These are strange times we are living in. So much of what we used to do out in the world surrounded by other wonderful humans has now moved online. I am in that camp. And it's WEIRD... and it's WONDERFUL... it's reWARDING... and it's WEEKLY... and sometimes it's WEARISOME (which is why in need the coffee!!!). :)
Every week since mid June, I have filmed, edited, uploaded and promoted an art tutorial--on five platforms--about 30 hours of work every week! I've learned so much in such a short time, and I have so much more to learn. And I'm having fun learning all of it!
One thing I have not yet figured out, is how to monetize my business. It's complicated. I'm not yet widely enough known with enough tutorial choices to really be able to charge online ticket prices for my tutorials. There are so many larger studios/businesses occupying that niche. And so many artists doing free online tutorials as well.
So my long-term goal has become monetizing my YouTube channel. For those not in the know, that means 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of total watch time. Which at the speed I'm growing, will take about 3 years (less than the average YouTuber, but still a long way ahead). But I'm not letting that discourage me! At my age, I know how very quickly 3 years passes!!
In the meantime, I've decided to continue offering free tutorials on YouTube. But I have added a twist (as an experiment, really). I joined a website platform called "Buy Me A Coffee" which is basically a simple, easy-to-use tip jar! A 'coffee' is $5 (I guess it's like a Starbucks coffee, lol!). You can buy me as many coffees as you like, but one is fine (I don't want to get jittery!) Seriously, it's a fun way to support what I do without breaking the bank; and though it's not a get rich quick scheme, I'm hoping within 6 months, I'll be able to at least cover the costs of my art supplies plus extra for that actual coffee--maybe with a bit of Bailey's thrown in, hee hee.
I've struggled with doing this because it feels like asking for handouts... but then I realized that it's more like busking than begging. So I'm busking online! Nice reframe.
So IF you enjoy my tutorials and timelapses and they ADD VALUE to your life or lift your spirits, I ask you to consider clicking the tip jar link (found in my video descriptions), and buying me a fictitious cup of coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lisagolem. And maybe when this pandemic is over, we can actually have coffee together in real life sometime!
I love you all. Thank you for all your support so far! Now I need to go get some more caffeine.....