As we hit the middle of the year I've been reflecting a lot on what's going on in my life and one of the things I can say I'm intensely grateful and proud of is the project I’ve dedicated the last two years of my life to: my Patreon community.

It started off as a gamble that I quit a full time job for and since then it’s grown into a hub of interests and people that I wake up looking forward to each day. However, the work that goes into it is INTENSE and I really want to take a few tweets to highlight some of the great stuff that goes on in it.

The flagship of the community is the Discord server- which is one of the warmest, most caring and least toxic environments I’ve been in online. This is also where I make most of my announcements first, share my WIPs or gather feedback as to what people to see more of.

In the server we have a whole section dedicated to art feedback, where artlings can get direct critique and paintovers from me (or anyone else), as well as support other people in return. There are also critique-free channels, for when you just need to be showered with love and approving emoji.

Tied to that, I also do livestreaming Q&As on Twitch, where any patron can submit a piece and have me review it live. This may or may not include copious amounts of sass. Here’s an example of a past stream.

For the highest tier of patrons, I also do private 1-to-1 sessions where we get to sit and talk through any kind of topic or burning question over screenshare paintovers. I love these sessions, as I really find that sometimes 30 minutes can really help break someone’s art block!

Lately I’ve also been posting a lot of my work process via timelapses. Personally, I’ve always found it helpful to watch how other artists draw, what parts come easy and what parts they struggle with to feel like I’m on the right track. Here’s a sample of that too.

Every month there’s also an “Art challenge”, where I give a theme for people to fly with and create something new. This is open to any creative mediums and it’s not a competition (though there is a reward for everyone who joins!). We’ve had some fantastic output in the past:

Recently, a few artlings have been motivated to organise a study group for each other too! I’m really proud of this initiative, as it happened greatly without my intervention and it’s been a great opportunity for anyone- at any level- to try to get into art with support from their peers.

Of course, there’s also my own art: for two years now, I’ve only done commissions for patrons and that constitutes the biggest part of my day to day job. I get to work on some fantastic characters and ideas and it’s incredibly exciting to have the privilege to bring these babies to life:

Funnily, one of the things I find most satisfying is giving my patrons freebies. For this, I created a whole “points shop” where patrons get points just for pledging, which they can then trade in for free art, free lessons and discounts on commissions:

Admittedly, sometimes it feels like a lot and I often rock back and forth, wondering if I’m doing the right thing. However, I am validated by each and everyone of the people supporting me, every single day and that really makes all of it so very worth it.

My ambition this year would be to hit 150 patrons. I know 2020 has sucked the life out of us, so I’ll be happy whether it happens or not. But if you’ve read this far and think this is something you’d like to be a part of, then you’re more than invited over:

[ SUPPORT MY ART ON PATREON ]

And lastly, if I’ve forgotten something or there’s something you’re just dying to know, my DMs are always open. And let’s be honest- there’s nothing quite like seeing the little gold tick on the envelope icon.

I’m holding a giveaway on Instagram so I invite you lovely folk to hop over and try your luck! Deadline is Jan 31 and instructions are on the link below.

[ bit.ly/Ony-IG-giveaway ]