A Breakup Letter
to Patronage
It’s been a good run
I mean, we had a good thing going for almost four years! But it’s time for a mix up. The partnership served its purpose but we’re losing the spark. I’m simply a different person now.
Don’t you fret- I’m not ending any relationships in my personal life (I know one of my subscribers is especially happy about this fact ☺ ). But even so, buckle up, because Allison Hall is breaking up with her Patreon account.
But Allison, what even is Patreon?
Patreon is a platform where creatives like me can get paid for simply doing what we do… creating. In the thick of 2020 I was encouraged to start a Patreon account where folks can sponsor me a certain amount monthly and become my “Patrons”. In return, I’d send them different tiers of monthly perks: such as a small painting, greeting cards, or different digital downloads.
I’ve been truly touched to have 15 patrons support me for the past 4 years. It’s truly overwhelming, heart-warming, and humbling to have people commit financially to receive your art consistently. Like don’t these people get tired of bright, comforting florals??
Patreon gifted me some momentum and encouragement during an uncertain time in my business, but now I’m ready to simplify my life a little more. I’ve enjoyed my Substack experience so much, that I’ve decided to just to merge the two causes and delete my Patreon while offering Substack Paid Subscriptions (with cute perks!).
So… I guess this is my version of a corporate merger. But no one is getting fired. Anyway! I’ll help you weigh your options. You should become a paid Substack subscriber if:
You have money to burn
You don’t have money to burn, but you like supporting creative causes anyway
You like tote bags
You rely on this newsletter for a monthly giggle (to which I say, I hope you have other sources of laughter in your life! Let me know if I need to send you funny memes. Or I can add you to my sister group chat)
You like the warm feeling in your heart that occurs when you give money to people who have bad freelance health insurance
Even though we’re past the Patreon era, you want to tell people at parties that you’re a “Patron of the Fine Arts”.. which you should totally still do
As Substack writer Holly Whitaker said: “If you love this newsletter, get value out of it, and believe in paying people for their work, consider a paid subscription.”
In all seriousness, I don’t ever expect you as a subscriber to be a Paid Subscriber. I wish you could see the giddiness that comes over me whenever I see a new person subscribes for free to this newsletter. I created this platform to get my news out in an enjoyable way (that wasn’t Instagram), and it’s been nothing but a joy. So if you want to remain in the camp you’re in, please do! Having anyone simply read this newsletter helps my practice so much (and if you want to support me but can’t give, I’d be stupidly thankful if you just shared this with your friends!)
Now that none of us feel guilty anymore, let me share with y’all what a Paid Subscriber would receive-
What you’d get as a Paid Subscriber
An exclusive newsletter tote bag!! I’d send this to you once you pull the Paid Subscriber trigger, as a welcome gift. Having one of these is like the rush you’d get as a New Yorker Subscriber, but wayyyy more grass-roots. Because I’m just one girl
Every year as a Paid Subscriber, you’ll receive a Small Creative calendar featuring surprise art (rough example shown above)
Paid Subscribers will have access to exclusive posts on Substack that feature my sketchbook art!
And who knows… maybe randomly in the year I’ll mail you a little treat to thank you for giving to the cause!
How to make the switch
It’s not difficult, but I’ll let the pros give the directions. Substack has a helpful article that explains how to upgrade from being a free subscriber to a paid subscriber. Learn how below!
Now for some Live News
Upcoming Studio Sale- In Person!
If you’re in Savannah, I’d love to see you at my studio sale this Saturday at Dreamhouse Studios! I’m cleaning out some original works, painted backdrops, and overstock prints. I’ll be in the detox spirit, so you’ll probably get some items for a deal.
Just also wanted to brag that my studio is clean! Also don’t want to brag that before this, you couldn’t even walk through the mess :0
Pop up at The Grey
The holiday events continue! Join me on Saturday, November 18th for a bougie, fun market at Savannah’s most beloved fine dining spot.
Thank you so much for supporting my art. It’s such a privilege to have a creative livelihood and I am so grateful for people like you who help me keep going! Being rich in encouragement is the greatest gift above all.
Signing off with a pic from my perfect 30th birthday weekend at the State Fair of Texas. My friend Ellie Moran (above) also has a wonderful Substack newsletter that you should check out! There were also 14 other gal pals running around during this photo.
Thanks for taking this breakup letter well, we can always be… friends?
xo, Allison Hall