Hi, newbie to the channel, here😅 your work is so beautiful and I really enjoyed your video about learning to let go of your mini paintings which are so incredibly beautiful. Anyway, get ready for my overly long comment 😂: I totally understand where you’re coming from when it comes to running a Patreon campaign. Everything you addressed, I felt too! I am also a very empathetic highly sensitive soul, so I really do feel you! I tried Patreon 2 years ago and had 4 lovely patrons, but not all at once😂so I never made more than $5-$15 per month during the entire span of 7 months I was on there desperately trying to grow my campaign. I closed it down. Then a few months ago, I started it again after finding a bit more community on my YT channel (which is quite a bit smaller than yours) I found that there were many folks interested in getting together to draw and create and share ideas and dreams and geek out about art supplies. Patreon has an option to allow free memberships now that they didn’t have the first go round when it flopped for me. Obviously, free members can offer moral support, which is lovely, and then there’s always the chance they may be in financial position to one month donate $5 for my paid tier. And if not, that’s ok, they still come to chat and hangout in the discord server I provided. But it’s actually helped grow my Patreon having people try out a free trial and then sometimes they’re moved to pay $5 even if for only one month. Basically, I have 60+ members, but most are free. I think 15 actually pay to offer support or to get the rewards what I offer is one monthly exclusive draw along video where I pick the references and we draw together video and/or live drawing session. We also do a live self portrait drawing session once a month and those are incredibly special and I cherish them and feel so honored these wonderful art friends want to spend time drawing with me and talking about some very personal things (our self portrait sessions can get pretty deep❤) Its only been a few months and I am no no means able to retire off my Patreon earnings of $68 a month. But the community we have and I get to be a part of is worth its weight in gold. All this to say. I was so scared to try it again after taking a year long break because I didn’t want to feel the failure and despair and burnout of working and feeling obligated to provide extra videos and posts when there was a good chance no one or maybe only 1-2 people would join. I was pleasantly surprised and humbled that I was wrong. So don’t give up on the idea yet, we may not be as popular as Wendy and many other RUclips artists yet, but that’s ok! I remember when I joined Sophie McPike’s Patreon, her channel was about the size of yours. Like Wendy, she is a wonderful example of how to grow and attract your community by being your true authentic self and I think you’d be able to attract a wonderful supportive community too if you feel moved to do so. And it doesn’t have to be Patreon, there’s also Kofi and Substack (I think you’d probably do very well on a platform like Substack, so check it out!)❤
thank you LJ, I really admire Gaynor, and I feel honoured to be one of your favourite artists on YT. Indeed... I'll stay in my lane and keep moving forward. DD x🌼🌻🌺
Denise, firstly, you are such a lovely person and I'm always happy to find a new video waiting here from you.🌞 I am a fairly new follower, maybe a few months now, and I'm so very happy to have found you! Iam also an artist, an HSP, and a fellow Virgo, and always very much relate to and have similar feelings with regards to everything you share. I too used to dream of creating a community around my art, with a You Tube channel, but after observing other artists, for years now, who intimately share their journey, I have concluded it is not for me, for some very simple and practical reasons. Wendy, of The Unexpected Gypsy, has shown me alot of what it takes to have a successful YT offering. I have followed her for many years now, and the one and very important thing that I see that she has, (as well as other artists that I follow).... is help! They all have either a husband that is an integral part of the business part of their YT presence, or they have an assistant that they hire. Whether it's editing, camera work, or taking care of printing and mailing items, plus a myriad of other unseen business tasks, I've concluded that it is a very time consuming effort to consistently give your audience a weekly video. As well, it's easy to see, how the act of creating, then gets squeezed, and easily diminished with all the time needed to run ones business. As for the patreon part of it with all of its different tiers, I totally related to your concerns. The perceived "unfairness" of it and the time it would take to keep up with different videos and content for each level makes my head spin!🤯 And from my perspective, as a "follower", because I truly love and faithfully follow a fair number of artists, at even the smallest half-a-cup-of-coffee level, I could not afford to be a patron to all of them. And would find it hard to choose just one of them. I will also admit, I do feel a sense of being "left out" when artists I've followed and commented on, and liked for years, talk about their patreons, and the club I am not a part of.