Kadath
patreon
About This Month's Comic...
🕑 Added 2022-05-13 22:02:38 +0000 UTCThis is a long post, but I felt it necessary to make a statement about this month's comic pages.
As I said in the May 1st Announcements, Krystal: Interspecies Diplomacy was originally in the charity book Adornments of Gold. The book was only sold for a limited time, and featured over 56 illustrations by 28 artists. I contributed a six page comic to the project (yes, I consider the title illustration a page). I was the only person who did a comic. I was also the one who put together the project, assembled the artists, formatted it for print, etc. It was a huge undertaking that ate up a lot of time. I spent more than half of April alone dealing with printer delays, getting the books packed and shipped, etc, and I had been working on this for roughly 6 months prior. I'm very proud of what we accomplished. It truly was a passion project.
Admittedly, I burnt myself out badly working on this book, and I needed time to recuperate, which is why I'm posting my comic here on patreon while I prep next month’s new pages.
None of the artists made income from the AoG book. All profits go to animal rescue charities. The book was also, honestly, dirt cheap for the amount of content it contained, since it was entirely new art by many of the most talented artists in the fandom. It was a great value and was for a good cause.
After the book released, the artists were encouraged to post their works on their patreons, subscribe stars and art stores so that they could make some income off their hard work. I felt it was acceptable to post my comic on patreon. Even so, I’m still providing new content with Ask pages and pinup illustrations.
While I won’t give exact numbers, if I tallied all of the digital + physical sales of the book, it would be less than half of the patrons I have, and honestly I imagine it’s more likely that less than a third have seen this comic before. For most, this is brand-new content.
However, I have received a number of comments, both public and private, expressing disappointment and confusion that I’m posting content ‘they’ve already seen before’. I’ve even been told I’m ‘cheating my fans’. I feel that’s very disingenuous, especially since this comic was limited in availability and part of a charity book before.
I should remind that I post a lot of content on my patreon. I draw 4 comic pages, 4 Ask pages and 4 or more pinup illustrations per month. That's a lot more content than most patreons provide. I wish I could post even more, but I'd wreck my health doing so. Therefore, I don’t think it’s unfair for me to post the comic, in addition to a lot of other new content, while I recuperate from burnout.
I work very hard to provide you guys with as much quality content as I can per month. I would ask for some understanding from those who saw this comic prior in the charity book while I post it for everyone else to see. Thanks.
Comments
CatCouch
It was a pleasure to contribute art! And yeah, taking a little time off after burnout seems to result in a much higher drive to draw the good stuff after!
Kadath
Yeah I basically drew nothing in April, and it was kinda scary because I lost interest in everything too. However, the past week or two I've been reinvigorated and now I'm more inspired than ever. Crazy how it works XD As an aside, I'm very happy you were able to join us in the AoG project, and you produced lovely work for it as well! :D
Kadath
Thankfully, it was only a small fraction of people being negative about it, but I felt the need to speak up because it was getting personal in some cases. I try to be pretty upfront about stuff with you guys, even if it's not always happy news X3
Kadath
Thank you! I think sometimes people forget that patreon is about supporting creators, not just to get goodies out of it. If an artist I support has to take a break or posts something that I've seen before in a book or something, I'm okay with that as well, because it's about giving them a living to continue their craft.
Kadath
We're going to have scratch-n-dent copies be sold at a later date!
Kadath
It's a bottomless pit, for sure XD
CatCouch
Burnout is serious business, take the time you need to rest! Taking time to be rested and energized after a large project like the art book will help produce even sexier art in the future! Take a break and let that feeling of accomplishment wash over you for putting together such an awesome art book project!
Tree
Aye, don't burn yourself out. Although you make these stories for us, you also do this for yourself. So don't get caught up with the negative, because in the end this is your livelihood. You have a right too control it.
JsTheWolf
Can we still buy this book?
Thisguy
As someone who didn't buy the book. Post away. Even if I had, I wouldn't care. I'm a Patreon primarily because I want to support your awesome art, not just because I get stuff out of it..
Zhon Lord
Media Rule 101: The internet will consume all media as fast, or as slow, as it's put out for them to enjoy. It's a ravenous black hole always reaching for more to devour.
