i heard from 'she meets city' here on youtube that about 1% of your audience will be willing to support you on patreon, if that helps anyone! but also imo, if you want to, just do it. i made mine before they were gonna change the fees and just said "I have this now" to my fb page with under 100 likes, and to my surprise a couple people actually pledged and i was like "oh shit" haha. its been growing slowly since, sometimes i dont know why someone pledges, recently i did an offer and that definitely helped. really though, the worst that can happen is that nothing happens, and you dont lose anything. maybe a bit of ego, but you survive that, its fine. but you might be surprised at who wants to support you! anyway thats my pep talk. thank you have a nice day

This might be silly, but it was very comforting hearing that another artist doesn't have artist-friends to turn to for critique and such ;__;

u r my secret friend :-*

Is anyone also a subscriber since the old yet amazing 'HEY ITS ME LEIGH' era ? 😌✨💙

Leigh, this was soooo helpful! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾 I absolutely ADORE my patrons! I'm still blown away that people pay me to do what I love 🥰 I cried when my 1st patron signed up, now I have 77 making $800/month. I can definitely relate to you Leigh when you felt "set for life" with $200🙌🏾 That's exactly how I felt 💕 I would encourage an artist who is consistent and passionate about growing an intimate community to start a Patreon. You made it clear that it takes work, just like everything in life worth having 🤗 What's help me is keeping it limited to only 3 tiers and only the highest tier gets physical perks. Hope that helps, creators 💕

okay your shirt, background, and literally everything about this video is so ✨aesthetically pleasing✨

Watching this video now and discovering that Leigh's patrons have doubled and her income is almost $14k/month on Patreon is :O mind blowing!! you're killing it, Leigh!!!

For me it's been a great way to connect with my audience. Secret internet buds are great :D. You are such an inspiration to me, thanks for being so candid!

For someone who is struggling with Patreon quite a bit, this was really helpful!

Thanks so much for making this video and being so transparent! I feel especially comforted that you don't have a strict posting schedule on Patreon cause that's the way I personally work/function as well and I worried that it was too chaotic to be sustainable :P

I love the straight up honest answer when asked if starting a patreon when following is small is worth it. Love the way you talk, too bad you aren't a talkative person! I get a feel of fun, sarcasm, and like we've been friends for awhile listening to you lol. can't wait for the next video!!! [you are the first person i've ever hit the notification button for!]

I am glad I am not the only one be-friending youtubers. cause you know, we're pals Leigh!!

This was such a helpful video!! I’ve thought about Patreon a few times, but this is probably the first time I’ve seriously considered it because of how thoroughly you covered all the key aspects and spoke very honestly about the reality of providing subscription service to supporters both positive and negative - Love your work Leigh! Thank you for taking the time to prepare this quality content (as per usual) - it’s all consistently useful stuff!! Thank you again!!

america is a continent and the us is the country. so it actually makes sense for wikipedia to write it like that. :)

Leigh looks like if Keira Knightley and Blake Lively had a baby haha

No creepo, but you're my friend in my head and we talk art all the time😉 Seriously though, if you wanna talk art we can, or anime, whatever😊

Leigh! I've been super curious to see how Patreon has been for you since a lot of your vlogs are about Patreon! Thanks for being so transparent! Also, I was super excited when you mentioned your goal was to try to put out a video every week this month! I'm here for it! 🙌🏻 When you mentioned your costs of running Patreon, I was wondering how you pay sales tax in the US or VAT tax when shipping internationally? How does that work with Patreon and your shop? Would love to hear your perspective and logistics of running your own art shop too. Thanks! 😊

lmao just that "dude, im hooked for life" bit got me hooked on your content for life

your editing so so good and I can tell you spend so much time on all of your videos 🥺

I am the biggest fan of you and your art! I am so over the moon that you are thinking of posting more frequently! I love your new studio, and honestly, I kinda like the unpainted wall, it looks like retro, and rustic. But whatever you do to your studio, I know I will absolutely love it! I am so excited to watch another one of your lovely videos. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁 :-)

omg i clicked on your profile and PRAYED for another video and this popped up. the lord is good. gonna paint and watch this

not an artist, probably never going to have a reason to start a patreon, but when Secret Friend uploads, i must watch

Leigh is my secret art teacher and I thank A WHOLE DAMN LOT for all i've learned from her. Since learning to be more self confident to exploring art composition. Now I have a lot of art commissions and a shop so I can FINALLY afford being her patreon :-D

‘I was like, dude, I’m hooked for life!’ Made me lol!!!!!

