Important! **Patreon Rewards Restructuring**
Added 2022-01-20 01:12:15 +0000 UTCHey folks!
If you don't want the TL;DR version of this, these are the changes I will be making to my tiers for, at the very least, February and March.
- The Dirt Crown is on pause
- $5 and up patrons will have access to the prompt submissions post for doodles
- $1 patrons will still see new doodles but will not have access to prompt submissions
Further explanations below~
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First of all, my hope is that most of these adjustments will be temporary, and I might experiment as I go!
Those of you who have been reading my updates will know that I've been dealing with some burnout issues. I've taken January to give myself some time, but as any of you who have dealt with it might know, you can't just set a deadline to be done with burnout. I've been working on December's TVB updates this month off and on, and I've realized that I'm not going to be able to jump back into my normal work schedule in February without experiencing the same issues I've been having in late 2021, even after a long vacation.
I've been thinking a lot about how to adjust my Patreon rewards so that I can adjust my workload and you folks will still feel that your money is well spent. Unfortunately, Patreon's structure doesn't allow me to easily adjust in these areas; I cannot easily activate/deactivate tiers, or pause individual tiers. I cannot mass-edit posts to move them to different tiers. Reducing the total pledge per month amount would be complicated and require a complete shuffle of tiers and a whole bunch of extra work, and many past posts would not be available or correctly assigned to these new tiers without even more extra work. So I'm working with the tier structure I have.
I fully intend to complete The Dirt Crown in particular, it's just that while evaluating which projects please the most people, I have to acknowledge that not AS many folks read this one, so I'm going to take a temporary break on it and work ahead on the thumbnailing and final parts of the script. I feel that, while having 3 simultaneous comics running hasn't been an issue in the past, I'm at a point where I feel that my inability to give these pages and projects more time individually might be hurting the quality of the comics and stories. I've already made a few updates with small errors that readers have noticed, and this is frustrating for me, as my goal is for these comics to be immersive and believable, and if you are taken out of them frequently due to errors I've made then it makes me tremendously unhappy (please still continue to mention these errors to me though, I'd rather fix them before I go to print!). I know I'm human and will always make mistakes, but giving myself a little more time to meander on each page might help me catch more of them.
As for why I'm moving prompt posts to the higher tier... I've been thinking about the $1 tier for awhile. I like having a tier that is affordable for folks but still contains enjoyable art; a lot of creators will set this tier as more of a donation or "thank you for your support" tier. So I want to continue having artwork on it, but I want to give a little more benefit to the folks on higher tiers, since I'm taking a comic away from them. My intent is NOT to pressure folks on the $1 tier to upgrade; you can still enjoy art on the $1 tier, and I still have a number of saved prompts I might pull from in the future.
The most important thing I want to communicate is that this is about my ability to continue creating work that I am happy with and that you will enjoy. I'm fully aware that I'm asking folks to pay the same amount for less content and I know that will be unacceptable for a number of you. When starting this Patreon, I knew that a big mistake was offering too much and having to take things away later; I thought for a long time that I hadn't done that, but I fully acknowledge now that I did, and it sucks.
If you aren't happy with these changes and decide to stop supporting me here, I will understand. If you feel you can't justify the expense, you are more than welcome to pledge every couple months to catch up, rather than staying pledged month to month. I don't track this and I don't fault people for it.
Thank you to everyone for your patience these past few months while I've been dealing with this and figuring things out. I'm really hoping to get back to a place where I can just put my head down and get work done, rather than constantly stressing out about my next deadline. I've been thinking about future projects, since my two biggest comics are wrapping up soon, and I'm excited, but I want to make sure these things are good, and not half baked and rushed due to trying to meet deadlines.
Patreon's charges will resume as normal on the 31st, so make sure to think about it and make any updates before then; I will boost this post at least once more before then, so hopefully everyone will see it~
As always, feel free to share your thoughts and concerns with me. I'm considering making this post public after a while so that new patrons will know what's up, so please note any comments you leave will eventually be public as well.
