# Patreon Post Templates

**CREATOR:**
The Art of Alex Chen (Digital illustration tutorials)

**PATRON COUNT:**
~500 patrons across 4 tiers

**GOAL:**
Keep patrons engaged, reduce churn, build community

---

## POST TYPE 1: CONTENT DELIVERY

Your core content posts—what patrons signed up for.

### Example: Tutorial Post

```
🎨 NEW TUTORIAL: Painting Realistic Eyes (Step-by-Step)

This one took me way longer than expected—but I think it is one of my best tutorials yet.

I break down my entire process for painting realistic eyes, including:

→ The anatomy basics you actually need to know
→ My layering approach (with full PSD attached)
→ The three mistakes I see beginners make constantly
→ A technique I stole from portrait painters that changed everything

This is a 45-minute video plus the layered PSD file so you can study exactly how I built each layer.

[VIDEO EMBED]

[PSD DOWNLOAD LINK]

---

I would love to see your attempts! Drop your eye studies in the comments or share them in Discord. I will give feedback on as many as I can this week.

What should I cover next? I am thinking either hair or fabric—let me know in the comments.

— Alex
```

**Word Count:** 158

**Why This Works:**
- **Clear title** with topic
- **Teaser of value** (breakdown of contents)
- **Specific details** (45 minutes, layered PSD)
- **Deliverables clear** (video + PSD)
- **Engagement hook** (share your attempts)
- **Input requested** (what next)
- **Personal sign-off**

---

### Example: Resource/Download Post

```
📁 MARCH BRUSH PACK: 12 New Brushes for Character Art

New month, new brushes!

This pack includes 12 brushes I have been developing for character work:

• 4 sketch brushes (varying texture)
• 3 rendering brushes (soft, medium, hard edge)
• 3 texture brushes (skin, fabric, hair)
• 2 special effect brushes (sparkle, glow)

I have included a PDF guide showing how I use each one with before/after examples.

[DOWNLOAD LINK]

---

These brushes work in Photoshop CC and Procreate (separate files for each).

If you have brush requests for next month, drop them below! I read every comment and your suggestions often become next month's pack.

Enjoy!
```

**Word Count:** 112

**Why This Works:**
- **Clear deliverable** in title
- **Specific contents** listed
- **Bonus included** (PDF guide)
- **Compatibility noted** (PS, Procreate)
- **Requests invited** (engagement + content ideas)

---

## POST TYPE 2: BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Show the process, the person, the journey.

### Example: Process Post

```
🎬 BEHIND THE SCENES: How I Created Last Week's Dragon Piece

A lot of you asked about the dragon illustration I posted on Instagram. Here is the full breakdown—including the parts that went wrong.

The piece took about 18 hours total over 4 days. Here is how it broke down:

**Day 1 (3 hours):** Thumbnails and rough sketches. I did about 15 different compositions before landing on this one.

**Day 2 (5 hours):** Refined sketch and color exploration. The first color palette was completely wrong—I will show you why.

**Day 3 (6 hours):** Rendering. This is where the magic happens (and also where I almost gave up twice).

**Day 4 (4 hours):** Details, effects, and final polish.

I recorded the whole thing, so here is a condensed 20-minute process video:

[VIDEO EMBED]

---

The biggest lesson from this piece: I need to spend more time on thumbnails. Twice I had to backtrack because the composition was not working.

Anyone else struggle with rushing past the planning phase? I know I am not alone.
```

**Word Count:** 184

**Why This Works:**
- **Responds to audience interest** (you asked)
- **Honest about struggles** (went wrong, almost gave up)
- **Specific breakdown** (hours, days)
- **Lesson shared** (planning phase)
- **Relatable question** at end

---

### Example: Personal Update

```
☕ Personal Update: What I've Been Working On

Hey everyone,

Quick personal update since I have been a bit quieter than usual this week.

I just wrapped up a big client project (game studio work I cannot share yet, but it was fun) and took a couple days to recharge. Sometimes you need to step back to come back stronger.

**What is coming:**

→ New tutorial dropping Thursday (skin tones—finally!)
→ Live stream this Saturday at 2pm EST
→ A surprise announcement next week that I am really excited about

**What I have been enjoying lately:**

• Currently playing Baldur's Gate 3 (yeah, I am late to the party)
• Rewatching old Ghibli films for inspiration
• Discovered a great new podcast about art history

---

How has everyone else's week been? Drop a comment and let me know what you are working on. I love seeing what this community is creating.

— Alex
```

**Word Count:** 156

**Why This Works:**
- **Explains absence** (quieter than usual)
- **Teases upcoming content** (creates anticipation)
- **Shows personality** (games, films, podcast)
- **Asks about them** (not just about you)
- **Warm, personal tone**

---

## POST TYPE 3: ENGAGEMENT/COMMUNITY

Posts designed to get patrons interacting.

