Cougr Situation
Added 2023-05-30 18:55:07 +0000 UTCIt's about time I got on here to explain what's going on with me.
About two months ago, my employment of the last fifteen years was eliminated and I no longer get a regular paycheck. Such is Life, I say. No animosity to the company, as they always have and continue to treat me well.
I have to put myself back on the block for finding a job. I'm okay for a while with savings and such. But, an income would be optimal. :D
My brain keeps rapping on me to put as much effort as I can into going the art commission route and pump up the Patreon as much as possible to maybe not have to find a "real job" anymore. I'd be able to retire if I had the brain and wherewithall to plan for such a thing when I started my career forty years ago. But, again, such is Life.
I haven't found my headspace yet on how to proceed. I've mostly been treating the last few weeks as an extended vacation. Forty years in the mines kind of requires a little downtime, I guess.
That's where I am for now. I will start pushing myself out of the "why bother?" mode towards some productivity mode, with some emphasis on improving this Patreon. You folks have been wonderful to me over the years and I really appreciate it. I have to do more to show it.
I am open to ideas on what I can do to make this space more valuable to you and give you some grins and "oooo!"s along the way.
Thanks for listening. You all say awesome. And Thank You for your Support.
Comments
I'd absolutely love to see a tier for sketch commissions, the last one you did turned out great
Guncraft
2023-06-02 00:44:35 +0000 UTCVery sorry to hear about the job situation. Especially after so long. But good to know it isn't on bad terms with the employers. With regards to commissions... I'd very happily take one here and there as moneys would allow (I know very much too well the dangers of too long unemployed, sadly).
Misty Crom
2023-06-01 18:07:47 +0000 UTCHonestly, sketches and how to would be great. I'd love to see insights on how to make giant paws and giantwr folks. That being said, work on your stability. Art is, an always has been, volatile. Get something reliable that won't tax you too much. You're valuable as you are. Best of luck, too
Ty
2023-06-01 10:50:01 +0000 UTCBest of Luck, You've inspired an entire community into creation, so you know you'll always have folks at your back, me included!
DoD
2023-06-01 05:26:16 +0000 UTCSo, I read this right after you posted it and have been trying to post a response since. Life is hectic, sometimes. π If I may offer my perspective (or you can see it as advice - that works too), I'd suggest that you not rush into the next big thing super quick. You said you're comfortable for now, so I'd really advise that you take this opportunity to travel a bit. Go get a bowl of chowder up in Maine, or something. π But based on how you referred to the now former career as being "in the mines", even if you loved it that speaks of a feeling of having ground at it hard. Take some time for yourself- relax and let the ideas flow around and through you to see what you want to do, and then you can check viability on "can it support me financially". Also, as someone who hero worships artists and follows several, I would caution you about going full time commission artist - I have no doubt you can do that and make bank, but be very careful that you don't get burned out and start resenting it because having it be "the day job" can suck the joy out of the thing that should be an enjoyable part of your life, hobby or otherwise. There are way too many artists on my Twitter feed that are burning out and rethinking being full time at it - sometimes people suck and sometimes those people are the ones buying commissions. And to be clear - I would love to see you open up for commissions. I'd do a lot/pay a lot for a ref sheet from you, since I've always seen myself in your style. But I don't want to pester because I know what having the joy of a hobby be sucked away by "grinding" feels like, and I will always warn people about it. Be aware of burnout and pace accordingly. I firmly believe you could get by comfortably on commissions, and maybe that will work for you for a bit. But I do strongly advise getting some travel in while you have the freedom- go rent an RV and see some of the country you haven't yet been to. You might find some good inspiration in that to move forward with. π Or it might just be the relaxation you've earned after a full career, either way, it's worth it. From a career truck driver who decided 2 days ago that he's finally done with his own career. π
Broadpaw Fox
2023-06-01 05:11:52 +0000 UTCTaking the bit of downtime as a period to rest and settle can definitely be beneficial, gawds know I've personally needed the last month off work more than I imagined. Never as ideal when it's something effectively forced onto you than of your own volition, but so it goes I guess. Here to support ya wherever direction ya go and hopefully greener pastures await!
Remmyzilla
2023-05-31 22:35:20 +0000 UTCHey Ken, sorry to hear about that. I've beein in a similar situation some time ago - not just job wise, but also "mental state wise" if you will. Though I've gotten out of that hole by now - meaning if I can do it, you for sure can do^^ So, as others have said, polls and some interactivity are always popular. I know you stream most of your works, but sadly I rarely have the time to join. Other than that, I'd certainly be up for comms alright - and I bet many others would too! (It has to be said though that comms and doing art for a living is a quick way to get yourself burnt out - so always have to be careful with that)
Silberlynx
2023-05-31 21:40:40 +0000 UTCSorry to hear about your job. Hopefully you'll get another, better paying one, whether its art, or something else!
AlleyWayTC
2023-05-31 16:39:01 +0000 UTCSome ways to spice up this patreon could be to introduce pieces that can include interactivity. I loved the 2020 growth drive βwhat would an X foot skunk destroyβ. Also fun are polls on what characters to draw, or vote on a meme to draw. Thereβs also artists who have tiers where you get a small sketch each month. Maybe also a fun idea is with some art pieces you draw a Universe B alternative? Jollyjack does something like that with small sketches of lewdness accompanying regular artwork.
Itchigo Icetalons
2023-05-31 10:13:14 +0000 UTCCommissions feel like itβll be the most popular. Thereβs tons of people who would love to get art from you. If you do go that way you gotta make sure your prices reflect the work you put in, your terms and conditions are tight to protect you and most of all to be able to keep going. A trello could be useful to organize things.
Itchigo Icetalons
2023-05-31 10:10:33 +0000 UTC
