I’m feeling a bit… timid… today. Mostly because of this blog post, which I am both nervous and excited to share.

Excited because I am announcing a new chapter in my creative journey, but also nervous, because with this announcement comes a favor I would like to ask of you.

So without keeping you in the dark too much longer:

I wanted you to know that I am starting a Patreon!

 

 

Of course, when I first heard of Patreon, I also had no idea what it was. What’s more, when I did found out, my initial thought was to inwardly groan (maybe outwardly a bit too…)  and think to myself “not ANOTHER social media platform!”

But I started researching.

And as I researched, my opinion changed. I began to realize that Patreon is a lot more than just “another social media platform.” Because what makes it really special is the fact I get to reward you, my follower, with exclusive gifts. And they’re not just the typical “you get to see my work first” kind of gifts. No… with Patreon, I can send you real, tangible gifts. And so in joining this platform, I realized that I finally had a way to sincerely and genuinely thank you for the support you have given me these past few years.

And THAT is why I chose to commit to another platform. To Patreon.

 

 

So now for the favor: while the possibilities of this new chapter of my creative journey seem infinite right now, they also depend upon you in some part. If I have learned anything over the last year, it is that I cannot do everything alone (although I have a hard time admitting that sometimes). By investing at least $1 a month and becoming one of my patrons, you will, of course, be given access to exclusive looks at my artwork, but what I am more excited about is being able to share more than that with you. Starting today, in exchange for your investment in my dream, I can share things like cards, prints, and thank you packages. Take a look at everything I am giving, below:

 

Tier 1

A pledge of $1 or more per month

  • Access to patron-only content, including:
    • Exclusive vlog updates
    • Before and after images
    • WIP images

GET $1 REWARD

 

Tier 2

A pledge of $5 or more per month

  • Everything in Tier 1, plus:
  • Greeting cards in the mail every other month
  • Access to new desktop wallpapers each month
  • One coupon per month to receive 10% discount off your entire purchase

GET $5 REWARD

 

Tier 3

A pledge of $10 or more per month

  • Everything in previous tiers, plus:
  • A 4 x 6 print in the mail every other month
  • Access to monthly Q&A sessions

GET $10 REWARD

 

Tier 4

A pledge of $20 or more per month

  • Everything in previous tiers, plus:
  • An 8 x 12 print in the mail every other month
  • A yearly thank you package

GET $20 REWARD

 

Tier 5

A pledge of $50 or more per month

  • Everything in previous tiers, plus:
  • A 50% discount coupon to be used during the first week of a new product release

GET $50 REWARD

 

This is a really cheesy statement, and probably entirely overused, but I will say it anyway (because it is true): in supporting my work through the Patreon platform, you won’t just be getting some fun treats for yourself. You will be helping me to make my dreams a reality: my dream of creating stories with my photography and sharing this in a real and tangible way with my followers. A way that goes beyond a Facebook post or an image shared on Instagram. A way that can be held and read in the rocking chair before bedtime or admired as you snuggle into the sofa for a cozy night of reading. Magic belongs in your home, and I want my stories to help you invite the elves and faeries inside.

 

I already know I love my art. It is my passion, and I often joke that it has literally become the thing that gets me out of bed each morning (because the quiet hours of the morning, before all my roommates are awake, really are the best time to get my creative work done). It is the one thing in my life that inspires a level of confidence in myself that the shy 18 year old with her first DSLR (the girl that I used to be) would NEVER have even hoped to become.

 

 

And so I am humbly asking, if you have ever looked at my pieces in admiration, or have felt a connection or some amount of the love that I feel for my art, consider becoming a patron of mine. Even if it is just $1 a month (which after a year is still less than a two-month’s subscription to Netflix, or even one month to Audible!), you have my sincere thanks. I have thought long about how I could repay your investment and believe I have done my best to come close to returning the favor. To read more about the rewards you could receive and more about  this new step in my creative journey, please click the link below:

https://www.patreon.com/madelineshayne

 

I look forward to continuing to share my creative journey with you here on my blog, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and now Patreon. It’s already been quite the adventure and I am excited to see where it continues to lead you and me!