WAYS TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS (ALL BUDGETS)

*I had to rewrite this article because an electricity issue so I really hope it’ll be as good as my first one ♥️*

Hello everybody! I hope you are doing great and that you don’t forget to cover yourself with kind words.

As I previously mentioned it on Twitter, I decided to close all my blogs, since it was giving access to personal informations to people from my past and that was making me really uncomfortable. So from now on, all my articles will be published on this Patreon account. Some will be on public access but most will only be exclusive for my patrons (all pledges).

I am here today to talk to you about ways to support your favorite independent artists, no matter your budget! As you already know, we live in a capitalist society, where your comfort directly depends on the amount of money you have access to. Unfortunately, the creative career rarely gives access to a lot of it. Our “success” mostly depends on our supporter’s support.

There is many ways to help out your artists, don’t feel bad if your situation doesn’t allow you to give financial support. We completely understand and you can be amazing support without spending a cent! If you want and can, don’t hesitate to cumulate supporting gestures! It is NOT an obligation at all, but it is extremely appreciated, trust me.

FREE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

* Share their work

Don’t hesitate to tell why you like this artist, it’ll bring interested from your audience :)

* Interact with their content

Like, comment, tag your friends etc. Don’t be shy, do it on multiple platforms and/or from your multiple accounts. Honestly, social media algorithms aren’t on independent artists’ side but we need to outshine from the virtual crowd to make money out of our art. We see these little efforts and it is appreciated so much!

* Send them a message

Since we have constant access to free content, we forget to connect with each other. As artists, we can easily feel lonely and insecure so receiving kind messages from people who care about our art is absolutely amazing

* Refer them around you

You know someone who is looking for an ice sculptor? Send them the informations of the one you follow on Instagram with a nice word about them! You might have found them a gig in less than a minute and they might be able to pay their rent because of you!

* Share your experience

You’ve already hired them or bought something from them? Tell your experience! Give reviews on Yelp, Facebook, social media etc... Potential clients are more likely to confirm a transaction if they know how it is to work with them!

WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS - LOW BUDGET

* Subscribe to their Patreon

It can be a couple of dollars per month, it is cheaper than a drink and if everybody who can does that, it becomes to be a pretty good amount. Financial stability is a luxury and Patreon is a really good way to get close to it as a freelancer.

* Offer them an item from their wishlist if they have one

Being an artist is quite often really expensive. We have so many things to buy and this money obviously come from our pockets. It is so motivating to receive as a little gift one of these items we need to create.

* Buy something from their store

Do they sell low budget item? If yes and your financial situation allows it, treat yourself! You can even talk about it around you (in real life and virtually)!

WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL (OR LESS LOCAL) ARTISTS - BIG BUDGET

* Hire them

Commission them, book a photoshoot with them, make them create work for you and pay them a decent price. If you think their quote is too low, feel free to tip them if you can. They are probably under huge pressure, independent artist’s life is hard, so please, be kind to them. They might fuck up, but they are trying their best. Don’t forget that their work is a huge part of their life when this is only a commission for you. Of course, feel free to give feedback, but never forget to be kind.

* Buy their original artwork

Not all artists have original artworks but if they do and you like one, why not offering it to yourself?

I don’t know if I listed all the ways you can help out an artist so if I forgot any, please feel free to add them in the comments!

I wanted to thank my amazing patrons. Even if I barely talk about it, my situation is really complicated and I appreciate so much your kindness. You are extremely helpful and your support is extremely motivating. I see all your little (and less little) attentions and many of y’all inspired me this article. I know you will recognize yourself in some lines and it was my way to show you how appreciative I am. You are so great, thank you.

I am sorry if I am not really constant, but I swear that I try my best!

This article is public so feel free to share it if you think it could be helpful! ♥️