### Example: Poll Post

```
🗳️ POLL: What Should I Teach Next?

I am planning the next few weeks of content and want your input!

I have been considering these topics, but I want to know what YOU need most right now:

🔥 **Option A:** Composition fundamentals (how to make your art more dynamic)

🎨 **Option B:** Color theory deep-dive (beyond the basics)

✏️ **Option C:** Anatomy for artists (focusing on hands and poses)

💡 **Option D:** Digital painting workflow (my full process from A to Z)

[POLL EMBED]

---

Vote above, but also drop a comment if there is something else you have been wanting to learn. Sometimes the best ideas come from you all.

Poll closes Friday and I will announce the winner + start working on it immediately!
```

**Word Count:** 127

**Why This Works:**
- **Clear purpose** (your input matters)
- **Specific options** (not vague)
- **Emoji visual hierarchy**
- **Comment encouraged** (other ideas)
- **Deadline creates urgency**

---

### Example: Q&A Prompt

```
❓ ASK ME ANYTHING: Open Q&A Thread

Hey patrons!

I am opening up a Q&A thread this week. Drop any questions you have in the comments:

→ Art technique questions
→ Career and freelancing questions
→ Tool and software questions
→ Personal questions (within reason!)
→ Anything else on your mind

I will answer every single question either in the comments or in a video response if it needs more depth.

---

No question is too basic or too advanced. Some of my best tutorials have come from patron questions, so do not hold back!

Asking here also helps others who might have the same question. This community is full of artists at different stages—your question might help someone else.

Fire away! ⬇️
```

**Word Count:** 118

**Why This Works:**
- **Permission given** (no question too basic)
- **Categories suggested** (prompts thinking)
- **Promise to answer** (commitment)
- **Community framing** (helps others too)
- **Clear CTA** (fire away)

---

### Example: Community Celebration

```
🎉 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Your Amazing Work This Month

One of my favorite things about this Patreon is seeing what you all create. This month had some incredible work shared in Discord—I wanted to highlight a few pieces:

**@ArtistMike** — That portrait study blew me away. The skin tones are chef's kiss.

**@SarahCreates** — Your environment piece shows massive improvement from last month. The lighting is so much stronger.

**@NewbieArtist22** — Only 3 months into digital art and already producing work like this? Keep going.

**@PixelDreamer** — The character design for your personal project is so creative. Would love to see more.

[IMAGES OF THEIR WORK]

---

Want to be featured next month? Share your work in the #share-your-art channel in Discord. I check it every week and love seeing your progress.

You all inspire me to keep creating this content. Thank you for being here.
```

**Word Count:** 157

**Why This Works:**
- **Makes patrons feel seen**
- **Specific praise** (not generic)
- **Variety of skill levels** shown
- **CTA to share work**
- **Gratitude expressed**

---

## POST TYPE 4: MILESTONE/ANNOUNCEMENT

Celebrate achievements, announce news.

### Example: Milestone Post

```
🎊 WE HIT 500 PATRONS!

I cannot believe it. 500 of you are now part of this community.

When I started this Patreon 18 months ago, I had zero patrons and a lot of doubt. Would anyone actually pay for my tutorials? Did I have anything worth teaching?

Apparently yes. And it is because of you.

**Some numbers that blow my mind:**

→ 500 patrons (!!)
→ 87 tutorials published
→ 2,400+ hours of content created
→ Artists from 34 different countries
→ Countless amazing pieces shared in our community

**To celebrate, here is what I am doing:**

🎁 Free brush pack dropping tomorrow (for ALL patrons)
🎬 Bonus tutorial this week (voted on by you)
🎉 Live celebration stream Saturday with giveaways

---

This milestone means I can now spend more time on tutorials and less on client work. That means better content, more often, for you.

Seriously—thank you. Every single one of you made this possible. Here is to the next 500.

— Alex
```

**Word Count:** 175

**Why This Works:**
- **Celebration energy**
- **Origin story callback** (18 months ago)
- **Impressive numbers** (social proof)
- **Tangible rewards** for patrons
- **Explains impact** (more time for content)
- **Genuine gratitude**

---

### Example: Announcement Post

```
📣 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Something New Is Coming

I have been working on something for the past 3 months and I am finally ready to share it.

**Introducing: The Character Design Masterclass**

This is a complete, structured course on character design—from concept to finished illustration. It is what I wish existed when I was learning.

**What it includes:**

→ 12 video modules (8+ hours total)
→ Downloadable worksheets and templates
→ Full PSD files for every demo
→ Private feedback community
→ Lifetime access

**Here is the exciting part for patrons:**

🎁 All Professional and Master tier patrons get it FREE
💰 Artist tier patrons get 50% off
🎟️ Apprentice tier patrons get 25% off

This is my thank-you for supporting me. You believed in me before this course existed—you deserve first access and the best deal.

The course launches in 2 weeks. Patron discounts are already active if you want to lock in your tier now.

---

More details coming soon. Questions? Drop them below!
```

**Word Count:** 172

**Why This Works:**
- **Builds anticipation** (3 months, finally)
- **Clear value** (12 modules, 8 hours)
- **Patron exclusives** (free, discounts)
- **Rewards loyalty** (you believed in me)
- **Urgency** (lock in tier now)
- **Opens dialogue** (questions below)

---

## POST TYPE 5: EXCLUSIVE/PREMIUM

Content only for certain tiers.

