At its core, Patreon is a platform that connects artists and creators with patrons — backers who pay to support said creators. In turn, artists and creatives can share their work on the platform, allowing supporters to access special content and rewards. From music, stories and webcomics to photography, illustrations, videos and podcasts, there’s a lot to enjoy on Patreon — and many creators to support.
Before platforms like Patreon, it was much more difficult for artists and creators to make a living, build a platform, and connect with supporters and fans. Thanks to Patreon, there’s both more access and visibility, which means creators actually get paid for their work every month. But is it the best way to support creatives? We’re taking a closer look.
What Is Patreon?
Artists and creators who use the Patreon website upload the content they wish to share. If they attract fans, those fans might subscribe to their page and support them with monthly payments. Of course, the content you’ll find on any given page varies depending on the creator. For example, photographers often post shots they aren’t sharing elsewhere, while writers might create exclusive newsletters or off writing workshop services. Podcasters and musicians might upload unedited recordings, bonus episodes or alternative tracks.
The Patreon website has a simple design that is easy to use for both creators and subscribers. This allows artists to focus on their work instead of having to deal with the business end of things. It also allows subscribers to feel assured: their monetary support will reach the artists, and they will receive the rewards promised to them.
Creators get to decide how to deliver their content. For example, some Patreon users implement different tiers of support; these membership tiers, which are tied to a different monthly payment amount, are linked to increasingly more exciting rewards. For example, a Patron who pledges $1 to a podcaster might receive a “thank you” shoutout for their efforts, while a Patron who pledges $20 a month might receive something more significant, like a guest spot on the creator’s podcast.
Rewards, of course, vary by creator and medium. Another example? A digital artist’s Patreon page might provide a $1 tier where they share insight and tips on how they come up with ideas for their drawings. Then they might have a $5 tier that provides an exclusive phone wallpaper drawing every month. They might also have a $10 tier offering an exclusive digital drawing every month, or perhaps even a print. Their $20 tier might give access to exclusive video tutorials teaching fans how to create work like theirs.
Moreover, it’s often the case that higher tier Patrons will receive the content and rewards linked to the lower tiers, too. Regardless of the tier a Patron selects, creators are paid in a lump sum at the beginning of every month. This dependable source of income can go a long way in supporting artists — one that’s not tethered to outside variables. For example, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, musicians who couldn’t hold concerts leaned into Patreon and found ways to provide virtual experiences for fans, all while making up for that missing chunk of income. Better yet, Patreon allows Patrons to support creators, no matter where in the world they live, and this kind of accessibility — and visibility — is a win for us all.