Detailed analysis for those thinking of starting a Patreon. Thank you!

I’ve been flying through all your old content and I love that you said you’ll never make a podcast, but now have a podcast haha. Super inspirational to see your growth through the years. Love your content. Subscribed to your patreon for March. Thanks for being a wealth of knowledge for all us artists out here.

This is was so helpful! 😍 as a small art KZfaqr I was always confused on how it works but you motivated me to keep learning and trying ❤️ I’m also really happy that I’m so close to 2k subs too! 😱

This was so freakin helpful, thank you SO much. you sharing your experience of how you don't have all the answers while telling us what works for you... just gave me a breath of fresh air and encouragement. SUBSCRIBED, keep being great!

What a GREAT video. Thank you so much! What I really really appreciate is that you're sharing all of this in a normal human kind of way? Like, I'm not watching you thinking "you're some kind of super organised robot and I could never achieve stuff like that", which is a vibe I sometimes get from creators (like, as if they're just little machines chugging away, always inspired, always productive, and even their to do lists look so neat and cute and URGH I love it but I also hate it you know?!)

Love when you sit down and do these more "formal" videos! It's really cool to hear about your side of the industry.

This was honestly amazing! I've been on a struggle bus with how I would make my art and patreon all work together and this video helped A FUCK TON! Really appreciate your personality and transparency! Really iconic of you.

The falling lights gave me great joy- not saying I like to see your stuff fall apart, I'm just amused by chaos

Your color grading is so rich and warm

WOW thanks for all the info & for being so transparent, it’s really appreciated!! I never even considered starting a patreon bc I felt like I was nowhere near that yet, but you definitely gave me a lot of insight & hope that I makes it seems not so far away after all. Don’t know til you try anyways, right?! P.S. “lightning fire round” cracked me up!

Thanks for this vid Leigh! It's literally best info 10/10 taking notes

Leigh!! Thank you so much for this!! I’m about to start my patreon and this was sooo helpful! Also I love how you talked about being friends with the creator. I’m also a fellow KZfaqr and creator- I hope we can be friends too!!

leigh, i genuinely think you’re one of my favorite creators out there. i love your work and your energy, and i also love your honesty and your values !!! you really inspire me, and as an college art student who has got to start thinking about putting my foot in the door of the art world more firmly, this was really helpful and needed, so thank you :-)

Oh my, this was just the video I always wished someone I follow and admire would post, someone who has had Patreon for a while and collected some experiences! Thank you so much for making this content available to all of us so generously! :D I feel like people don't really talk about it in detail, which is understandable in a way, because it is quite a private thing how much you make and spend on stuff monthly/yearly.... but it really helps other artists like me out there, who are just at the beginning, to get an idea of everything! Thank you so much for all the information in this video and talking so much for our benefit, even though you mentioned its not your thing - did a pretty great job at it anyway, Leigh! *hehe* And now I know that I shall start a KZfaq channel before I ever start a Patreon and gain a following there - can't wait to get started. I had a Channel before, but not an art channel, so whenever I'm finished with my (art) bachelor's degree this is gonna be the next exciting project for me! 8D

Thanks, Leigh. I've been watching you for over a year.. You are one of the most original artists on KZfaq. I just turned 56 this week. .I have been creating art for 50 years. I have a KZfaq channel, and Patreon, but haven't promoted them well. This really helps, and validates what I suspected, KZfaq helps Patreon. Thanks for sharing yourself, I know it is uncomfortable for you, but very enjoyable for your fans, followers, and friends. :)

Setting up coaching sessions and live group video sessions on Patreon. Absolutely crushed my soul and popped by bubble when you said I don’t do those exact things all grumbly haha 😂.

