The Future of the Emerald Dragon

Ok, I think I've thought long and thoroughly about what I want to do with Patreon, and I believe I've come to a solid conclusion that I would like to share with you all.

In all honesty, I'm actually kinda burning out on illustration here. I'm not really enjoying the work on so many pieces, and the existential weight of such a huge workload has worn me out several days in a row at times to the point that I'm starting to dread actually streaming any more. I haven't done any streaming in about a month now because I just... am scared of the work that I fully intend to complete.

I have misjudged the workload that my DigiPen courses has provided for me as well, as that has usually taken up two of my days per week and shall continue for the forseeable Summer semester. I >can< draw more, but it feels like a slow burnout instead of a fast one, and I would like to avoid hating what I consider to be my truest of passions for art and animation.

On top of this, Patreon is beginning a Sales Tax in July. This is an extraneous part of the decision, but for each of your "commissions" paid for through Patreon, not only would they get a 5% cut, but you all would have to pay an additional California Sales Tax based on my location, which I think is an additional 8.5%. This is only for 'actual goods' both physical and digital, though.

I like how Coug'r and Corvidius are running their Patreons. The big thing is that they are making their rewards extras that they don't have to do too much to provide. Art packs, Higher resolution work, and adding names to the animation intros/outros in thanks.

I am going to be converting my Patreon away from the current "Commission" style to this "Extras" style, modeling mostly off of Corvidius' Patreon since he and I are both aspiring animators. I will be working mainly with ToonBoom Harmony and will be creating macro related animations both to bolster my skills and other animations to show in portfolio for a potential career with the software.

To that effect, I will be removing the $30 and up tiers and will be trying out a similar style of Corvidius' Patreon, where he has a $1 Tier for general support, a $5 tier for art packs, a $10 Tier for High Resolution art packs, and a $15 and up Tier for having your names displayed in the animations I eventually would produce. This seems to be working for him rather well, and while it would be a sharp reduction in overall "Income", do not fear...

I will still be taking regular commissions, both in streams (likely Friday Nights), and through a Commission Request form. I would love to do spot commissions and Themed Streams (Pokemon Night?), and still have some time to myself on other days to draw a random commission from the pot to negotiate and work out with that person. Without the pressure of "15+ arts" looming over my head, I hope to step back to a place of better stability and self esteem where I can build up a schedule, stick to it, and become a better artist without beating myself up about "You still have 10 more to do gogogogo" which has tanked my mood more days than I think is healthy.

I appreciate all of the assistance and support you have shown me over the last couple of years, and would like to personally thank NeoPuc, Varg, and Pyronite for their exceptional contributions to my work and sanity with their ideas and help.

Now, I will be trying out Harmony Premium for $75/month. I am hopeful that enough folks would like to stick around at least the $5 level to cover that amount each month, and I will as always be posting my personal art here first for you all to view.

I still have about 14 pieces left for my current May Patreon, and as always am intending to draw them to satisfaction as soon as possible. I've been making minor progress every day now and appreciate your patience. 

If you have any questions or concerns, I will be on Telegram and Discord as usual, and will try to check in here once in a while as well. What else would you like to see for an animation Patreon? Who do you support that you think I could learn from? How can I make this work better for us both? I would love to hear from you.

Thank you all for your support. It has truly meant a lot for me to create and become a better artist with the experience, and I do appreciate your understandings about how I am dealing with ADHD and my mental health, especially in these fascist, pandemic, capitalist times. I am looking forwards now to a future where I can be hired as a Storyboard artist or a Harmony Rigger/Compositor at a studio either remotely or move back to the LA area (or beyond!) for the launch of a real career. Let's get this party started up again and take what we've learned to make it fun again.