Edit: Post is now public!
Comments
I hope you can quash the burnout. I'm totally ok with it. I can't afford more than a dollar a month rn but if I'm honest most months I forget to submit prompts anyway.
Redshirt42
2022-02-08 19:39:35 +0000 UTCReaper~ I am so glad you are taking care of yourself- god knows I struggle with burnout as well, so I can sympathize. You've always been an artist I aspire to be like and I have adored you and your work for years- thank you for your honesty and clarity, as always!
HamletMachine
2022-01-28 19:20:45 +0000 UTCI'll definitely be upgrading to the $5 tier- always love how even your sketches have such detail and character! I'd gladly continue supporting you as best as I can.
Cassandra H.S.
2022-01-27 17:03:22 +0000 UTCTake as much time as you need, my pledge isn't going anywhere. Burnout is a serious thing and it needs serious attention--you've provided so much for us over the years, the way I see it, I probably owe you. xD
SaintRiley
2022-01-26 01:15:45 +0000 UTCOne thing I have always admired about you is your clear communication with the community and your commitment to us. I remember followoing you back when I was in college on Tumblr. In 2019, I finally felt like I was at the point in my life where I could afford to help support your art work. I am glad you are taking the time you need and will be sticking by you.
AlexisNPN
2022-01-25 00:07:32 +0000 UTCDoes the thought of seeing less work from you make me a little sad? Sure it does, I love your work. Do I also understand and appreciate that you are a person, not an inexhaustible smut creation machine, and as such you need *rest*? Yes! Please take all the time you need.
Tasmanienerin
2022-01-24 03:45:43 +0000 UTCDefinitely take care of yourself! I'm a $13 tier person and I'm sticking around! I love your artwork and your storytelling. The Black Lamb and This Vacant Body are my faves but I also go back and reread some of your others from time to time. Thank you so much for all you create! <3
2022-01-24 01:24:01 +0000 UTC13$ Tier here, I ain’t going no where, your the whole reason I am on Patreon and several other artists have benefited from your influence. Ride or Die baby! Treat yo self and rest!
Rubysarered
2022-01-22 20:03:56 +0000 UTCThere is no quick fix for burnout. Most important thing is to take a break and look out for yourself. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
2022-01-21 23:32:18 +0000 UTCI really want you to take time when you need that time. As for tiers and such I am of the mind that I don't mind paying more for what I enjoy and want. So I'm in for the long haul, as long as your putting out content here, I will be supporting you here. It's okay to have to restructure to better fit what you need. Out of all of the artists, the schedule you push yourself to keep to is astounding. So if you need to pace yourself better fully understand. 💜💜
Aleesha
2022-01-21 15:20:03 +0000 UTCI'm so, so glad you're taking the time you need to take care of yourself, I consider my Patreon subscription well-pledged if you as an artist take care of yourself to be able to continue to enjoy making the things I love. Like so many before me are saying, I joined to support you : for me, because your art has meant a lot to me since I discovered you, has given me a role model, and has helped me grow as an artist. I will support your independent art as long as I possibly can. Thank you for taking care of yourself!!
2022-01-21 12:26:56 +0000 UTCburnout is such a harsh, depressing thing to go through and i hope you find your energy soon 💖
mostlykatpartlyvoid
2022-01-21 03:46:54 +0000 UTCI’m here for the long haul. Ever since I first set eyes on your art I knew I had found a favorite. Keep yourself healthy and happy first and foremost, we will be here.
Tojo The Thief
2022-01-20 22:17:10 +0000 UTCi've been in the 1$ tier mostly and moved up and down a few times to get comic rewards, and i think this is a great change! and wouldn't be upset at all if you made 5$ tier prompts permanent. i adore your work regardless of what you put out or whether or not i get to suggest drawing ideas, just happy to be here and supporting you!
simrell
2022-01-20 19:34:08 +0000 UTCSounds very fair to me, please take care of yourself! Planning to upgrade my tier once I’m out of debt etc. Virtual hugs for ya!
