when to launch, how many followers should I have, and what to do if patrons are leaving

[@TheAverageArtist]

This video couldn't have come at a better time for me. At the moment I am trying to become a full time artist, and patreon is really helping me to survive right now. It's great to see you thrive and for me to be inspired by your work Fran, so thank you so much for the help.

[@aohamer]

I literally reached for the screen when you said "hold my hand!"🤣 👊🏾 It's definitely hard seeing patrons leave. I always appreciate when I get messages from them letting me know why. It's usually exactly what you said, some financial things came up and it's not personal 🙏🏾 Patreon has changed my life already with a small group of 150. I can't imagine having over 2,000 🤯 Would love to hear more about how you manage the admin side: replying to messages while still replying to YT & IG comments, IG DMs, Discord, emails, etc. You're awesome, thanks so much for sharing these tips 🤩

[@Leyluchis]

It took me a long time to support artists on Patreon ( you were my first) because I wasn’t sure if the platform was legit and also, in your case I felt I was already supporting you by buying your products and watching your videos, etc. But I wanted to get more insight and decided to join at first with just $1. Once I saw what you offered and like you said your consistency, I upped my support. Now I support a couple more Patreon accounts, but you are totally right about needing to actually offer something on Patreon because I already support these artists on all the other socials and buying their art, I can’t just give money every month just for kicks… a note, the parasocial relationship does increase quite a bit, but I do like that artists tend to be more genuine on Patreon. Thanks for the vid Fran!!!

[@love_kiwee]

17:00 omg!!! such a grand tip!!!! :D gave me heaps of inspo on what my tiers could be, thank you!!!

[@cartoonblock]

Congrats on all your success 🙂

[@catinwhitetie]

Dear Fran - can I say that you look GORGEOUS in this new style?! Love these new edgy vibes haha

[@suzanneurbanart]

You realize Fran, you could've also made it in Stand Up Comedy. You were the first illustrator vlog I discovered, didn't know they existed, and since then I've been introduced to this wonderful world of creative vloggers. The reason I follow you on KZbin is because of your unique but skilled illustration style. I've always felt you should be published in the New Yorker magazine as I feel your work would be a good fit.

[@ellstration]

Was SO looking forward to this vid. It took me quite long to „invest“ in myself by supporting another artist financially but oh boi this was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m not saying this, because I do value you a lot Fran. You’re really making a difference with your Patreon pledges. I would be more than happy to contribute like this myself in the future. Thank you Fran. 💝

[@FranMeneses]

oh thank you so muuuuch!

[@ajamjar]

Hey Fran - I loved being part of your Patreon fam. I stopped supporting you about three months ago to help support another channel. You appeared, to me, to be doing OK on Patreon and didn't really need my support as much anymore (cos you know, my ten bucks/mth really changed your trajectory haha). The other channel was a fledgling and I wanted to contribute to their success as they grew instead. I miss all the contributor perks from you, but that's part of not being with the cool kids on your Patreon. Thanks for all the amazing extra content we got as part of your patrons. I really loved it and think you did (and still do) a fantastic job - hitting just that right spot - not too much/not too little. The Goldilocks Zone of perks :)

[@ArtfulShelley]

Fran, you're too cute. And this video is MUCH appreciated. I have been an artist all my life (57 years) I spent my 20s lost, my 30s & 40s (and let's be honest - 50s) raising kids, and now I have been trying to put myself out there. It isn't easy. I am friendly, but the more I try to promote myself, the less comfortable I become. If I am talking astrology, no problem, I have had a podcast 11 years. But my art, big problem. I wondered how to get Patreon (and Etsy) going. And I've been on both for YEARS. Big hugs and best wishes. xo

[@crystaltanart]

Just discovered your channel and I love your personality and sense of humour. You had me at your intro about how patreon is a platform to milk people for money. Love it.

[@cessilustra]

Llevo dos años siendo tu Patreon y es como una situación ya de costumbre, ver los lens del fin de semana el lunes a las 9:00 AM, el podcast del viernes, etc. Es una droga ya y necesito mi dosis haha perdón no es fun ok, is fun for me.

[@daisymoon8]

Siiii, siempre atenta el lunes para ver los lens!

