Who Do You Truly Need in Your Tribe?

Creative friends, do you know that you have many different kinds of supporters? Let’s talk about 3 specifically, starting with the most familiar:

1. 1. “The Fan”- Fans are important. They are the ones who consume the art and are impacted by it the most.
   2. “The Patron”- Patrons are core fans who may or may not be consumers of your art, but they give towards the art in order to ensure that you continue your creative work.
   3. “The Coach”- The coach is not just a fan of you or your art, but is a leader on your support team to give strategy and instruction on your creative journey. Coaches bring out the best in your art and business for successful “plays”.

As an independent artist, your fans are important – but you don’t just need your fans. You also need patrons and coaches. It ensures that your team of supporters not only consume your art, but also contribute to the support of you, the artist. Patrons know that, without their support, there may not be any more art created. Patrons offer their talents, time, finances, connections, and whatever they feel comfortable with sharing to make sure you continue creating. You know that, with your patrons on your side, you can keep doing the important work of creating. But along your journey you may feel lost or feel like you have hit a dry patch. A coach can be an oasis in a creative’s dessert. The fee associated with consulting a true coach is nothing compared to the aid provided and weight that they can lift from your shoulders when you’re unsure of what to do next. All creators must take the time to discern the difference in their present and future supporters. Whatever category a person falls in should not be despised or taken for granted. I believe it takes a tribe of fans, patrons, and coaches to make great artists RISE.