All of this was so so helpful. I’m considering diving more into my art to try and earn money while in college and this was a really thorough overview of the investment/return of a Patreon. Thank you!!

Leigh you're hilarious! Absolutely Love your personality. I can watch you all day!

This was so so helpful and made my little thought of starting a Patreon blossom into an exciting plan! You're also really casually comedic & we love that.

I really appreciate you mentioning that you changed your tiers a few times. I always get nervous when I change my tiers and I wonder if I'm damaging whatever few Patrons I already have. Thank you!

I watched your KZfaq for a while and I was always a little jealous of your patrons. Until one day I realised... I could be a patron! It’s been incredible xx

I feel like I wished upon a lil' star angel and discovered you! Thank you for your uplifting, smart and sassy ways of building a business! But most importantly, being authentic! So Kawaii! And it's very refreshing to see an artist being so generous on this level. Wonderful information. Bless your cotton eco-friendly socks! I'm gonna start a Patreon account now. :D Thank you!

This is The first video of yours that I have seen, and I had to pause it when you said you were sweating because I was dying and laughter. Barely seen 8 minutes of your video and I'm already in love with your content 😭💯💯

Thank You Leigh. It's comforting to hear that your Patreons are nice people and aren't expecting a certain amount of content or type and tell you to rest more. That they just want to support you. Very encouraging for the per month subscription model rather than the per content model. :)

i just finished watching your previous video (was saving it to work/draw along ^^) and i’m sooo glad i have another one to watch right after haha!! thank you for sharing all your thoughts and tips!! love your videos and your art and YOU! your personality is so bright 😌👌✨

Leigh, i said it a long time ago, but ill say it again. Your videos makes me happy, you have such a bright aurea!⭐️ Please keep doing your amazing job! And i haaave to tell, you latest video about moving was amazing, i really do appreciate room tours 💖 Youre such a nice person! ✨

Thanks so much for making this Leigh. I'm still REALLLLY small in terms of an audience, but I'm just gonna put the cart before the horse and make one. Loved your thought process around the various tiers in terms of what you personally would like to receive. Also, love your whole vibe and style. Just earned a new sub. Cheers from an internet bud in Chicago.

Love LOVE LOOOOVEEE this video! Thank you for being so honest and so descriptive! I also love your sense of humor :) makes a long video seem too short. I’ve been thinking of growing my insta to start a KZfaq channel and eventually make a Patreon and this was BEYOND helpful! Thank you infinitely.

love the fact that you're as chaotic and kinda look like doja cat in a good way that was not an insult at all, that was just a random feeling

I love how real you are! Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for making videos that are *actually* helpful. You're a saint!

1. Leigh, you are the absolutely most precious thing. 2. Thank you so much for doing such an indepth and honest post about patreon. Like you said, it's nice to see artists becoming more visible about income because I think it just helps to open eye and goal set and support each other. Ty ty ty~

Super love the transparency, made notes… just need to stop rebelling against myself. Thank you great vid!

Just found you and I am obsessed with your personality and humor 🤣😍 finally a useful video on Patreon! Have been waiting for one for a while! Actually I have my Patreon set up already but it was still really useful!💕

23:22 got me hahah "You're ok, maybe take a nap"

Wasn’t expecting such a beneficial video and this lovely flow… well done. Thanks

I loved it. I was so entertained by you,I might actually need to watch again to actually take notes 😂

wow i cant believe ive been on youtube for years and i just found and subbed to u :,) thank you for this video, it makes making a patreon feel less daunting and i liked how you talked about ur trial and error

Really enjoyed watching this. I can see how people would want to join your patron immediately after watching your videos :)

You look like a Disney princess 🥺 Very excited for this new video from you.

