I read a really interesting article last night called, "Ethical Dilemmas of Providing Free Content." It's all about whether or not crafters and artists should provide free patterns, free downloads, free instructions, etc. The ethical dilemma is based around whether doing all that work for free actually gains you paying customers (so you can pay your rent, your health care, buy food, etc.) or not.
Obviously, I'm a fan of free. I give you this blog 5-days-a-week for free. But, the article did get me thinking (click through and read it).
My thoughts:
- Providing free content is (as the graphic above indicates) meant to be a hook to grab paying customers.
- Does giving stuff away for free create a culture in which people don't want to pay and feel that they shouldn't have to?
- Are certain people never going to pay no matter what you do? They only want free content?
- Does karma come into play at all?
- But then again, doctors don't give their services away for free. Why should artists?
- How often do I personally purchase items from artists I follow on instagram/their blog/youtube/etc.?
- Are sites like Patreon good for artists or bad for artists?
I'm curious about your thoughts on the topic.
Thanks for stopping by!
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
I have signed up for online classes after watching a free video on YouTube or a blog. But I believe strongly in supporting the artists that I follow and admire. There are those that will never pay for a class or product. These are the same people who beg online that they can’t afford supplies, is anyone willing to help them out? So yes to your first question, the hook works. I am also currently supporting, in a modest sum, one artist on Patreon on a monthly basis. She has less than 10 supporters, but this has allowed her to explore mediums to enhance her art. She is not trying to support herself with her art, just to balance that particular budget on a retirement income. Purchasing pieces of art is an individual choice. I own only two: one from Seth Apter, one from Glenda Miles. They were both impulse buys, done in person at art shows. Hope all of this helps. Linda
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
Yes, I think for me, free content has opened my eyes to new artists and new ideas.. I’ve purchased online courses, bought original art and become a patron all because of free content. i hadn’t seen the free content i would never known about these artists and makers. Some I support , some I just like their content, and the ones I like the most I encourage others to see them and hope to pay it forward
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
I don’t envy artists having to find that balance … especially online, there is so much content out there! I have to admit it helps when searching for a craft … I recently became interested in handlettering and began following a very popular blogger because she offered free worksheets, that was 2 years ago, I still follow her and have happily purchased a couple of her workbooks and a class. I do not take that for granted and feel a fierce loyalty to artists, well anyone for that matter who helps me in my journey. Would love for you and your mom to do a podcast, maybe with a guest … this is a provocative topic and would love to hear more!
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
Don’t forget that you have to give away content (which may include freebies, tutorials, some swag now and then, etc) just as TV programs are essentially given away for free: in order to attract advertisers which are what really pay for the shows. In your case, you may need the follower count in order to keep your patrons happy. It also helps promote the products that you sell (such as the wonderful Art Foamies). Your free content serves as advertisement for your classes, products, books, etc. Your shared ideas and occasional goodies are a constant promotion of your brand in a very branded era. All entrepreneurs have to promote themselves nowadays more than ever. Have you seen Billy on the Street shaming Emma Stone for not being on Instagram? No one escapes! Not even Emma Stone.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
It’s interesting that you bring this up since I frequently have shared information that normally i would get paid to teach.
what i have found is that people who are generous attract other generous people and we all share and learn together,which i think is very beneficial on many levels.
you still need to earn a living, this is true as well.
your sharing has introduced me to various materials that i otherwise might not otherwise have been aware of and since i do not live in the states and many are expensive to ship your sharing “how to” videos helps me to determine whether i want to purchase materials .
some of course you have designed such as your artfoamies.
so, to answer your query, simply put, free content is essential to keep the creative world spinning.
hope this helps.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I follow you and learn from you free on line but I buy products you use. I have also taken a live class from you and paid for it. I’ve also done this with a few other artists I’ve “met” through YouTube.
I paid for an online course I’m currently taking—-videos, transcripts, detailed lessons in theories,etc, and feedbacks I will forever be able to access. Well worth a hefty reasonable price for such professional videos, excellent organization and a user friendly flawless site I can easily navigate.
I’ve learned “free” from artists and their Instagram tutorials and have bought their products on Etsy.
One way or another, I feel the artist got something out of it too. I willingly pay for good content one way or another. Each artist has to design their own “profit” venue—money from subscribers, investors, ads, —-giving back to the world, —-etc.
