What if you like to draw but don’t want to invest hours into social media or growing a blog? And you only want to do things you like?
Then you should start a Patreon.
It is a platform that allows people to support a creator with money receiving some exclusive content in exchange.
How does it work exactly
You set up your Patreon page and usually 2 tiers: basic and premium.
For each, you determine what content and when people will get it.
On average, each member will pay you 7-10 dollars for basic access and up to 50 USD for Premium.
For ex., I had access to an illustrator Patreon - $35/mo for Premium.
In exchange, I got:
access to community chat
weekly 30-second to 1-minute video process and some tips.
Q&A and some supply recommendations.
No hour-long tutorials, no really in-depth explanations, and no long articles.
The author had just a few participants but that was enough to make a little money on a side.
However, I do believe that it was more of a “worse” example because I canceled my subscription due to the fact that I didn’t get enough value.
So that’s the lesson for us:
Overdeliver.
You can also set up private consultation, for around $100.
Advantages of Patreon
Unlike social media or blogs, with Patreon and similar creator-supporting sites, you don’t have to create content that will go viral, or be searched for, etc.
You simply share your process, your tips, and your tutorials.
And it is amazing when you can niche down with a certain material, for ex., sewing dolls, charcoal drawing, making postcards, etc. You got me?
And every time a new member visits your Patreon page they will see all the posts (titles) available but until they join and pay, all the content will be locked. But it is the best way to “advertise” - simply showing exactly what are they getting.
A beautiful example of a patreon is Silvie Mahdal:
Fair warning
Yes, it is easier to get new “students” for your Patreon with active social media. But it doesn’t mean it has to be hundreds of thousands of people.
And no matter what side hustle you will choose for your hobby, you will have to find a way to get “traffic=people” to it.
With Patreon, it can be - free emails, free social media content (doesn’t have to be daily! but simply consistent"), ads (on social media), through collaborations with other creators in similar niches.
Math
Patreon takes a cut (they all do, unfortunately) of around 8% to 12% depending on how many features you’re using.
PLUS fees for converting the currency (if you’re not operating in USD or receiving money in US dollars) - 2.5%, transaction fees, and processing fees (around 2.9% + 0.30USD), and payout fees (depending on where you want to withdraw your money).
It all makes sense to calculate the monthly membership price you’re setting up.
It does end up eating up quite a chunk of YOUR money, but starting is free. And if you will see that the platform is not for you, you can explore an alternative - Substack. Yet, they also will have some fees.
More of fees here.
For example, you have 10 members this month for the full plan - 10x$35=$350. Let’s assume they all paid in USD (via Venmo or PayPal) and you will get paid in USD as well directly to your card and you only use the Pro version of Patreon without fancy individual support, etc.
$350 - 8% (Patreon fee) - $0.25 (payout fee for direct deposit) - $0 (conversion rate) - 2.9% - $0.30 = around $312 will get to you.
Not bad, considering that you only delivered content once a week :)
Would you try it?
If you tried, what was your experience?