Bye Bye Cup-o-Noodle?
A study into how taking advantage of online crowdfunding platforms can help "starving artists" make a living.
The
Problem
Starving Artists
There is a stereotype that artists cannot obtain enough funds to support themselves or an average family’s lifestyle. Art is not seen as a real job or is less valuable than other careers.
The
Solution
Crowdfunding
This is a fundraising concept where you can receive funding from a large number of individuals. Those who donate receive rewards from the artists they support. This can also help artists build a following and increase their popularity online.
The Process
01
Create a Webtoon as a basis to gain fans and followers
Webtoon is a popular websire where users can read online comics or upload their own. Artists on Webtoon have become more popular through the platform.
03
Create an Etsy Shop as a comparison account for traditional funding
Etsy is known as the most popular option to sell your own products or artwork. Similar to eBay, Etsy is a buyer and seller online marketplace but with a focus on handmade items.
02
Use Patreon to gain funds from donations from those fans
Patreon is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms where creators can get paid per month or per post for their work from their fans. Most comic artist prefer this platform.
04
Use social media to promote both Patreon and Etsy accounts
Instagram and Twitter are popular social platforms for artists to share their work and gain more followers. Artists have gained more patrons or made more sales by linking their Patreons or online shops on them.
A Slow Journey
Week 1
Posts: 9
Followers: 28
The timeline shows how many posts were made each week along with how many followers were gained in total. It was a slow rise in weeks 1-3, with a surprising increase in week 4. However, the following weeks would go back to a slow rise.
The Results
Before COVID-19 Pandemic
$60
$2
After COVID-19 Pandemic
$20
$2
The coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on everyone around the world. Many are unable to work and are facing financial struggles. Because of this, it became challenging to gain any more patrons or make sales in the Etsy Shop. In the month of March, the Patreon was able to gain 5 patrons, making $60. That would have been the monthly earnings, however, one of the patrons had to change their pledge amount, making the new monthly to be $20.
Conclusion
It can be possible for some “starving artists” to make a living from their chosen crowdfunding platforms. In this case, it was not. More time is needed to build popularity and a fan community. The accounts will continue on to hopefully eventually achieve the desired results at some point in the future.
CONTACT ME
Senior Creative Media Student
University of Hawaii at West Oahu
Tel: 8082869562 | melodyio@hawaii.edu
