wanted to make sure everyone understood what was going on, so when I posted the announcement for chapter 3 I clearly stated that Persephone was purely a way for me to add value to my $5 Patreon tier, and would only be available for patrons until the book was ready for purchase.
The message seems to have gotten across, but now I am starting to see some rudeness. Most people are very understanding. Some say "I can't afford it now, but maybe someday!" or "Sorry, I'm broke :(" and I get that, I've been there. I'm sure there are lots of younger readers on there who don't have cards and can't pay for things over the internet, but honestly I'm trying to gather an older audience anyway. AND THEN THERE ARE THE MARVELOUS FEW WHO JOIN US HERE!!!!
Today I read a comment that sounded like "Paying for comics? Forget this, then." Like I had insulted them by not giving it to them for free. It's terribly hard to be sympathetic towards this kind of attitude when I already offer two free comics and I'm trying to make a living. All too often I see posts for unpaid art jobs or writers who think $5 a page is proper compensation for an artist. I see other artists complain about how they have dealt with people who expect free labor.
I am so lucky that this is my first time experiencing this sort of thing first hand. I am so lucky that the great GREAT majority of my readers do not fault me for trying to earn money with my work. I am INCREDIBLY lucky that so many of those readers are here right now because they want to be part of the reason I get to keep working on comics.
Eventually I will finish Persephone and the book will go out. Perhaps some of you will be done supporting me and will move on to support others, and that's ok. I plan on having new projects ready when that time comes, and hopefully they will interest you as well. Either way, you are all directly allowing me to make my dreams come true and I just wanted you all to know that.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)
Comments
I do photo realistic scale minis. And Heidi Crawford I've met plenty of the same people. I get the"oh isn't that cute?"..... You want how much money for it?!?? I'm very happy that there's a way to help web comic artists to make a living. I would do more if I could.
Talina Melenchenko
2016-10-26 04:55:45 +0000 UTCYou are very welcome! I think you art is beautiful, and the way you tell stories fills me with a need for more. I love the worlds you create, and I think $5 is well worth the content I receive. You should think about opening a $10 tier. I do art as a hobby, I enjoy it and I think everyone should be paid for the work they do. Art takes time, and your art is WONDERFUL. I would definitely make the jump up to the next tier in support.
Minajerie
2016-10-21 21:48:06 +0000 UTCI dont make comics, but I do make jewelry and I have definitely met a few, "Why isnt this cheaper," kind of people. I was planning on becoming a Patron already and the Persephone comic was just an added bonus for me. I am just glad there is now a way for artists to garner much needed funds. Art takes time and patience. And your art is very rich in good story lines and artistic flair. I really love your work and I will still be around after Persephone. So just keep up the good work! If you make it they will come, as they say! LOL
Heidi Crawford
2016-10-21 01:23:59 +0000 UTCOmg, that's ridiculous! I hope that vet never did business with that person again!
Allison Shaw
2016-10-20 18:49:31 +0000 UTCSupporting creators is analogous to supporting a Public TV or radio station -- to keep it on the air one must contribute towards its operation. I wish I could donate more than $5 a month but that's not possible right now. FTTN alone is worth more than that and there's TQ, Persephone, and lots of other stuff as well. I'm here for the long haul.
Bill Meahan
2016-10-20 14:22:31 +0000 UTCI am happy that in my adult life I have completely shed my younger expectations of what I thought should have been free. All work is effort, and creative work is effort, talent, experience, blood, sweat and tears. I more than understand your position in this being your livelihood, and I fully support that. I wish that I could support every artist who's work I enjoy, but at least I can support you for now. And when I can't and move on one of these days, I hope to be back. You do wonderful work, and I thank you for sharing all that you have.