“Free” let’s me sample and evaluate; I will gladly pay for content of value to me presented well.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I support one Artist on Patron, but would be unable to do so for many more. I enjoy your blog, and it stimulates my art work. Yes, I do purchase from artist I follow and very much appreciate their freebies. I appreciate everyone has a living to make, but the intention of the www, was as a sharing space, and I would hate this aspect to disappear completely.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I think it builds loyalty, not something you can put a cost on. Even if I might not be able to take your class, I am more likely to recommend one to someone else. I don’t know that comparing an artist/teacher to a doctor is a good comparison. You KNOW you’re going to pay the doctor, regardless. Plus going to the doctor is not usually optional. If you’re going, it’s because you HAVE to go. With a class, I can either attend or not, but a lot depends on how much I like the teacher.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
I agree with Karen above. While things are “given free” they are also the artist’s investment in advertising herself, and in some cases (say art foamies, or hand carved stamp demos) the free tutorials demonstrate how to use the product or why you might want to take a class. I’ve taken quite a few online classes (several with Julie) with artists I found because they had an available free tutorial or video that I stumbled upon. I would not have found them otherwise. On the other hand, while no one asks lawyers, doctors, dentists, etc. to donate their skills to fundraisers, artists are constantly asked to give away their work. It is a difficult balance between promoting oneself and being taken for granted.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
This is a difficult question. As a consumer, I enjoy free content and appreciate a good sale, but I also take classes and buy supplies. I have taken some of your online classes and have bought your products. I often buy products I see used on blogs. On the other hand, I understand the need to make a living and worry that people are being trained to expect things for free.
I craft as a hobby, but consider myself a writer, although I’m not yet making money from my books. Authors face the same issues. Should we give away a book to entice people to join our mailing list? Do we offer the first book in a series for free to encourage people to try (and hopefully continue) with the series?
These tactics do work to some extent, but I worry about devaluing our work.
Bottom line, I think creators need to provide some free content at least until they get established.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
I think it depends what is free to look at and what you have to pay for from a certain artist. I personally try to support artists and youtubers I follow regularly as much as is possible for myself. Supporting can mean as little as taking the time to like a video, to comment to an instagram picture. Or it can be buying an original piece of art from an artist I would have never known without instagram/youtube, supporting via patreon, taking online classes or buying their books (If shipping to Europe is somehow reasonable, if the book is not available locally). Honestly, I would have never signed up for the online classes I have if there has not been the reference of what to expect from a certain course/artist from free blogs/videos. Otherwise it is like buying an “How to”-art book with only seeing the cover and not even having an index as many how to-books covering one topic offer very much the same content, only in different colours :/ An index, a blog or instagram page or video from the author offer a way of being able to evaluate if a book/class could be worth the money. By the way, I love your book and stencils! I also think that one can see a product different if one knows who the designer/artist behind it is. In my childhood craft supplies where only craft supplies – nowadays I can appreciate the work behind certain things more as I know that they are not only craft supplies but the hard work from someone else.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
As an artist whos career is actually not in art. I find that i like free videos patterns articles and such. Does this mean I don’t buy artists books or patterns no but ultimately my art is more of a hobby I am not trying to make money off it nor do I plan to. If videos started costing money I probably would find tutorials elsewhere. I still support artists.
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
It’s a hard question for sure. I think it also is different for each artist depending on their following. A newbie starting out online may need free tutorials, patterns, hooks, just to get their name out there and to be recognized. Who is going to find and get to know them otherwise? Someone with a name and following can offer less free and still entice people to sign up for classes and buy products because they have gained the trust from their followers. Were those people conditioned to always expect free, or do they now realize that they are paying for quality? I almost never buy a product without first watching someone I trust demonstrate it and validate my “need” for it. I will always try to buy through affiliate links or if I know I need a new stencil with look for one that has a name I recognize (Balzer) before searching for generic ones. I think the free eventually pays you back in the end. It just may take awhile before you are Julie and can start selling your patterns, workshops, tutorials, etc. That being said – Thank you Julie for all you do still for the crafting industry now that you are a household name!! Your emails/blog is still my favorite thing in my inbox that actually gets opened regularly!