TenRowsOfTeeth
2022-01-20 16:09:01 +0000 UTCI've been a fan since gaia and I simply want you to be healthy and happy and comfortable with your art. Take care of yourself and feel better soon!💕
Hez
2022-01-20 14:09:16 +0000 UTCI’m ride or die ^~^ you take care of you and take my money 🖤🦡💛
Jessica Hausoul
2022-01-20 14:01:52 +0000 UTCThanks a lot for keeping us informed. I hope you'll feel better soon, as you said unfortunately burnout doesn't just obey our schedules, I know how it can be... Take as much time as you need and want and can. Also, I know it's not possible for everyone, but now that I can afford it, I'm keeping my subscription to your patreon. And I've enjoyed your art on your tumblr and twitter for years before being able to afford patreon, so for me it's only fair that now I can, I'm paying for it!
AliaThePouiki
2022-01-20 09:34:59 +0000 UTC❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️
Christine Tweddle
2022-01-20 07:37:43 +0000 UTCI am here for your art. At whatever pace you produce it. You’re not a robot. So take care of yourself and the art will come.
LPett
2022-01-20 06:06:23 +0000 UTCI think it's fair for 1 dollar tier (which is the tier I'm on) to have viewing access but not submissions at the moment, burnout sucks and it's hard to recover from, so having less prompts to sort through will probably be a big help. I can't do 5 every month, but if I ever have a prompt I reaaaally wanna try and get into the pile of choices, 4 extra dollars every once in a while to make a Special comment seems fine by me!
Ignatius Amaya
2022-01-20 04:25:37 +0000 UTCAs a tier $13 subscriber I always enjoy your work and totally understand needing to take a break to not get burned out. Been dealing with burnout in my poetry writing so I understand the need to take a rest to get those creative juices time to recuperate. Take care and stay well!
Sierra McCutchen
2022-01-20 03:13:22 +0000 UTCReaper, I've been following you since your Tumblr days and the quality of your work continually amazes me! You bring so much joy to people with your comics and we just want you to be happy and healthy. Thank you for all the art you've done over the years. I hope you feel less stress/burn out soon!
2022-01-20 03:01:34 +0000 UTCI’m having some major art burnouts as well, and have been experimenting a lot with more multimedia projects and writing and whatnot, so I think majority can relate and understand! Don’t feel as its your fault! Hopefully you can get some good rest and do what makes you happy! I’ve been a huge fan, and love supporting people whose work I love a lot, so here I shall stay! Good luck! We’ll still be here for you!
Silas Belmontè
2022-01-20 02:28:47 +0000 UTCStay strong Reaper, I am also experiencing burnout from work since we worked through COVID and still are working with little break and it’s very very hard to feel motivated to do anything. Take as long as you need! Your mental and physical health are much more important. Much love 💜💜💜
Tank1872
2022-01-20 02:21:45 +0000 UTCYour art has never disappointed and you work so hard and so consistently, it's amazing and totally understandable that you need to rearrange things a bit. It's no problem at all! I've been a huge fan for many years and I'm definitely not going anywhere~ Most importantly, please rest as much as you need. We'll still be here to support you ❤️
bay
2022-01-20 02:04:43 +0000 UTCyou're doing amazing taking care of yourself, reaper ❤️ i love your art so much and even though i can't afford the highest tier for the whole year, i will continue to pledge as many months as possible, because you deserve ALL the support for your incredible work. i am in burn out recovery since 2020 myself and it takes a LONG time to unlearn stuff and learn new patterns -- thank you for this update & take care ❤️
pauri halvor gvts
2022-01-20 01:57:44 +0000 UTCWhile I am a $13 tier supporter and that tier isn’t changing I’d still like to reiterate that you should take all the time you need. I’m so glad you’re taking time for yourself and I’m going to support you no matter how much content you make
Natalie E
2022-01-20 01:57:26 +0000 UTCTo quote America’s Ass, I’m with you til the end of the line. I’ve been a fan longer than I can remember and you’re the entire reason I’m even on Patreon, so I’m strapped in tight.