[@franchangehabits]

yo me quede en los podcast de edo y fran cual es el nombre del podcast ? hahah estoy perdida

[@latoletole18]

@@franchangehabits creo que la fran tiene un podcast solo para sus patreons 😕

[@Cafeinacoli]

Es lo máximo! Amo los lens de Fran también

[@manzanitadelacruz1112]

¿Qué es eso de los Lens?

[@NamesWithSteph]

Loving this video, it's so helpful! Thank you!

[@elizabethstone8567]

i love your 3 seconds of flaunting! more flaunting!

[@iris-impressions-art]

This was such a great video, thank you for addressing so many of the issues, especially the bit about people leaving was helpful. It does SUCK. It always makes me feel so anxious. It's good to hear you talk honestly about this! I have a few followup questions (and if anyone reading this has any input I'd love to hear!): 1. What can you do if your supporter count stagnates? Story time: I had a successful launch and have followed up by creating consistent content. My Patrons are happy (mind blowingly, they are happiest when I'm creating the content I am excited about, rather than that they want me to make specific rigid things). The largest number of Patrons have been there from the start, then there are some who occasionally leave then come back, and some people who dip in and then leave. I had set myself a realistic goal of x number of Patrons after 1 year, and 7 months in I really don't think I can make it happen, because the last few months my Patron numbers are keeping steady and never going up (I'm about halfway to my goal). 2. How do you know if you should lower your prices or stick with them? Economics 101, lowering prices can increase demand. But I'm also only 1 person (with a day job) and if I decrease prices and it doesn't result in more Patrons I'd be shooting myself in the foot. I guess it boils down to the question of whether there are lots of people who WOULD support if the prices were lower, OR those people who want to support you are already doing so and a slightly lower price wouldn't influence anyone else?? Oh by the way I also found it really helpful where you talked about your Patreon rewards serving your own purposes (making more art, public speaking etc) and also the purpose of it to be that it gives you time to pursue your artistic interests rather than making it a full time job. I think I could definitely think a bit more about the former and make sure I'm doing that, also because that makes the 'job' of running a Patreon feel like fun and something that gives you energy.

[@misscarlaina]

Me pareció super informativo e interesante tu video de hoy. Quiero contarte que por unos meses hace unos años he sido tu patreon. He dejado de serlo porque el dolar en Argentina se fue a las nubes y ya no podía seguir pagando pero, a pesar de esto, te quiero contar también por qué he sido patreon: porque me gustaba poder ayudarte, de alguna manera, luego de todo lo que yo siento que me has ayudado en algunos momentos (hablo anímicamente como artísticamente) y porque creo que es un mimo ayudar a nuestros artistas favoritos. Ojalá algún día pueda volver a la plataforma. :) Mientras tanto, gracias por todos los consejos valiosos de este video.

[@AsherNoor777]

Thank you so much for sharing this, this was very helpful. Wishing you all the best.

[@debbiedrawsfunny]

😂😂😂It’s where you milk your patrons for cash😂I love how much you make me laugh my ass off. But honestly, this was so so SO helpful Fraaaaaan!😽Thank you for your insights, it really made a lot of sense and helped put things in perspective when it comes to running or starting a Patreon account.

[@MAIS2]

Fran's algorithm connected to my mind's struggles works very well

[@FranMeneses]

awwww Maaaaaaissss I read minds, that's the truth

[@ArtfulShelley]

@@FranMeneses I believe that, Fran. haha

[@cookie-kei]

This video has come out at a perfect time for me. I'm fairly new to Patreon, but have been using it as a means of accounting myself and getting the work I wanna do done. I want to grow my patrons and have more interactions, but I haven't be able to do so. You at slicing my dream Fran and thank you for always sharing the knowledge! You've taught me so much and helped me so much over tht years!

[@TonyTylerDraws]

Be proud of your success. It's not flaunting

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you for this. Small channel but giving patreon a go. This was helpful!!

[@Nymphaidolls]

That was really helpful and interesting to watch! Thank you for that, Fran

[@lovealbion]

I really appreciate you talking numbers! It add transparency to the whole Patreon support. Congrats!

