Patreon update 2024

Alright, here we go again.

I think it’s time for an update on my Patreon page, the moment has come! Following what I mentioned in my last Patreon update (posted almost a year and a half ago) about whether I should continue with Patreon or just pull the plug, I’ve finally made a decision.

To make it short: I’m staying! And we’re moving forward from here. 

I’m satisfied with the content I’ve produced since then and all the progress I’ve made. From being in a pretty much low point in my life to returning to do the things I find joy in doing so.

I managed to pull through the content plan I had in mind: from continuing to draw sketches, creating sets of drawings just for fun, crafting high-effort illustrations, returning to small and big animations, keeping up with traditions (Halloween, Christmas, April Fools) to trying new things: the storytelling entries, Christmas sketch requests, and thank-you poster posts. I pulled it all off! Sure, it took time, but I’m genuinely happy with the results.

That said, I also need to expand a bit more to keep everything moving forward. This expansion comes with a few changes on my Patreon, both in terms of its visual presentation and the structure of tier rewards. For those of you who’ve been here for a while, these changes might feel familiar, so no need to worry!

Alongside this post, I’ll be sharing a new quality survey for those who’d like to participate. But before answering, please make sure you’ve read this post in full.

Those who’ve been here for longer already know that I take these surveys to heart, because I always wonder and care for what you think of the content I make. And I mean you, the folk on Patreon, who really supported this passion project of mine from the start, and with real money. (thank you! <3)

First, a new coat of paint:

One of my goals is to refresh all the visuals on my Patreon page and social media. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time to plan this out yet, but it’s something I hope to tackle by December. This includes a new profile picture, an updated "About" section on Patreon, new tier names, revamped images, and more.

Also another thing I kinda delve into is changing my artistic pseudonym “Cochinote”, kinda feels like a natural step to make these changes more rooted. I knew from the start this moment might eventually come, since that name was kind of a joke at first, but as time passed by it grew on me. So I’m at a crossroads, and still undecided on this. What’s your opinion? I’d like to hear about it.

If the name were to change, it wouldn’t be much of a departure though. Something alongside “El Cochi”, since I can’t live without having a little fun with my online names either. In the end, it would be almost the same. We’ll see.

Changes in Patreon Tiers:

In terms of rewards, tiers will mostly stay the same. TIER I will still allow all paid members to watch most-to-all the finished content I produce. 

The most significant changes involve TIER II and FREE members (a relatively new feature on Patreon). However, as an adult content creator, I am pretty much restricted to what I can post for free as NSFW content is still prohibited for free members according to Patreon’s guidelines.

Another thing I really wanna change are the images and names of the tiers, since I feel they are very outdated. However, for the moment I will be naming tiers with generic names, as listed below.

Here’s how the updated tiers will work (each tier includes the benefits of the previous ones):

• FREE MEMBERS: Has access to story posts. Curated to be SFW/censored if needed be.
  

• TIER I: Can WATCH all finished artwork. High resolution quality. Early access to content that later goes public. Access to the NSFW story posts.
  

• TIER II: Can PARTICIPATE on the things I produce. Allow participation on polls for content when those come around. Can participate in sketch requests (New!). 
  

• TIER III: Can PEEK on future content. Access to Work-In-Progress of “The bigger posts” (Read below) that may come in the future, and the ability to give first-hand feedback on those posts.
  

• TIER IV+: Can HAVE my cheeks, just kidding haha! But I’m really grateful for this as any tier above TIER III is meant for those who want to support me further just because. Down the line I’m considering on maybe adding a new perk: [REDACTED] (read content section, 6th pointer to figure it out)
  

Regarding content moving forward:

As you might have noticed, content tends to fluctuate with me, at times I’m more into a drawing mindset, others in animate mode, and now the writing brain joined the party too. My idea is to have a base of interesting content you’d like to see regularly, that allows me to also keep on digging deeper in my personal worldbuilding and storytelling, whatever that ends up going.

The general idea will remain the same, here on patreon will be most-to-all the content I make, most of the NSFW artwork, and early access to posts before they go public on social media. With the exception of when the thing I draw is related to other social channel, like the last drawing.

What to expect of my content:

Well, technically, what you have been seeing in the past months. But to be more precise:

• Storytelling posts.

  • This includes: 

    • Written + images/animations posts to tell the story I have in mind 

    • Animation projects related to story bits, 

    • comics of specific events to come (WIP) and 

    • in-universe media posts related to worldbuilding. 