☹ In conclusion, I really appreciate your vulnerability Denise and willingness to share your thoughts and art journey, and that you encourage your viewers to give you feedback. To answer your question of what would I like to see more of on your YT channel....as an artist myself, I find that I get inspiration from watching other artists processes. It can be something as simple as a color laid down first, on the white substrate, before anything else, to a particular medium that creates a certain effect. As a mixed media artist, my interests vary from day to day, therefore I love it when an artist shares the type of paint, crayons, paper etc they prefer to use and actually demonstrates the way the products perform. Sandi Hester on YT, comes to mind. She has more products than an art supply store here on the small island I live on,😅 and is always sharing how each item responds. Her in depth sharing helps me immensely to make wise purchasing decisions. I also love the personal stories that are shared, as it feels like meeting with an old friend. After many hours of time watching my favorite artists, I feel a sense of comfort in knowing I can count on a regular get-together with them. I always look forward to having my "cuppa" with Wendy (The Unexpected Gypsy) each Sunday, and find these small connections help with my overall well-being. I truly wish you the very best Denise, as you move forward with your YT channel. I always find you so pleasant to listen to and I love seeing your creations. Take care now, with warmest aloha and A Hui Hou (until we meet again). Sheree, from Maui🌺🌈🙋♀️
Ahh, Sheree, This is a very generous sharing of your thoughts and resonance, thank you so much. You're spot on... I feel like making Sandi Hester my 'virtual' mentor is my current north star, (second only to following my own intuition and guidance as that flows in also) I get SO much from her content and it was via watching her vids, and hearing her on a couple of podcasts that helped me decide to do this in the first place. I love that idea of having a cuppa with your fave RUclipsrs... TOTALY relate to THAT haha. I'll take note and mention the materials I'm using.. and eventually have links for them. Thanks again for your support and connection, love Denise x
Hi Denise, I follow you channel and I like the way you look at your work and share with us. As an artist I appreciate you doing this for us. But… I was an art teacher and that took ALL my time! I didn’t have time to paint because I had always to prepare myself and share the best I can with the students. For your Patreon, we start to know you and I think with your sensitivity this work will take all your time and you won’t have time to paint for yourself. It’s a BIG job! My hope is that you will continue to share yours reflexions with us! Your channel is really super and with this tool you will develop your community. My daughter lives now in Sydney and we suppose to go back next year, maybe I will have the chance to meet you. From Montreal.
Hi Lucie, Thanks so very much for your kindness, understanding, encouragement and support. I believe you are right... and time is precious when we're artists', and the last place I want to create from is a resentment, overwhelm and burnout... which I think can happen when we over commit for little remuneration. Oh, please do reach out if you're coming to Sydney, at the very least we could meet for a cafe cuppa and sketch!! love Denise
Hi Denise, I love watching your process and admire your authenticity. You have to do what feels good for you ☺️… either way we all enjoy watching your creative journey xx
I know what you mean. I think it can put pressure on yourself if, like me, you can be sensitive and have to deal with ups and downs. There are times you need me time and either a break or to put less pressure on yourself. Time may change. Obviously, workshops using youtube with video links set to unlisted can provide one offs for when you want, and provide the close community feel too. On another channel I have I was going to regularly do videos every week, etc, but I just do them when I feel I have something to offer (gardening) youtube can turn artists away from doing the art they love, if you don't keep on top of it. Art is the thing, not youtube, youtube is a tool like a brush that can be used within the process. All the best, John
Hi John, Thanks so much for your kindness, understanding and thoughts here. You're right on, I'll keep going with the art first... youtube as a byproduct. ... and yes... workshops and things can come in good time. warmest wishes to you, Denise
Hi Stacey, thanks for visiting and taking the time to let me know, so good to hear your enjoyed it. warmest wishes to you... and yes indeed... I'll keep at it. DD x
It’s been great to hear your perspective as you have processed whether Patreon is worthwhile right now. I’d like to have a paid membership but my health gets in the way of being able to show up which is the real reason why I haven’t done it. Another person on Patreon who does well like the unexpected gypsy, is Louise De Masi who is also an Australian artist in watercolour..she has a massive patreon and it’s great to see an Australian Artist doing well even more than some other artists I follow who are popular here! Thanks for sharing.. you have a wonderful energy about you 😊💚 ps: online courses as you suggested could be a good idea..also kofi is another platform very similar to patreon but it’s owned by an UK company.
