As artists, we’re constantly trying to push the envelope and challenge the status quo. It’s in our DNA. And sometimes at Patreon, we come across fellow creators who don’t just break the mold – they shatter it.
Whether they’re creating for a larger purpose, challenging stereotypes, or just living completely unconventionally, these creators are forging their own paths through this creative life. We could always all be a little more inspired to step out of our comfort zones, let’s take a look at what they’re doing and how they make it work.
Artists & Creators Who Break the Mold
Creating For a Cause
“Creating” isn’t just limited to artistic projects – it can be focused on organizations or movements or simply awareness.
We Animals
After nearly two decades of animal rights photojournalism, Jo-Anne McArthur is taking her activism to the next level with monthly support for her activism. She has documented animals in over 40 countries and contributed to nearly 100 campaigns to end animal suffering all over the globe. Jo-Anne McArthur aims to break down the barriers between humans and animals and encourage everyone to treat animals with dignity, respect and moral significance.
Not Forgotten
In Iquitos, Peru, a city where 60% of the population lives in poverty, Not Forgotten offers high-quality support for underserved youth with food, clothing, and healthcare. But beyond that, Not Forgotten ensures every child feels like a part of a family – in a home with parents that care for them. The organization is currently working towards building a bungalow for eight children and their house parents.
Looking to the Future
Some creators are just ahead of the curve, using the power of technology to keep their projects moving forward and growing every month.
Octoprint
While most creators on Patreon are using the platform to create their artistic projects, there are a number of people creating more unusual products as well. Octoprint is a web interface that allows you to control your 3D printer from any browser. This free open source software was initially backed by a sponsor, but when that sponsorship unfortunately came to an end, developer Gina Häußge turned to Patreon as a way to keep the project alive on the side.
Model View Culture
Every three weeks, Model View Culture releases a free issue of its online magazine, covering topics in technology, culture and diversity. Journalism is constantly evolving. Because the production is 100% reader-supported on Patreon and free from the confines of any major publishing companies, it’s able to maintain its independent editorial perspective and shed light on the stories their writers are most passionate about.
Patreon is the best way for creators to earn ongoing revenue from their fans.
LEARN MORE
Breaking Stereotypes
Artists are always challenging what society expects of them, but two creators in particular are using Patreon to support projects that showcase who they are.
Black Girl Nerds
Black Girl Nerds founder Jamie Broadnax writes, “I named this site Black Girl Nerds because the concept of Black women as geeky-dorky beings is somewhat of an anomaly.” For those who might feel a bit like outsiders in the broader geek community, Broadnax’s site is a space for a diverse group of people to shatter a stigma that’s simply not an accurate representation of who they are and what they love.
Leo Camacho
Leo Camacho’s dashing Prince Eric, Captain Hook and Nathan Drake cosplays stand out in a crowd. While the most popular cosplayers on Patreon are females, Camacho’s pop culture fascination and lifelong interest in costumes fuel his Thingamavlogs weekly Disney videos and his growing collection of Disney cosplays.
Living So Hard
And then there are some creators who are just really going for it. Breaking the mold of a conventional life by sailing, hiking and making their lives their greatest works of art.
La Vagabonde
Elayna and Riley are breaking just about every mold you can think of by living their dreams and pursuing a thoroughly unconventional lifestyle – sailing around the world in a yacht appropriately named La Vagabonde. The Australian couple has been living the good life at sea since 2014 and documents all of their travels on their YouTube channel for fans around the world to follow along with their adventures.
Kate Tectonics
Kate spends her days traversing the trails of Montana and educating others on the geology of the area. She shares a director with YouTube giants Sci Show and Crash Course. Or at least… she will. Kate is using her Patreon page before her series even kicks off, drumming up early support and making sure she has a dedicated audience from the get-go. In the meantime, her patrons are fueling her adventures as she films her first few episodes in the great outdoors.
•••
There’s no one way to create. There’s no one way to be an artist. And these 8 creators are just a small fraction of the many that prove there’s no mold that can’t be broken with the spark of an idea.
Want more posts like this, delivered straight to your inbox? We share tons of creator resources, inspiration and industry news on the Patreon blog!
SUBSCRIBE
The post 8 Creators On Patreon Who Break the Mold appeared first on The Patreon Blog.