[@perforatedfold]

yes you can flaunt and be proud of your hard work!👏👏

[@MelodyMiroir]

This video is really helpful. I've decided to start a Patreon and you cheer me up !! Thank you

[@Cafeinacoli]

Eres lo más Fran!! Gracias 🤍🌈

[@ArtfulShelley]

Hi, Caro! I watch you, too, recently.

[@xprinceorcax]

Thank you for always cozy, comforting, and informative videos Fran! I see why people enjoy your personality so much!! :)

[@twominutesofdrawing4154]

Thank you for sharing your conclusions. Your content is awesome

[@Musikchic47]

“That’s the gay one” haha best start to a video (also, love the drawing table and bookshelf in the background, fits super well)

[@rodshelley1170]

Thank you very much! Lots of good information!

[@six.studios]

I have really been struggling with this lately so thank you for making this!!! I'm bout to take some SERIOUS notes

[@cosmicemilia]

still hesitant to start my own, even with my growing social media following I'm afraid to take the plunge. thank you for this video fran, it's inspired me to start charting a path to start my own patreon soon!

[@xleaalxchannel]

You‘re amazing. Thx a lot for your work, your kindness and your explanation. As always you’re a shining star.

[@naomyderksen1377]

This is such a nice video :) very informative and relaxing to watch. I get why people on patreon are attracted to your personality, you have such a nice way of speaking and you seem like such a kind and honest person! I hope your channel and accounts will keep on growing, but I will be here watching either way❤

[@divannaart]

i am so proud of you and happy to see a successful artist! you deserve it and i hope there will be more artists like you!

[@MsTwiththeTea1980]

I just started my Patreon and really appreciate these tips 😊

[@MAIS2]

Your hair matches perfectly that tee behind you it makes me so happy

[@HelloMonster]

Thank you so much for all this tips Fran, it is very hard to build a successful Patron page, I've got only 6 (and very grateful of them) for 2 years now and I don't know how to get more patrons to allow me to work full time on my graphic novel... Trying my best!! Loving this video, hope I can raise a bit the number 🙏🏻🍁

[@KamuanyaDesigns]

I have been thinking all week about how to improve my baby Patreon page in the new year, so this video came at the perfect time!! Thank you so much for taking the time to make it! My biggest lightbulb moment from this video, was when you mentioned changing it up/sprucing up the content or people will leave! Also, you said to ask for feedback but what do you do when they do not respond to a feedback poll or anonymous survey? I am at that stage where I don't know if they are enjoying because they aren't engaging, but they are not leaving so maybe they are? Gaah! ConfusedArtist! LOL!

[@OmarAvilesCreative]

Thank you Fran for sharing your experience with Patreon. Your videos on KZbin are beautiful and capture your spirit as a human being.

[@emmarussellstudio]

This was so good and so helpful for me in organizing and planning for my future patron! Thank you for all of your wisdom, Fran!

[@chanelcolors3168]

Thank you for sharing so many great tips, Fran! I just launched my Patreon this month, so you brought up a lot great points I will keep in mind. I'm an illustrator with a small following, so I debated for a long time if I should start or not. It's a little scary but also very exciting. I'm guilty of spamming out of excitement, so I will work on that, lol. But I'm so grateful for my patrons and proud of myself for only just launching this month. Hopefully it will slowly grow, and I will be able to support other artists there as well.

[@mcarlisle3559]

i love the podcast newsletter idea- not sure it's a viable option for me just yet, but i plan on doing a quarterly newsletter next year and i feel like this opened a whole new breadth of ideas for it, thank you!

[@cloud__]

I really appreciate these art career-related videos. You have no idea how much this has helped me as a young artist

It was really nice to see how you approach your relationship with your Patreons ! I saw another Patreon video from another artist and it’s fun to see that the way of presenting slightly differ. You seem to be more in the feelings and it is so much like you that it makes me want to support you ! It’s gonna happen at some point and it’s already making me happy !

