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Was it something I said? by loucathwil
Hey there,
Just curious, was wondering how to get some more feedback from my watchers - I've asked a couple of important questions in regards to my art dolls work, and generally providing things folks would like to purchase from me:
I've already posted journals and tweets etc. asking for suggestions on what to offer if/when I set up a patreon. I have loads of awesome ideas for art dolls that I want to pursue:
Centaurs
Quad/feral characters
Raptors/Birds/Wyverns
Dragons
Mixed media - Zips on mouth and body, (functioning) Clock faces, Astronauts (plastic bauble for helmet) etc.
But I can't justify working on these without a steady income. I'm unemployed at the moment and am having to put aside crafting time to job hunt.
Please, I'm guessing you guys dig my work or you wouldn't be faving it or leaving such kind comments! Please give me some advice and suggestions on what I can do to make my patreon happen, and what to offer to keep donators happy.
I've already gotten some great advice from the patreon Help desk, but it would mean a lot to hear it from you guys
Was it something I said?
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Comments
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Thank you for responding :) it means a lot
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I love the ideas...but know little about Paetron...so it's hard to give any kind of valuable advice. I love the work but hard to guide in territory I understand little about. In the idea bin I would also love to see you attempt some hungry plush toys that have mouths and guts to stuff things in for safe keeping. I'm also thinking somehow mixing functionality with your work to give patrons more justification to take action as a value added in a competitive atmosphere
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Hey there,
I LOVE the idea of Mouths to hold things! (I had a lot of fun doing that for Lagomans Ball gown mimic https://www.weasyl.com/submission/765137/lagomans-mimi-hee-ha-haa ) :D I also really enjoy making functional things :D so perhaps creating dolls with a use such as holding or securing would boost purchases, especially if I keep them articulated and bespoke/custom/based on peoples OCs.
This has been very helpful, thank you! I think part of the Patreon dilema is my lack of confidence and struggle with consistent updates.
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No worries I am always happy to brain storm with folks.. All artist, for the rest of time will have the dilemma of making work and selling work and the balance of time managing those times. Their has to be an easier way than Partron. This may be the grey muzzle curmudgeon in me, but my train of though goes...".but I don't have a Paetron. Why have another website log in and password to go through when I can work with you directly? So the artist gets the majority of the profit. Oh well" idea: Have you thought about etsy at all? More craft than art, but putting a small sample out to test may be an idea to explore for new audience and customer exposure?. I would also pull together a nice stand alone site you manage directly where people wanting custom work can see your work and interact with you easily
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Hey there,
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you, I've been reading up on some of the things we've been talking about
I've been looking up peoples concerns about patreon, and I agree with you on the frustration of yet another website to sign up with. Also, as well as the carrot incentive of exclusive perks for patrons, seems to also come with the concern of artists using the 'stick' of withholding of work unless funding goals are reached. Do you think maybe I would be better off accepting tips? setting up a paypal link, so if folks feel like it they can donate? That way, I can keep uploading, and watchers can enjoy it pressure-free
As for Etsy, I've had an account on there for a good couple of years, but confess I only use it as a customer. I need to overcome the fear of posting my work on there for sale and getting no interest. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LouCathWil
As for the website? Maybe you're right, I've been putting it off for a while, I can finally put my WordPress Bookazine to good use lol. If I started posting rough concept sketches for doll ideas, would you as a watcher be interested in seeing that?
Thanks again for all your thoughts,
best wishes
Louise
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Personal preference for me is,I think it's always good to hang the tip jar out in live streams and when your working live. Like say you were a musician. But if your not giving a direct service I prefer not to just let it sit there ( can't look too desperate :D
For the etsy.. Put that fear in check and think of it like a calculating scientist. Use it for research. I think it would provide you a great test market. I would recommend putting out a dozen items (and think about multiple price points.) you will learn what and for what price sells best and you will know more about your audience. Also, someone that starts with purchaseing a small piece may become a fan and choose to establish a customer relationship with you perhaps purchasing a larger piece or engage with you about a custom piece. That's where etsy can serve you as a feeder and when that kind soul wants something custom you can point them to your site and start a positive conversation.
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Hi there! I've kept your comment bookmarked as I can finally reply to it :)
I've put HALF a dozens things up on etsy - I haven't done differently priced things - but they are a lower price than the custom work that I usually offer. See I'll see how that goes:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LouCathWil?section_id=19631391
As for live streaming? I've thought about it, but I am terrified of getting my sewing patterns stolen, and I fear that while streaming myself working, my patterns would indeed be on display. I probably am overreacting, but I also need to look into how I can protect my sewing patterns (not sure if the whole 'post it to myself to protect it' thing would work with sewing patterns)
Again, thank you so much for the input, I do appreciate it.
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Hi I wanted to pop up and say I really like that idea. I'd be up for buying a doll that had multiple use like that at some point in the future.
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Hello there :)
Sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you, and thank you very much for the watch!
I'm glad you also like the idea of a multiple use plush, a while back I made an Art Doll for a friend that had a working clock as a face.
https://www.weasyl.com/submission/878291/tim-tock-8
Would this be something that would interest you?
If I started posting rough concept sketches for doll ideas, would you as a watcher be interested in seeing that?
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I'd love to see concepts and a working clock face is rather unique and interesting.
I'd love to see more of your ideas as well to see what you come up with.
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Hi there! I've kept this message bookmarked so I can reply to it when I'm ready.
And you know what - I will start uploading rough concepts - I'm worried people will be put off by the roughness? but it will give me more regular stuff to upload.
Kicking myself for not coming back to read you comment sooner!
Thanks again for the input; it really helps me out!
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I'm glad to be of help and I like seeing rough stuff. It's inspiring and interesting to see how people start off with their work.
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For patreon perhaps a patreon only raffle for some sort of doll. Free tutorials for patreon pledgers. Steady updates and WIPs. I don't use Patreon much but i've seen this sort of thing done before.
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Hi,
Im afraid Patreon doesn't allow raffles. Instead of having watchers sign up to patreon to show support, do you think maybe I would be better off just accepting tips? setting up a paypal link, so if folks feel like it they can donate? That way, I can keep uploading, and watchers can enjoy it pressure-free
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Link
Silent-Hunter
I'm not sure what to suggest, I think your dolls are great and fairly priced.