Kia Ora @modalcreative, thanks for your lovely, thoughtful message I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. (I'm a kiwi too... you probably already picked up the accent a wee bit somewhere along the line in my vids hehe) Yes... a paid membership 'seems' to make so much sense doesn't it... but when the whole world is like 'netflix' with rent due monthly... it's tricky to gather the ones who are meant to find you... but... thanks to places like here on YT... it is happening. Obviously its a looooong game... and thankfully... I think I'm signed up for a life long membership to my own creative heart... so that's something. Take care of yourself... health stuff is a real challenge, I hear you. xx Denise
@@DeniseDaffara Kia Ora fellow Kiwi 🫶🏼😊 I am usually so good at picking up NZ accents too.. I must be losing my touch after 11 years in Oz 😆Thanks so much for your response Denise 🤎
I can understand your decision as it would be a lot of work with no real guarantee of a financial benefit to you. It could well be the Tea Party ideas could form your next body of work. xx
Hi Rossie, thanks for your understanding, I appreciate it. Also... yes.. I love that the Tea ideas will always be part of my work/life regardless. I can absolutely still go on and make the collection of small works too. bless, D xx
I think your vibe is very much like the unexpected gypsy. I also follow her. As a thought, to move your channel along consider advertising your channel via Google for a few weeks. Yes it will cost some money but could give your channel a shot of adrenaline. Should your channel grow after advertising, you'll know you're onto something. To learn how to advertise a RUclips channel go ask a free AI, like chatgpt. Onward!!!
wow Linda! Thank you so much for this, I really appreciate what you've suggested and especially the tip on 'how' because I'd have been a bit 'deer in headlights' otherwise lol. Thanks a million... and I also LOVE that term, 'Onward!!!' it feels like progress IS being made however minuscule it may look to a measuring device. haha, Denise x
Hi, newbie to the channel, here😅 your work is so beautiful and I really enjoyed your video about learning to let go of your mini paintings which are so incredibly beautiful.
Anyway, get ready for my overly long comment 😂:
I totally understand where you’re coming from when it comes to running a Patreon campaign. Everything you addressed, I felt too! I am also a very empathetic highly sensitive soul, so I really do feel you!
I tried Patreon 2 years ago and had 4 lovely patrons, but not all at once😂so I never made more than $5-$15 per month during the entire span of 7 months I was on there desperately trying to grow my campaign. I closed it down. Then a few months ago, I started it again after finding a bit more community on my YT channel (which is quite a bit smaller than yours) I found that there were many folks interested in getting together to draw and create and share ideas and dreams and geek out about art supplies. Patreon has an option to allow free memberships now that they didn’t have the first go round when it flopped for me. Obviously, free members can offer moral support, which is lovely, and then there’s always the chance they may be in financial position to one month donate $5 for my paid tier. And if not, that’s ok, they still come to chat and hangout in the discord server I provided. But it’s actually helped grow my Patreon having people try out a free trial and then sometimes they’re moved to pay $5 even if for only one month. Basically, I have 60+ members, but most are free. I think 15 actually pay to offer support or to get the rewards what I offer is one monthly exclusive draw along video where I pick the references and we draw together video and/or live drawing session. We also do a live self portrait drawing session once a month and those are incredibly special and I cherish them and feel so honored these wonderful art friends want to spend time drawing with me and talking about some very personal things (our self portrait sessions can get pretty deep❤) Its only been a few months and I am no no means able to retire off my Patreon earnings of $68 a month.
But the community we have and I get to be a part of is worth its weight in gold.
All this to say. I was so scared to try it again after taking a year long break because I didn’t want to feel the failure and despair and burnout of working and feeling obligated to provide extra videos and posts when there was a good chance no one or maybe only 1-2 people would join. I was pleasantly surprised and humbled that I was wrong. So don’t give up on the idea yet, we may not be as popular as Wendy and many other RUclips artists yet, but that’s ok! I remember when I joined Sophie McPike’s Patreon, her channel was about the size of yours. Like Wendy, she is a wonderful example of how to grow and attract your community by being your true authentic self and I think you’d be able to attract a wonderful supportive community too if you feel moved to do so. And it doesn’t have to be Patreon, there’s also Kofi and Substack (I think you’d probably do very well on a platform like Substack, so check it out!)❤
You and Gaynor are my two favorite artists to watch on RUclips. I enjoy watching your art process! Don’t diminish what you do best.