SailorSuu
2022-01-20 01:40:58 +0000 UTCThank you! I'm glad too; I've been drawing again after a few weeks off and was starting to feel a lot of tension right away, and letting myself make the decision to reduce my workload for awhile is definitely helping~
Reapersun
2022-01-20 01:35:28 +0000 UTCi am but a humble low tier supporter, but I'm glad you've worked out something to help with the burnout you've been mentioning & i really hope it helps! Dealing with art stress while having a ton of responsibilities and a big audience waiting has to be incredibly demanding and putting so much extra pressure on you. take care!
Eli
2022-01-20 01:32:42 +0000 UTCI think it's a great idea. As you said, many creators have the $1 tier as only as a thank you; but you still give $1 patrons to see your incredible art. We are still here supporting you
Eiri Saiyuki
2022-01-20 01:32:37 +0000 UTCI second this comment!! Take care of yourself first and foremost. We'll be okay. 😘
Alli C
2022-01-20 01:27:24 +0000 UTCThank you! I'm glad you're still happy with the quality; I feel like in some cases it might be my own feelings coloring how I view the work and making me view it differently from everyone else, so hopefully if I'm feeling less stressed it will help me not view my work that way~
Reapersun
2022-01-20 01:26:07 +0000 UTCi will keep pledging as long as my budget allows no matter the change in content or posting schedule. i dont know how anyone could produce the volume of work you do and NOT get burnt out eventually. i hope this adjustment will be good for you!
buggy
2022-01-20 01:24:39 +0000 UTCThanks so much!
Reapersun
2022-01-20 01:24:22 +0000 UTCThank you!!
Reapersun
2022-01-20 01:24:14 +0000 UTCMy English is very badly, this is why I don't usually righting. Like others was saying- Take your time how much you need. We love you and loves your work😍
2022-01-20 01:21:28 +0000 UTCThank you! I really appreciate that~
Reapersun
2022-01-20 01:21:13 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself
2022-01-20 01:21:10 +0000 UTCNope! Gonna focus on keeping The Black Lamb and This Vacant Body updates consistent, at least until they are completed~
Reapersun
2022-01-20 01:20:41 +0000 UTCPlease take care of yourself first. I don’t feel slighted in the least with the volume of your content. You have always pushed yourself to excel and have a huge back catalogue of work which is stunning. I have no problem Re-reading past posts and stories while you take a break. Always here to support artists. 😘
Val
2022-01-20 01:20:18 +0000 UTCI’m just happy to be able to support you! I’m glad you recognized that you aren’t ready to jump right back in and that you’re taking care of yourself 💙
stonedgeralt
2022-01-20 01:20:08 +0000 UTCAbsolutely, 100% agree!!
Val
2022-01-20 01:19:56 +0000 UTCI’m glad you’re taking care of yourself. Of course it’s disappointing for you to have to take perks away, but I would personally much rather have you be healthy and happy with the work you do and the quality of said work. I have never once been disappointed in the quality of your art, and I fully intend to support you for as long as I am able.
Danielle Sanderson
2022-01-20 01:19:51 +0000 UTCNo worries what so ever, just here to support you! 🥰
2022-01-20 01:17:52 +0000 UTCTake the time you need! We love you and we're here to support you. I assume there are no changes to $13 tier since you didn't mention it?
2022-01-20 01:17:19 +0000 UTCI joined to support you. I look forward to continuing that. Take care of yourself. 🧡
Christy Crabbe
2022-01-20 01:16:48 +0000 UTCFor me the whole point of Patreon is to support creators, seeing anything they make is a perk for me. Thank you for prioritizing yourself and your health, that always comes first. Artists before art!
2022-01-20 01:15:35 +0000 UTCI'll stick around no matter what. Take care of yourself and I'll be happy to see whatever you make
BuriedInTheArchives
2022-01-20 01:14:13 +0000 UTC