[@andilezuma6469]

Thank you so much, love it.💋💋💋❤❤❤

[@LindaHeartisan]

Thanks so much Fran. I'm almost ready to begin my own Patreon and your information really helped. 💜

[@naranjalia17]

Joinin your Patreon has been one of the best decisions of my 2021

[@nanairo_days]

thanks for the info, very informative and insightful

[@LyfeUntethered]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@rodrigofalco]

Thank you for sharing your experience with Patreon, Fran! I’ve been watching your videos for years now and hope to be able to support you on Patreon in the near future. Sending you love from Brazil 💌

[@nickd1973]

Hey Fran! Thanks for making this video. I’ve been running my Patreon page for almost 5 years and your video has been helpful to me. It’s making me review what I got right by chance, what were good decisions or things I missed completely.

[@Andyapolis]

Ok, first of, love your hair so much! Second, really helpful video! I took a break from Patreon after 4 months because I want to plan out a better Patreon next year. So this is super helpful! Thank you, Fran!

[@WealthGambit]

Such a great and insightful video Fran! Appreciate you making this vid, it answered all my questions.

[@annabel_182]

thank u for sharing the numbers! there's a big "stigma" with sharing them but i think that they can be really helpful in learning about other artists' journeys.

[@aPenasIllustrator]

What an amazing video Fran! You really talked about everything and really what Patron is all about. Loved it :)

[@Nicole-Leigh]

This was a wonderful video! I have been debating creating my patreon for all the reasons you addressed. Really appreciate your insight!

[@findikussa]

Thank you so much for sharing all your experiences with!!

[@melstampz]

Just too brilliant! Thank You ever so much for sharing this

[@ctheo2020]

Thank you!

[@silviameneses11]

Es adorable, Fran! Me gustaria conocerla y quedarmos hablando y debujando por mucho tiempo. Que Dios la bendiga siempre❤❤❤❤ Saludos desde Brasil

[@ArtfulShelley]

💖

[@EllaGrayBeingRandom]

Thank u so much be blessed

[@Jenncathvoice]

Muchas gracias por hacer este video, mi amiga me lo recomendó porque tenia muchas dudas de como hacer y mantener un Patreon a largo plazo. Espero que estés muy bien y que tengas un buen comienzo de año Fran✨

[@rogaido370]

Te extrañaba Fran. No pude seguir siendo patreon porque no puedo económicamente. Siempre me pareció dinámico tu patreon. Te enfocas en escribir, los vivos para dibujar juntos, mostras los sketchkooks, los podcast excelentes. Y también te empecé a patrocinar por como sos como persona. Es gracioso porque seguimos ilustradores pero importa un montón la persona que hay detrás. Abrazo.

[@CamObligado]

Yo soy una de esas personas que quiso apoyarte, por sentir la necesidad de retribuirte algo. Y aunque claro, subes videos a KZbin, historias a Instagram y un maravilloso podcast con Ed, y todo de forma gratuita, el contenido me ha servido para entretenerme, y sentirme acompañado, por ejemplo, día a día en mi trabajo. También me has ofrecido una perspectiva distinta en la vida, que valoro y con la que intento mejorar como persona, para mi como para los demás. Entre esto y mucho más, ¿como no querer apoyarte en Patreon?

[@antzieisme]

Getting huge Jen Lindley vibes from this look and loving it!

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Thanks for sharing this Fran. I have a tiny fallowing so I am not yet ready for patroon but god willing I will in the next year or so. I remember your launch in 2016, time does fly. ❤️❤️❤️

[@julie8234]

A very well researched video Fran, thank you.

[@bihtiful]

everytime you say "if you wanna put me in the background it's ok" i can't gurl,,,i can't...i love to see your face and that pink hair and that iconic coat on you!!! *feeling overdose love*💕💖💘💞💗💓💕💖💘💞

[@da-quan]

Love you! can’t wait to preorder today.

[@maddycouch9041]

You give such helpful advice. Thank you. I'm thinking about starting up as an artist professionally again after closing my biz down for a long time. Thanks x

[@Shihab_aldeen]

we love you Fran

[@Pacopacotepaquete]

"sometimes we are desperate", yeah, that's saying it lightly.

[@danielaravenous]

I can´t believe it´s been 5 years already. Cinco años siguiéndote Fran oooooh. Thank you for all the advice. I have joined and leave your Patreon a couple of times mainly because of financial issues. I hope to be able to join again soon.