thank you LJ,
I really admire Gaynor, and I feel honoured to be one of your favourite artists on YT. Indeed... I'll stay in my lane and keep moving forward. DD x🌼🌻🌺
Denise, firstly, you are such a lovely person and I'm always happy to find a new video waiting here from you.🌞 I am a fairly new follower, maybe a few months now, and I'm so very happy to have found you! Iam also an artist, an HSP, and a fellow Virgo, and always very much relate to and have similar feelings with regards to everything you share. I too used to dream of creating a community around my art, with a You Tube channel, but after observing other artists, for years now, who intimately share their journey, I have concluded it is not for me, for some very simple and practical reasons. Wendy, of The Unexpected Gypsy, has shown me alot of what it takes to have a successful YT offering. I have followed her for many years now, and the one and very important thing that I see that she has, (as well as other artists that I follow).... is help! They all have either a husband that is an integral part of the business part of their YT presence, or they have an assistant that they hire. Whether it's editing, camera work, or taking care of printing and mailing items, plus a myriad of other unseen business tasks, I've concluded that it is a very time consuming effort to consistently give your audience a weekly video. As well, it's easy to see, how the act of creating, then gets squeezed, and easily diminished with all the time needed to run ones business. As for the patreon part of it with all of its different tiers, I totally related to your concerns. The perceived "unfairness" of it and the time it would take to keep up with different videos and content for each level makes my head spin!🤯 And from my perspective, as a "follower", because I truly love and faithfully follow a fair number of artists, at even the smallest half-a-cup-of-coffee level, I could not afford to be a patron to all of them. And would find it hard to choose just one of them. I will also admit, I do feel a sense of being "left out" when artists I've followed and commented on, and liked for years, talk about their patreons, and the club I am not a part of.☹ In conclusion, I really appreciate your vulnerability Denise and willingness to share your thoughts and art journey, and that you encourage your viewers to give you feedback. To answer your question of what would I like to see more of on your YT channel....as an artist myself, I find that I get inspiration from watching other artists processes. It can be something as simple as a color laid down first, on the white substrate, before anything else, to a particular medium that creates a certain effect. As a mixed media artist, my interests vary from day to day, therefore I love it when an artist shares the type of paint, crayons, paper etc they prefer to use and actually demonstrates the way the products perform. Sandi Hester on YT, comes to mind. She has more products than an art supply store here on the small island I live on,😅 and is always sharing how each item responds. Her in depth sharing helps me immensely to make wise purchasing decisions. I also love the personal stories that are shared, as it feels like meeting with an old friend. After many hours of time watching my favorite artists, I feel a sense of comfort in knowing I can count on a regular get-together with them. I always look forward to having my "cuppa" with Wendy (The Unexpected Gypsy) each Sunday, and find these small connections help with my overall well-being. I truly wish you the very best Denise, as you move forward with your YT channel. I always find you so pleasant to listen to and I love seeing your creations. Take care now, with warmest aloha and A Hui Hou (until we meet again). Sheree, from Maui🌺🌈🙋♀️
Ahh, Sheree,
This is a very generous sharing of your thoughts and resonance, thank you so much. You're spot on... I feel like making Sandi Hester my 'virtual' mentor is my current north star, (second only to following my own intuition and guidance as that flows in also) I get SO much from her content and it was via watching her vids, and hearing her on a couple of podcasts that helped me decide to do this in the first place.
I love that idea of having a cuppa with your fave RUclipsrs... TOTALY relate to THAT haha.
I'll take note and mention the materials I'm using.. and eventually have links for them.
Thanks again for your support and connection,
love Denise x
Dear Denise, I love watching you paint and share your process. Keep life simple, you're a gem. X
Awww Jane, bless!
Thanks so much for this little bundle of sweetness, it means a lot.
YES to keeping life simple, that is pure wisdom. love Denise x
Hi Denise,
I follow you channel and I like the way you look at your work and share with us. As an artist I appreciate you doing this for us.
But… I was an art teacher and that took ALL my time! I didn’t have time to paint because I had always to prepare myself and share the best I can with the students. For your Patreon, we start to know you and I think with your sensitivity this work will take all your time and you won’t have time to paint for yourself. It’s a BIG job! My hope is that you will continue to share yours reflexions with us! Your channel is really super and with this tool you will develop your community.