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
As a former theatre girl, you may appreciate the anecdote: a few years ago, I saw a theatre play in Montreal exploring this “free” concept. It was a “pay what you want” in a small venue, but the number of actors playing on any specific night was determined by the amount of money that was raised, in order that each actor received a fair salary for his/her performance. You could give either 0, 5, 15, 25, 75 or 150$ for your seat (a real seat, in a real theatre). I was shocked when they annouced that about 25 persons (a large number, in such a small venue) had given no money at all! Not even 5$! Needless to say, not all actors played that night, nor on most nights, I would guess.
All this to say, are we creating a culture of free? At least for some people, yes.
On the plus side, one person actually paid 150$ for the ticket that night, and the majority of the audience gave at least something. So there are still people who appreciate all the work that went into creating art.
And the play was excellent.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
I LOVE Youtube.com, Facebook and Instagam Live events, and any free media. That’s often where I first see artists in action and learn whether or not I’d like their style, methods, etc. to subscribe to. I currently support 2 people on Patreon because they deliver much more content and inspiration through that than simply free videos. They both provide a pretty large quantity of downloadable art that I can use to cut up, collage, use as inspiration for my own tries at painting, etc. I wouldn’t subscribe unless they offered more than just the short freebies on Youtube or live events. Due to the free videos and previews I’ve seen, I’ve gone futher and taken classes with the following (that I can think of off the top of my head): Roben-Marie SMith (at least 4 classes), Rae Missigman (2 or 3 classes), Kate Thompson (4 classes). Wendy Brightbill (2 classes), Ivy Newport (seveal), Rene Mueller (2 or 3), Joann SHarp (2), Danielle DOnaldson (4), Kelli Mae-Krenz , Mindy Lacefield (5 classes), and many more that I simply keep bookmarked to access when I get the whim. I wouldn’t have signed up for probably any of these had they not first offered free content that showed me their style of teaching, some methods, etc. There are several artists that charge waaaaay more than I could justify paying, but more power to them. I’ll simply have to honor them from afar. Many of my friends, though, think I spend too much on the classes as it is. Most of them wouldn’t pay for them,, as they think it’s frivalous. Their loss. It’s life’s blood for me. Hugs, Julie.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
Plus, I tend to buy artist’s made or promoted products more often if I have seen them in action.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
The hook woorks for me. I have bought on line classes from you and and other teachers after watching free tutorials on line so I am sure I like the art and the teaching style before I buy. I am not sure I would have bought as many otherwise. A few times I bought a class based on pictures only I was sorely dissapointed. Same goes for products.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I appreciate free content. I feel like it shows me what I’ll be getting when I buy a class or go to a workshop with the artist. I have no problem paying for content or materials.
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
I, like others, appreciate the free content (particularly You Tube videos) as an inspiration to try something I’ve never done before, and as a glimpse into the teaching style of the teacher. And because of free teasers, I’ve spend quite a bit of money on paid content, because I had seen that person and their style already, and knew I’d like it. On the flip side, I know to not purchase some paid content because they’re teaching style is not something that works for me.
Perhaps a comparison to a business that is also ‘because I want to’ instead of ‘because I need to” – like a doctor, is in order. Say…Nails. Don’t nail salons sometimes things they give away to get people in the door? Or golfing; don’t clubs offer specials and such to bring people in? I think you’re on the right track… a bit of tempting freebee, and if someone is tempted enough, here’s how you can partake of even more quality training!
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
The hook does and doesn’t work. I have bought artists’ online classes because I was familiar with what they put out and I trusted the quality. However, there’s one particular artist who has so much free content (anywhere from 5-30 minutes videos, 300+ videos) that I’ve resolved to get through all the free content before purchasing the expensive “premier” content (same topics but extended teaching and examples). It’s gonna take me so long to get through the abbreviated, free videos, I can’t imagine how long it’d take me to get through the premier videos – so it will be some time before they actually see a purchase from me (if, based on my progress, I still do want to make the purchase at that time).
Something that kinda goes along with this, but hasn’t been mentioned, is sales. There are a couple artists who offer sales at various (i.e. too many) times during the year(s). I’ve followed these artists for so long that I never buy their courses when they first come out because I know it won’t be long before they offer a discount, bundle, or flash sale. I kinda feel bad about that, but it’s only with a handful of artists who’ve trained us to expect sales; there are other artists who never do sales so I know it’s full price or nothing.
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
I think the difficulty of free content is that it is only free for the recipient. It is a gift that is given and i do feel that a part of the audience forgets that the gift of free content is always paid for by the creator. The costs to the creator of time and materials and creative energy can be depleted when there is no return on the investment. The other danger is that free content is perceived as free by some and ruthlessly copied without any regret or obligation.