[@Papeleando]

Fran! ¡Gracias por este video! Hace muy poquito lance mi membresía al mundo(no en patreon) pero funciona como suscripción y me sirvió mucho ver y escuchar tus consejos. Gracias, muy valioso realmente ✨ Un beso enorme desde Argentina y que sigas disfrutando de hacer lo que mas te gusta 🥳

[@JeffreyHayes]

So good - thank you!

[@MargheritaOrsoPletti]

Thank you Fran, really useful tips! I'm about to open my Patreon in a couple of months for my Italian channel!

[@javieralara556]

Al finnnnn 🥰🥰🥰✨🥳🥳

[@MCollingsArt]

super good information! thank you for making this video!

[@gissibelmar]

Que risa fran cuando hablaste de los que se fueron y que no son los mismos que volverán ! Chiquilla eres una querible y adorable!

[@rosan.3971]

Recuerdo cuando en un inicio hacías contenido solo en español y después de un tiempo cambiaste a ingles y explicaste porqué, básicamente una audiencia más grande y funcionó. Es un consejo que creo puede ayudar a creadores en español que sean bilingües. Aunque bueno creo que también depende del contenido. 😅

[@marisela_con_ese]

Fran subió video. Espera, antes de verlo, primero hago mi café.

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

This was great. I'd like to hear your thoughts on discord and twitch in the same way! I am very interested in learning about these new platforms. I am from the generation of BLOGGER ! I used to blog every day and now I'm seeing how Patreon could replace that type of connection. back in my day blogging was where it was at. I enjoyed it. Sometimes there were meanies out there leaving anonymous comments but I think (HOPE) we're all past that now. I could be wrong. I am a maker of many different things... still trying to figure out the best way to share my content. that sounds weird. I have to figure out what the content is first.

[@paradisalpin]

I've been considering Patreon but I have little following online. This is great info. Thank-you!

[@isabeladias1117]

Yaaayy new vid on my birthday 🥰🥰

[@theblastedfrench]

Fran is one of the most likeable people on the internet

[@Starlitskateboards]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful 🤗

[@nathilu]

Gracias por este video, pronto abriré mi patreon y estoy nerviosa porque no sé si la gente se suscribirá, si están muy elevados los precios o si mi contenido vale la pena u_u pero este video me cayó de maravilla jajajaja casi como una señal, así que creo que pensaré mejor las cosas sobre mi patreon y espero me vaya bien!

[@rosavistar]

Fraaaan, algún día me uniré a tu patreon cuando tenga un poco más de plata, i love uuuu tkm :(

[@erreichbarunter3705]

love your attitude

[@jawarablake]

The hardest truth I found last year was people fell off my Patreon because they died from Covid. That was so heart breaking. I love my fans but it was the realest lesson.

[@constanzamaldonado5025]

te quiero mucho fran:3

[@popanddrugssyttt8714]

Fran more vlogs please

[@violamariaart]

this is very helpful, thank you! I hope to start a patreon one day :)

[@monkigear2177]

"algorithm clicking chaos" id buy a t shirt/ tote with that on it! lol

Thank you so much for this video Fran, it came at the perfect time! I've created my patreon page about a year ago, but never really got the courage to launch it ahaha! I'm actually glad I waited because now I notice I was spreading myself too thin with what I wanted to offer as rewards. I'm really hoping to finally take the leap next year and launch it, so all the advice was super useful! Wish you all the best and hope to be able to throw my money at you one day! 🌠🌟

[@MituDjakarian]

Me: * thinking to myself * God, I'd love to open a Patreon account some day. It would be so nice. Oh well, something to start thinking about... But right now, it's late, so I'll just watch a video and then I'll go to sleep. Me: * opens KZbin * This video: 👁️👄👁️ Thank you for the tips, Fran! I think it might be a bit too early for me, but I'll start working on that direction

[@shrimp2417]

Speaking of art supply videos, I recently went to the Hayao Miyazaki exhibit in LA (open till June 2022) and saw that a lot of their paintings were done in poster color. Could you do a review on poster color? They seem to be a medium that does both what gouache and water color can do.

[@MAIS2]

I ate a whole baguette while watching this