Patreon for Artists: How to Start and What to Offer

I’ve had a complicated relationship with Patreon. At first, it felt like the perfect platform for an artist like me who wanted to share work consistently and connect with a dedicated community. But once I got into it, I realized it wasn’t as plug-and-play as some people made it seem. If you’re wondering how Patreon for artists actually works—what it takes to start one, what to offer, and whether it’s worth your time—here’s everything I’ve learned, including what I’d do differently if I were starting today.

What is Patreon for Artists?

Patreon is a membership platform where your audience can support you monthly in exchange for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, physical goods, or early previews. It essentially flips the model from selling individual products to cultivating long-term patronage. Think of it as a modern version of having a group of patrons—except they might be scattered across the world instead of one wealthy collector.

I’ve seen artists use Patreon in all kinds of ways: to fund a graphic novel, to teach private tutorials, to share exclusive sketchbook pages, or to ship out zines and postcards monthly. It’s flexible, but it also demands consistency.

When I first joined, I had no idea how much work it would be to maintain momentum. I launched with excitement but didn’t have a long-term plan, and that made it hard to keep going. If you're just starting out, you’ll want to go in with a clear idea of your capacity and how you already like to share your work.

Key Points

• Start small and grow from there—don't overpromise from day one.
• Offer rewards that are fun for you to create, not just what you think others want.
• Build your audience before launching, or be ready for a slow burn.

How to Start a Patreon as an Artist

When I launched my first Patreon, I made the mistake of diving in without warming up my audience. I had a few loyal fans, but I hadn’t really prepped them with previews or asked what they’d want to see.

Here’s what I recommend now:

1. Warm up your audience

Start mentioning your plans a few weeks before launching. Share your thoughts, mockups, or polls about what you'd offer. I did a quick Instagram Story poll asking, “Would you support a behind-the-scenes sketchbook club?” and the responses helped me define my first tier.

2. Keep your tiers simple at first

I know it’s tempting to launch with multiple reward levels, but trust me—it’s better to start with one or two. My first version had a $3 tier (supporters-only posts and behind-the-scenes updates) and a $7 tier (sketchbook scans and downloads). That was plenty to manage while I got a feel for the rhythm.

3. Plan your first 2–3 months of content ahead of time

This is huge. When I skipped this step, I ended up scrambling to post something decent, which led to burnout. Now, I always make a content calendar. I use a basic spreadsheet and jot down dates for each post, video, or reward. I even pre-schedule some posts in Patreon’s editor to give myself breathing room.

4. Make your Patreon page feel intentional

Use a friendly photo of yourself, write a clear About section in your own voice, and include examples of what patrons can expect. If you don’t have any rewards yet, you can still show past artwork or post a short video intro. People connect more when it feels human and honest.

What to Offer on Your Patreon as an Artist

This part can either make your Patreon thrive—or wear you out. I tried offering a little bit of everything: process videos, downloads, zines, blog posts. It felt exciting at first but became a lot to maintain.

Now I focus on what I already do: scanning sketchbook pages, writing journal-style reflections, and offering a monthly printable. These fit into my existing workflow so they don’t feel like extra work.

Ask yourself:

• What do I already enjoy making?
• What do my followers respond well to?
• Can I commit to this monthly?

Reward ideas that work well for visual artists:

• Process videos – These can be quick, casual recordings done with your phone or webcam. I often just record myself sketching with a bit of narration and people love seeing the raw process.
• Sketchbook flip-throughs or scans – I scan pages from my sketchbook, write a few notes or captions, and share them as PDFs. It feels intimate and doesn’t require perfection.
• Printable coloring pages or mini-zines – If you like to doodle or make line art, this is a great way to turn your drawings into downloadable rewards that feel fun and interactive.
• Monthly desktop wallpaper – I turn one recent artwork into a wallpaper-sized image and format it for various screen sizes. It’s low-effort and highly appreciated.
• Studio notes or blog-style updates – I treat these like journal entries. A short reflection, progress update, or thoughts on a current project. Great for connecting beyond just the artwork.
• Discount codes for prints or original art – Easy to set up and feels like a real perk for supporters who want to collect your work.
• A live Q&A or feedback session once a month – I use Zoom or Instagram Live to answer questions, talk about tools I’m using, or give feedback if patrons want to share their own work.

I’ve found that consistent, lightweight rewards work better than over-the-top ones. People usually sign up to support you, not because they expect tons of content.

Examples of Successful Artists on Patreon

Looking at what others are doing helped me figure out what felt possible. One of my longtime inspirations is Frannerd. She built her Patreon around sketchbook pages, comics about creative life, and studio updates. It’s intimate, consistent, and full of personality.

Here are a few others I’ve followed:

• Loish – shares high-res files, process breakdowns, and tutorials. Her branding is tight, and she balances personal updates with valuable resources.
• Audra Auclair – offers digital goods, studio vlogs, and reflections on the artistic process.
• Kiri Østergaard Leonard – sends monthly postcards and shares in-depth studio updates. Her Patreon feels like an ongoing art journal.

Every one of these artists built their Patreon around something they were already doing. That’s what makes it sustainable.

Should You Use Patreon or Something Else?

Over time, I realized I wanted more control over the look, feel, and experience of my creative offerings. Patreon is great for starting out, but I ended up shifting to my own website and newsletter. That said, I wouldn’t have built that confidence without first experimenting on Patreon.

If you're thinking long-term, I’d recommend growing your email list alongside your Patreon so you’re not relying too heavily on one platform. I talk more about that in this post on selling art online.