My daughter lives now in Sydney and we suppose to go back next year, maybe I will have the chance to meet you.
From Montreal.
Hi Lucie,
Thanks so very much for your kindness, understanding, encouragement and support.
I believe you are right... and time is precious when we're artists', and the last place I want to create from is a resentment, overwhelm and burnout... which I think can happen when we over commit for little remuneration.
Oh, please do reach out if you're coming to Sydney, at the very least we could meet for a cafe cuppa and sketch!!
love Denise
Hi Denise, I love watching your process and admire your authenticity. You have to do what feels good for you ☺️… either way we all enjoy watching your creative journey xx
Hi Jeanine,
Thank you so much Lovely, I appreciate your sweet comment and will tuck it into my heart for safe keeping. Onward we go. xx
I know what you mean. I think it can put pressure on yourself if, like me, you can be sensitive and have to deal with ups and downs. There are times you need me time and either a break or to put less pressure on yourself. Time may change. Obviously, workshops using youtube with video links set to unlisted can provide one offs for when you want, and provide the close community feel too. On another channel I have I was going to regularly do videos every week, etc, but I just do them when I feel I have something to offer (gardening) youtube can turn artists away from doing the art they love, if you don't keep on top of it. Art is the thing, not youtube, youtube is a tool like a brush that can be used within the process. All the best, John
Hi John,
Thanks so much for your kindness, understanding and thoughts here. You're right on, I'll keep going with the art first... youtube as a byproduct. ... and yes... workshops and things can come in good time.
warmest wishes to you,
Denise
Your videos popped up today and I really enjoyed it! Please continue what you’re doing.
Hi Stacey,
thanks for visiting and taking the time to let me know, so good to hear your enjoyed it.
warmest wishes to you... and yes indeed... I'll keep at it. DD x
It’s been great to hear your perspective as you have processed whether Patreon is worthwhile right now. I’d like to have a paid membership but my health gets in the way of being able to show up which is the real reason why I haven’t done it. Another person on Patreon who does well like the unexpected gypsy, is Louise De Masi who is also an Australian artist in watercolour..she has a massive patreon and it’s great to see an Australian Artist doing well even more than some other artists I follow who are popular here! Thanks for sharing.. you have a wonderful energy about you 😊💚 ps: online courses as you suggested could be a good idea..also kofi is another platform very similar to patreon but it’s owned by an UK company.
Kia Ora @modalcreative, thanks for your lovely, thoughtful message I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. (I'm a kiwi too... you probably already picked up the accent a wee bit somewhere along the line in my vids hehe) Yes... a paid membership 'seems' to make so much sense doesn't it... but when the whole world is like 'netflix' with rent due monthly... it's tricky to gather the ones who are meant to find you... but... thanks to places like here on YT... it is happening. Obviously its a looooong game... and thankfully... I think I'm signed up for a life long membership to my own creative heart... so that's something. Take care of yourself... health stuff is a real challenge, I hear you. xx Denise
@@DeniseDaffara Kia Ora fellow Kiwi 🫶🏼😊 I am usually so good at picking up NZ accents too.. I must be losing my touch after 11 years in Oz 😆Thanks so much for your response Denise 🤎
I can understand your decision as it would be a lot of work with no real guarantee of a financial benefit to you. It could well be the Tea Party ideas could form your next body of work. xx
Hi Rossie,
thanks for your understanding, I appreciate it. Also... yes.. I love that the Tea ideas will always be part of my work/life regardless. I can absolutely still go on and make the collection of small works too. bless, D xx
Your obsession is a turnoff to me. I feel like I will be pushed out of your community of followers
I think your vibe is very much like the unexpected gypsy. I also follow her. As a thought, to move your channel along consider advertising your channel via Google for a few weeks. Yes it will cost some money but could give your channel a shot of adrenaline. Should your channel grow after advertising, you'll know you're onto something. To learn how to advertise a RUclips channel go ask a free AI, like chatgpt. Onward!!!
wow Linda!
Thank you so much for this, I really appreciate what you've suggested and especially the tip on 'how' because I'd have been a bit 'deer in headlights' otherwise lol. Thanks a million... and I also LOVE that term, 'Onward!!!' it feels like progress IS being made however minuscule it may look to a measuring device. haha, Denise x