  • For now, I’m experimenting with these formats, figuring out what works best for storytelling. It’s a process of trial and error, polishing both the creation and presentation of each segment. The only way to improve is through experience.

  • It’s still to be seen how the general public (y’all) sentiment is with these kinds of posts, but to me these have been pretty enjoyable to make, and quite frankly, what inspired me the most to keep on creating content. There’s still much to make, for me to learn, and to get on better footing with the whole process.

  • I have plans, and want to execute on them. But it does require time, trial and error, so I hope y'all back me up on this. But in the end, what really matters to me is that you enjoy this kind of content. So make sure to make your opinion heard in the aforementioned survey.

• Sets of images, sketches, high effort color pieces and animations.

  • This is the usual bundle of fun, whether tied to storytelling or just random shenanigans. These encapsulates the usual posts you have already seen through the years.

  • Set of images: example 1, example 2.

  • Personal sketches: example 1, example 2.

  • Colored pieces: example 1, example 2.

  • Animations: example 1, example 2.

• “The Bigger posts”

  • This includes those posts that actually take the longest time to make, and are way more complex in nature. But are the more grandeur, and rewarding for me as an artist to come to fruition. Think of them as the big animations, with color and sound that I have made. The halloween 2023 demon post. Etc. Those kinds of posts.

  • I haven’t been taking the initiative to start working on this in any kind, but I really want to dig into it again. (More info soon).

• The casual fanart piece of mine.

  • Occasionally, I’ll indulge myself by drawing characters I personally like. This should come as no surprise: I enjoy drawing for fun too! (I really want to create more art of the fictional men I love.)

  • However, my previous stance on fanart artwork stands. In the long run I wanna be known for my own original stuff.

  • HOWEVER, I’ve softened up a lil’ more on this matter, because I do know some of you actually do wanna see me make more fanart. If that’s the case, make sure to engage with the next two content types I’ll discuss.

• Sketch requests (New!).

  • Okay, so the little experiment of sketch request ended up being of your liking, am I right? Well then, let’s make it a thing then!

  • As a TIER II member, each month you’ll have the option to send One request per person for me to possibly draw a sketch piece off, as you have seen over the past months.

  • The rough concept is to have a cumulative pool of ideas to pull from and then pick and commit to draw from 3-5 of these per month (Since that ended up being the sweet spot number from my experience).

  • There are a few more guidelines I’d like to set up, but that will come in its own dedicated post I will soon talk about, and also to kick start the list for this coming december! So if you are into that, make sure to come back and make your suggestions before the month ends.

• Commissions.

  • I wanna open commissions again, this time for sure I promise! Let’s just pray there’s not a new catastrophe around the corner that prevents it once again. (sweats profusely)

  • I’ll start small, with 2–3 slots, to keep things manageable. Initially, these will be exclusive to patrons. If things go well, I’ll eventually open slots to the general public. Down the line, I may consider creating a higher-tier reward for patrons to secure slots, but for now, let’s focus on getting started.

• Lastly, about the “thanking posters posts” and having patrons names in a dedicated posts:

  • What can I say… those grew old so quick lol. Don’t get me wrong, I like those that came to fruition, and the fact that people poll’d choose them. It was an experiment, but my personal sentiment now is that those became boring to make.

  • For the time being I do not plan on keeping doing those, I much prefer spending that time doing any of the other stuff mentioned above. Least need to say but, I’d like to hear your opinion on this matter too!

  • That said, I do like the idea of immortalizing my patrons' names in some way, at least for myself. To be able to remember way down the line that THESE people cared for what I made back then in time. A way to feel accomplished, and to be grateful to y'all at least in this way. So… my final take is, in the end, I’ll find a way to make a thank-you image or credits in future’s post. The correct time shall present itself.
    

In closing

To wrap things up: I’m incredibly grateful for your continued support. It means the world to me that you stick around, enjoy what I create, and share your thoughts to help me grow. This journey has had its ups and downs, but your encouragement has always been the driving force behind everything I do. Thank you for believing in this passion project of mine. 💖

PS: If you know someone who might enjoy my content and feel my workflow aligns with their vibe, I’d greatly appreciate it if you recommend them to join us! Sharing my Patreon would be an amazing way to help out.

Thanks for being here,
Cochinote.