It is a very fine balancing act and I am saddened that the most disadvantaged by it is the creative artist.
I do not know the answer but wish I did.
Many Thanks for all you share
xx Michelle
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
This is not a hard question for me. I honestly don’t value free products as a hook. I think of them as disposable and rarely use them. I have hundreds of free images, svg designs, patterns etc. but no longer download them or look at them. They do not engender loyalty in me. I’ll qualify that by saying that I do appreciate and use free gifts included with my purchase.
What I do value and what causes me to purchase products is seeing tutorials showing how said products can be used in different ways.
I’ve purchased your stencils and stamps Julie precisely because you have demonstration videos showing creative ways to use them. I’ve also purchased your book about hand carved stamps because my interest was piqued by a video. The book is excellent by the way.
I would say that if you’re going to offer something free make it a demonstration video showing the potential of the product. Mark Montano is onto something. It works for him and it works for me.
For crafters putting their products out there, value and price them based on the work you put into it. I have no problem paying a premium for a beautiful, one of a kind, handcrafted item. There are people that will try to treat your hand crafted products like a cheap Chinese knockoff but don’t allow your work to be under valued. I love a good bargain as much as anyone else but don’t haggle when it’s a quality product. There are plenty other shoppers just like me.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I think that is a tougher question for artists of visual media because your art is your advertisement and subject to “borrowing” rather than buying. Free content is sort of necessary to communicate your services as a teacher and style as an artist selling pieces. A Doctor’s advertisement may be something like their medical school and professional affiliations, etc, they don’t offer a half cure of your current ailment to entice you to come back for the rest.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
I probably would not have a craft room full of supplies if it weren’t for free content. I usually want to try what I see. I think that the manufacturers of the products probably benefit the most. I have purchased many DVDs and online classes after seeing an artist and following them because I come to trust them. I also am more likely to purchase something from someone I feel like I have known than not. I try to buy things from the artists links if that is where I had seen the items and suggest them to others.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
You have a product you need to sale it, so what do you do. Simple you show what it is how it works, and give a lesson free, showing how to make or whatever, then you just sold your product that you need to sale to make a living. It’s like making money you have to have money to make making money. Give and take and what is a little of your time, giving to make money from. OK I’ll close mouth.
Love Pattsy Orsburn your great Julie.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
Free content is a hook for me and not something to take for granted. I like to take online classes and very much appreciate it when artists offer some form of free content so that I can get a sense of if I will like their style and what they teach. I have found that blogs and newsletters are content that help me determine if I would like what an artist is teaching, but I also like to see one or two short, simple videos, live Q&A videos, or video podcasts from them to determine if I will like their teaching style – preferably with them speaking a bit of instruction rather than the “trailer” style that just have music with a montage of content. Earlier this year I actually decided not to sign up for an in-person course, in a medium I’d love to learn more about, at a local museum because I couldn’t find any information about the instructor online and the museum’s course description was so vague as to what would be taught beyond calling out the medium type. It was just too unclear what I would be getting for my money.
I subscribe to a lot of artists’ email newsletters, and support an artist and a podcaster on Patreon. I also follow a lot more people on Patreon than I’m able to support on a monthly basis to help me keep tabs on if they have a class or product coming out that I would be interested in paying for. I wish I had the means to support more. I’ve also been a paying member of an online fitness group for several years after participating in a free month-long challenge with them.
Unfortunately, there are people who will always expect free, but I have a feeling that many of those would just go without (or go with cheap, low quality) before paying no matter what.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.
I think it makes a big difference what you are selling. If you are selling art supplies or classes, then yes, free demos are going to help make sales. On the other hand, if what you are selling is art, I don’t know that freebies will help with that.
For me, I buy classes that I don’t have time to take, and supplies I don’t have time to use because the freebies and blogs have created a connection to the artist and I want to support them. (I know, I know, art in 15 minutes a day, I’m getting there!).
For example, I’ve been following Julie for several years now. I have quite a few of her stencils and also the stamp-carving book and a class. Now I’m saving up so I can attend an in-person class (and I’m bringing a friend when I get there). All of this comes from the admiration for her work and also for her personally, that I have gained from reading her blog and watching her free demos.
Yes, there are people who will just take the free and never buy anything, but as long as there are enough people who do buy, it doesn’t matter.