2016-10-20 12:19:34 +0000 UTCYour stuff is worth every penny of my $5 a month (far more, imo, but since I'm not making much $ at the moment I'm glad $5 is ok for now)!!!! Thank you so much for your hard work... Eagerly looking forward to mooooaaarrr:)
iJustSaidKnow
2016-10-20 11:40:04 +0000 UTCI am sorry that you are encountering that. people are not always reasonable. Just because you are being awesome and letting us enjoy something nice for supporting you, does not entitle everyone to receive it just because. its your hard work, what you do with it is your decision. thank you for all your hard work, we really love the stuff you do. :)
VorpalKitsune
2016-10-20 09:08:30 +0000 UTCWith so many comics beeing released for free people are just sooo spoiled. Somehow they don't understand how much time and effort it takes to get so good at what You do. Yup, Artist needs passion to be good or great Artist, but I'm pretty sure no one can improve their skills or live only on passion. And it doesn't pay bills or for whatever is needed to be able to continue to draw. Those comments are pretty rude, but You shouldn't take it to the heart. One of my parent's friends is a vet . He once went to treat a dog on a home visit. He gave a dog examination, meds and so on and when he was finished he said "It's XX$" (logical right?) The owner of the dog was outraged "What?! You should do it out of love for animals!" "Well I went for Veterinary School out of love for animals, but I have to earn a living you know... . How do you suggest I do that?" "Well in your free time you can do some honest work" (curtain) Some people still believe that unless You do hard labour You're not doing real honest work. Anyway life is to short to pay idiots any mind. I'm glad that You are starting to get some recognition for Your awesome work (and beautiful, beautiful art) and happy to make a contribution to it. And while I came her for Persefone I love FTTN probably even more :)
wiedźma_florentyna
2016-10-20 08:04:59 +0000 UTCFor me personally, you are giving me awesome, awesome comics. I am more than happy to pay for them. For the idiots who not wish to pay.... their lose. And I second... if you ever put Persephone, Far to the North, or Tigress Queen in book form I will buy. They are too good not to.
Becca
2016-10-20 07:37:57 +0000 UTCHappily my own commissions are more steady itself so I can continue to read these lovely comics, see these delicious sketches and overall just enjoy being your patron. I've never regretted my investment and you inspire me to do my best in my own art. Thank you for the steady and beautiful artwork you do. If you ever finish Persephone, Far to the North or Tigress Queen in book form I'd snatch it up in a second.
Steelworks Clipart and Illustration
2016-10-20 07:24:11 +0000 UTCI read comics on line webtoon, and I saw that they had this thing where if an artist has a patreon, they will let readers pledge via line and line themselves pledge upto an additional $1000 per month for a year for qualifying creators. Qualifying creators are creators who update at least twice a month and meet a specific number of views and subscribers. The only problem is that this will end on July 2017, but it might be something to check out maybe. I know I would definitely subscribe to your comic if it was on line webtoon.
Naomi
2016-10-20 06:17:19 +0000 UTCKeep up the awesome work and I look forward to reading the next update
Ramsey Haddad
2016-10-20 06:10:45 +0000 UTCOmggggg Gunnerkrigg is like crack.
Miki Kadubec
2016-10-20 04:41:01 +0000 UTCI saw several really awesome promising comics crash. simply put,because the artists couldn't make the comic,and say-buy groceries. So I'm happy to see the many ways that the artists and writers can make a start At making a living. I'm glad to help where I can.
Talina Melenchenko
2016-10-20 04:25:54 +0000 UTCI joined the $5 tier for Persephone, but also because I enjoy your other two comics immensely and I think you're a very talented (and deserving) artist. I am happy to support you. :) Storytellers need to make a living too!
Hilary
2016-10-20 03:17:15 +0000 UTCYou are quickly becoming one of my favorite comic artists, along with Namesake and Gunnerkrigg Court! I've been thinking about adding you to my list but the Persephone comic gave me the push I needed, haha! Seeing all the cute sketches I wish I had done so sooner :)
Crystal Knispel
2016-10-20 02:58:12 +0000 UTCI cannot wait until Persephone is printed, because I will BUY THEM ALL to make sure every friend who would appreciate it has one in their possession.
Noël Chrisman
2016-10-20 02:51:05 +0000 UTCDude. How did people read comics before the Internet? Oh yeah, THEY PAID FOR THEM. I love your stuff and I'm so happy to be able to pay for it!
Miki Kadubec
2016-10-20 02:48:08 +0000 UTCI love your work and I just wish that I could afford more, like I said before if I had the money I would pay you to turn Far to the North into an animation.
Craig Estrella
2016-10-20 02:34:23 +0000 UTC
