Another Patreon Policy Change

Before reading, please note that YES, the remainder Craving Control pages are still coming and YES I still owe everyone rewards for this month. They'll probably be coming in July along with the July rewards.

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This is a post I've been sitting on for quite some time - the better part of a year, to be accurate. Before posting, I've counseled some folks and artists close to me on how to go about this. The fact of the matter is, I'm simply not at a point in my life where I can manage my current workload in a healthy manner.

Recently, I checked in with my doctor, reporting symptoms of chest and neck tightness for the past two weeks. If you were pledging around November through January, you may remember that I've had these symptoms before. Folks were telling me it could be a number of things. Whatever the case may be (I'm still getting checked out), everyone agrees that my symptoms are stress-related. Close friends and family have mentioned this to me on several occasions lately and expressed concern. They've noted I've become somewhat a recluse these past couple years and am rarely doing much else other than working. This is evidence enough for me to signal some kind of change in my work.

Aside from health reasons, I've been shirking opportunities and responsibilities that my deadlines prevent me from attending. My brother recently set up a company for which he needs a large amount of graphical content. I've declined offers to help him this past year and, in addition to concerns for my health, would like to lessen my workload to offer him some help. Coupled with the myriad customers I've turned down for Patreon work, this is a much-needed break for me.

I wanted to wait until the close of Craving Control before addressing any changes in my work patterns. Craving Control deserved a proper ending, as many fans were left hanging after previous arcs, and I didn't want to have to stunt the ending by reducing my output. These last eight upcoming pages have truly been a labor of love, as I've been ignoring my symptoms to push these pages out.

Additionally, I've been comparing my prices to and seeking the counsel of other artists on the prices of my work, as I seem to be working crazy hours all month long to push this content out. I've been told that I've been seriously undercutting the price of my content. While some of the suggestions seemed outrageous (someone suggested I charge $200 per panel - not a realistic move, obviously), I believe that these peers of mine are right about one thing: I should raise my prices. Other artists of equivalent quality charge significantly higher prices for lpages with panel counts of 4-6 (I usually produce 7-12). This is something I've been hesitant to do for some time, as I've made incremental adjustments and tried to settle on a final price. While some may not agree with the price change, it's something I'm confident in moving towards, and will hold no ill will towards any folk who disagree.

The following will be put into effect this upcoming July, allowing folks to adjust or rescind their pledges accordingly.

My policy moving forward is to produce 4-5 pages per month. Like previous months, I will be reallocating any leftover cash towards other artists or new equipment. Pages, moving forward, will be $150 per page ( a $50 adjustment from their previous cost). I will no longer be creating animated rewards, as they are too kind-consuming to produce - rewards will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the change.

I hope this is the right choice moving forward and ends up becoming a more manageable work load. The amount and methods by which I produce content has greatly changed since the beginning of this campaign. My goal has always been to produce as much content as I can, for the amount provided, and I'm still looking for the optimal balance. As circumstances change, my policies may change. I appreciate everyone's generosity and dedication these past couple years. As always, please provide your thoughts and ideas down below and please keep it civil. Thank you.