### Example: Tier-Exclusive Post

```
🔒 PROFESSIONAL+ ONLY: Advanced Lighting Techniques

Hey Professional and Master patrons!

This one is just for you—an advanced tutorial I am not releasing to lower tiers.

**Topic: Subsurface Scattering and Rim Lighting**

This is the technique that makes skin look alive and characters pop off the canvas. It is subtle, but once you see it, you cannot unsee it.

In this 35-minute tutorial, I cover:

→ The science behind subsurface scattering (simplified)
→ How to fake it convincingly in any lighting scenario
→ Rim lighting techniques for dramatic effect
→ Common mistakes that make lighting look flat
→ Live demo applying both techniques

[VIDEO EMBED]

[PSD FILE DOWNLOAD]

---

This is the kind of content I reserve for patrons at this level because it assumes you already know the fundamentals. If anything is unclear, ask in comments and I will clarify.

Thank you for being at this tier. Your support makes content like this possible.
```

**Word Count:** 157

**Why This Works:**
- **Tier exclusivity clear**
- **Explains why exclusive** (assumes fundamentals)
- **Specific, advanced topic**
- **High value** (35 min + PSD)
- **Thanks higher-tier patrons**

---

## POST FREQUENCY GUIDE

| Post Type | Recommended Frequency |
|-----------|-----------------------|
| Content delivery | 1-4x per week (core promise) |
| Behind-the-scenes | 1-2x per month |
| Personal update | 1-2x per month |
| Poll/Q&A | 1-2x per month |
| Community spotlight | Monthly |
| Milestone celebration | When achieved |
| Announcements | As needed |

**Minimum:** 4 posts per month
**Recommended:** 2-3 posts per week
**Sweet spot:** Mix content delivery with engagement posts

---

## POST STRUCTURE TEMPLATE

```
[EMOJI] TITLE: Clear, Descriptive Headline

[Hook — 1-2 sentences that grab attention]

[Main content — what you are delivering]

[Specific details — bullet points or breakdown]

[Media — video, images, downloads]

---

[Engagement prompt — question, CTA, or invitation]

[Sign-off — personal, warm]
```

---

## POST FORMATTING TIPS

### Do:
```
- Use emoji in titles (visual hierarchy)
- Break up text with line breaks
- Use → or • for lists
- Bold key points
- Include media (images, video)
- End with engagement hook
- Use --- for section breaks
- Keep paragraphs short
```

### Do Not:
```
- Write walls of text
- Post without media when possible
- Skip the engagement prompt
- Use clickbait titles
- Forget tier visibility settings
- Post inconsistently
- Make every post promotional
```

---

## REDUCING CHURN WITH POSTS

### Why Patrons Leave:
```
1. Not enough content (feels like bad value)
2. Content is not what they expected
3. No community feeling (just transactions)
4. Forgot they were subscribed
5. Financial reasons (unavoidable)
```

### How Posts Help:
```
1. Post consistently (deliver value)
2. Vary content types (keep interesting)
3. Celebrate community (build belonging)
4. Personal updates (human connection)
5. Remind them of benefits (show value)
```

### Churn-Fighting Post Ideas:
```
- Monthly "what you got this month" recap
- Patron anniversary thank-yous
- "Did you miss this?" highlights
- Exclusive patron-only offers
- Community wins and spotlights
```

---

## CONTENT CALENDAR TEMPLATE

### Week 1:
| Day | Post Type |
|-----|----------|
| Monday | Content delivery (tutorial/resource) |
| Thursday | Behind-the-scenes or personal update |

### Week 2:
| Day | Post Type |
|-----|----------|
| Monday | Content delivery |
| Wednesday | Poll or Q&A prompt |
| Friday | Content delivery |

### Week 3:
| Day | Post Type |
|-----|----------|
| Monday | Content delivery |
| Thursday | Community spotlight or engagement |

### Week 4:
| Day | Post Type |
|-----|----------|
| Monday | Content delivery |
| Wednesday | Month recap or exclusive content |
| Friday | Teaser for next month |

---

## COMMON POST MISTAKES

| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---------|--------|-----|
| Inconsistent posting | Patrons forget, churn increases | Set schedule, batch content |
| Only promotional | Feels transactional | Mix in personal, community posts |
| No engagement hooks | Low comments, less connection | Always end with question/CTA |
| Walls of text | People skim, miss value | Format with breaks, lists, bold |
| Wrong tier visibility | Patron frustration | Double-check settings |
| No media | Less engaging | Add images, video when possible |
| Generic tone | No personality | Be yourself, show personality |
| Never celebrating | Community feels unappreciated | Highlight patrons, milestones |