Why Look Beyond Patreon?

If you’re an artist trying to make a living from your work, you’ve probably considered Patreon. It’s the go-to platform for creatives looking to build a subscriber-based income. But it’s not perfect. Maybe the fees are too high, the algorithm is unpredictable, or it just doesn’t vibe with your audience. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone in searching for Patreon alternatives for artists.

The good news? There are plenty of other options out there that might suit your needs better. Whether you’re a painter, musician, writer, filmmaker, or digital creator, there’s a way for you to connect with your audience and make money doing what you love.

1. Ko-fi: A Simple Tip Jar That Can Grow With You

Ko-fi is like the friendly neighborhood café where your fans can buy you a coffee (or a metaphorical one, at least). Unlike Patreon, Ko-fi doesn’t take a cut from donations. You get paid instantly via PayPal or Stripe, making it a great choice if you want a no-fuss alternative.

Best For:

• Artists who want a simple way to accept donations.
• Creators who don’t want to deal with monthly subscriptions.
• Those who prefer instant payments.

Example:

Illustrator Loish uses Ko-fi to allow her fans to tip her for her stunning digital paintings without committing to a recurring subscription.

2. Buy Me a Coffee: Ko-fi’s Slightly Fancier Twin

Buy Me a Coffee works similarly to Ko-fi but has additional features like memberships, extra content for paying fans, and even a shop for selling digital products. It’s perfect for artists who want flexibility without locking everything behind a paywall.

Best For:

• Creators who want a mix of one-time donations and memberships.
• Artists looking to sell digital products like prints or tutorials.
• People who want a simple, user-friendly setup.

Example:

A musician could sell exclusive demo tracks and handwritten lyrics while still allowing casual supporters to tip them.

3. Gumroad: The Digital Marketplace for Artists

Gumroad is an ideal Patreon alternative for artists who create digital products—whether it’s music, eBooks, video courses, or design assets. Instead of subscriptions, you can sell products directly to your audience.

Best For:

• Digital artists selling brushes, templates, or eBooks.
• Musicians distributing albums without a record label.
• Anyone who prefers a product-based income over subscriptions.

Example:

Indie comic creator Jake Parker sells PDFs of his comic books and illustration tutorials through Gumroad.

4. Substack: The Writer’s Paradise

If you’re a writer, journalist, or poet, Substack is a fantastic way to monetize your audience. It allows you to send newsletters that readers can subscribe to for free or pay for premium content.

Best For:

• Writers who want full control over their mailing list.
• Poets or essayists looking to build a dedicated readership.
• Artists who want to combine storytelling with visual work.

Example:

A visual artist might use Substack to send out weekly reflections on creativity, complete with sketches and behind-the-scenes looks at their work.

5. OnlyFans: Yes, It’s Not Just for That

While OnlyFans has a certain reputation, many artists use it for exclusive content, early access to work, and tutorials. Unlike Patreon, it allows you to set up pay-per-view content alongside subscriptions.

Best For:

• Photographers sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
• Artists offering step-by-step drawing tutorials.
• Creators who want flexible monetization options.

Example:

A digital painter could post exclusive time-lapse videos of their process and offer live Q&A sessions for subscribers.

6. Locals: A Community-Driven Patreon Alternative

Locals is built around community interaction. Unlike Patreon, which is more of a one-way street, Locals allows for more engagement with fans, making it ideal for creators who want a closer connection with their audience.

Best For:

• Artists who want a discussion-based community.
• Those who enjoy engaging deeply with their supporters.
• Creators who like mixing content types (videos, blogs, livestreams, etc.).

Example:

A conceptual artist might use Locals to share work-in-progress updates and get real-time feedback from their community.

7. Bandcamp: For Musicians Who Want Control

For musicians, Bandcamp is a must. It allows you to sell digital downloads, physical albums, and merchandise, all while keeping a much larger cut than traditional streaming services.

Best For:

• Musicians who want to sell directly to fans.
• Bands looking to distribute their own albums without a label.
• Creators who prefer a more ethical alternative to Spotify.

Example:

An independent folk singer could sell exclusive live recordings and limited-edition vinyl directly to their fans.

8. Drip (by Kickstarter): A Crowdfunding Alternative

Kickstarter’s Drip is designed specifically for artists looking for an alternative to Patreon’s subscription model. It’s a hybrid of crowdfunding and patronage, allowing artists to build long-term relationships with supporters.

Best For:

• Creators who like the Kickstarter model but want ongoing support.
• Artists launching a long-term project like a comic series or film.
• Those who want the option of both one-time and recurring support.

Example:

A filmmaker could fund ongoing indie projects through Drip while also offering behind-the-scenes content.

Finding Your Perfect Platform

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to funding your creative work. The best platform depends on your art, your audience, and your preferred way of interacting with fans.

If you want a simple tip jar? Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee. If you’re selling digital products? Gumroad is your best friend. If you want full community engagement? Locals or OnlyFans might be a surprising but solid choice.

The key is to experiment. Try a platform, see how your audience responds, and tweak your approach as needed. The most important thing? Keep creating, keep connecting, and find what works best for you.

What Patreon alternative do you use? Share your experiences in the comments!

If you need other help with your creative process, beyond finding your perfect platform, check out my art coaching page.