Thanks Leigh for aaaaaalllll this info, I'm sold, fuck it I might open a patreon 🍄✨🌿🌞

Hey Leigh, I just wanted to say a big thanks for this video (and for all your videos), but for this one in particular. I launched my Patreon today after lots of work and deliberation and tremendous anxiety. This video made me feel much more chill about it all ... I'll probably watch it a few times more. Lots of love from Nova Scotia xo

Great tips and authenticity thanks for sharing the journey

Thank you so much for making this video, I just hit 40 subscribers here on YT. So excited!! Yeah, I still have a ways to go, but you have helped me understand the potential of how patron can help me. Thank you soooo muuuuch.

thank you for sharing all this info it's so helpful for us small creators 💗 have adored you and your channel forever!

Wait 12,000+ people have already seen this and I haven't how did this happen oh wait ( checks my subscription)oh my bell was off that's not gonna happen again. Love ya Leigh 🤩 Thanks for more amazing art and inspo and just more u!!!! As always thanks we all need more Leigh's in the world🥰☺️

I just came to your video as it popped up with other patreon related videos (wanting to start one as a fellow artist) but already I love your humor, your sensibility, your honesty--all of it is helpful for me, so I went ahead and subscribed to your channel :) :) Thank you for this!

Thanks so much for sharing all this! Especially the finances/expenses and Patreon fees. It can definitely be uncomfortable to talk about, but it's so important to share!!

I’m loving this video so much!!! The wavy titles are 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 I think I love you 😍

Making a patreon has always been on my mind. Your video gave me the tips i needed. It's good to know that I can build it but not post it yet. So thank you

Your honesty is refreshing. Thanks for the info!

yesssss thank you for this video + transparency!

Thank you for sharing all that information! This was very helpfull :) love how much you take care of your well being!

I've had a Patreon for a while now, but only recently started to get serious about it. This video was crazy helpful and really put some things into perspective for me, so thank you!! Leigh always pullin' through for the fans

props to talking about money!! i don't understand why its so taboo, as if sharing how much you earn will allow people to take it away from you.

Totally useful so hi and thanks! 🌷🧁 I totally have done the patreon thing the wrong way round! Uhoh!🙄

Leigh!!! This has been incredibly helpful! Thank you

Thank you for this - I've been pondering Patreon for a few months for my art and for an unrelated podcast but after watching this I think I'm not quite there yet. This was super helpful!

Oof, I feel the not having any real life art friends who can chat art with me 😩 This was a SUPER helpful video, thank you for sharing! I've considered a Patreon, so this gives me something to noodle on.

THIS WAS SUPER HELPFUL AND RELATABLE 😭👏🏽 we have the same personality

Leigh, I love your videos! Thanks for making this one. Super helpful! 💗

I can't love this anymore! I never watch a KZfaq video all the way through, I didn't skip ahead once. Lol! Great info and very entertaining

was really helpful - thanks Leigh!

I loved those bloopers!! Thanks for the advice! ❤️🌺🌸🌼

*"i mean like all the way on the whim"* cute lights in the bg: oh wait, is that my cue?

This was great! Thankyou for putting this together, it was really interesting to hear your in-depth experience with it!

the COOL over your eyes to make cool glasses. yes. more of THAT, please.

Thank you Leigh for this!! I will definitely make a Patreon in the future 💕 also the lights give me old school KZfaq vibes 😆

Thank you so much for this suuuper helpful video Leigh! much love x x

Thank you for your honesty

Was just thinking about Patreon the other day. Leigh knows

This is such a helpful video for a complete Patreon newbie. Thanks for keepin’ it real 👌

Haha the first line about it being an US company for the US makes sense because companies like Facebook are US based but open for the rest of the world where as Patreon is only for US citizen only, although it may have changed now. Thanks for the tips!

I'd loooove a podcast 🥺

17:52 the lights 😳

Hello~ I'm an artist (30yrs old) and I don't make any money with my art. I barley post my art but recently I have been more inclined to make a patreon to start doing a little something something 🙃 😅 I needed this video lol thank you!