Kadath
Yeah I honestly have artist friends be like 'how the hell do you put out so much content?' and then I have subscribers who are like 'why aren't you putting out more?' XD
Kadath
Oh I totally expected some grumbling, but I was seeing a growing trend with each page, and I was like 'hmmm', and then some of the personal attack-style comments I was getting in private made me decide I should nip it in the bud.
Kadath
That's exactly how we saw it too. Went to a good cause, and then artists had the option of posting their work for some income too!
Kadath
Something something, artists are vending machines lol
Kadath
Sorry to hear you missed out on the book, but I'm glad you're happy to see the comic pages on here :D
Kadath
I'm happy you supported the book! And yeah, it's a win-win in my eyes too since one could support the charity side of it, and then the artist side. I'm glad you liked the stickers too (I love how those turned out). I am tempted to do a Marian book someday ;3
Skunkupine
I hear things like this, I wish the IETF would approve the "punch people over TCP/IP" RFC. Kad - unfortunately the world we live in seems to have a surplus of assholes; please realize they don't matter.
Cracklefyre
As someone who bought the book I dont see the issue with the artists also posting their contributions on their own Patreons. I looked at it as a bundle deal that went to a good cause.
Stoker Bramwell
Some people, I fucking swear...
Patrick Bradley
The people complaining that brought the book sound pretty selfish and petty NGL man, yes they have seen the art already but they chose to buy the book and they should be happy that people that didn't can still see the artwork As you said you more than make the patreon sub worth it with the amount of content you provide each month, so try not to worry about a few upset people because the majority of your fans understand and support you 100%
Nicholas Wojdak
Sorry to hear this is happening Kadath. I think it's important to voice your concerns, and this was a well-written and respectful post. I'm happy that I get to see this content, especially since I missed out on the book. I'm glad that you'll get a nice break from posting as well, so win-win
Michael S Marks
I'm glad I purchased the book. Got a physical copy of great work by many talented artist, and it benefits charity. That's a win, win to me. I'm glad others got to see the comic you worked so hard on as well and that it gives you a break is nice as well. Take as much time as you need. Great work on the book by the way, loved the extra stickers. Maybe for another charity a Renamon or Maid Marion book, no pressure just a friendly suggestion.
Kadath
I know it's a vocal minority, but it felt like it was getting personal so I decided to nip it in the bud X3
Facundo Daniel
Don’t let yourself be frustrated by chumps who don't care how hard you try to keep up with your projects. We are proud of you and your work Kad👍
Kadath
I'm glad you bought the book! And yeah, I suspected that I would get a few comments grumbling about posting the pages here, but I didn't expect it to be as often (or as personally attacking in some cases) as it ended up, so I felt the need to be upfront about it.
Kadath
Comics are hard! I don't think people get that sometimes. Comic artists make it look easy, but it takes forever to make them. I wish I could clone myself and make them faster XD
Kadath
Oh I'm not beating myself up, more like I'm expressing my frustration with some people who are giving me grief XD
Kadath
I'm doing much better this month, thank you! I've found my inspiration again and I've got more projects I want to do than I have time for haha
Rox79
I bought the book and have no problem with you posting the comic pages to Patreon as this month's comic and think you've earned some rest. Unfortunately you are always going to deal with someone who is unhappy with a decision you make. Also, the quality of the book and extras are excellent.
Kadath
Oh while it's definitely been pirated by now, this is from people who bought the charity book and are ticked at me for posting 'old content' on here.
Icarus
I wouldn’t beat yourself up about it. you’re a Remarkable Artist and go above and beyond to create and publish your truly amazing content. Some people just need to understand that and show a little courtesy.
WolfPsalm
I think this is MORE than acceptable to do, people don't realize how freaking taxing it is to do comics and like you said you do a TON every month! Let alone a big project ! You're doing great i think, i hope you can find some rest soon, keep up the great work 🥰
No1isHere
If you need to take a bit of time, take it and recover. Your best work is your thought-out work
Rodger L.
I'm sorry it sounds like someone is posting your work elsewhere then. I look forward to your future content
