Little late with this one, but not over the line that were into April so were good to go. I'd like to start by thanking my Patreon backers. As always, you guys really help me out, and I only hope that I'm proving to be worth the investment.
PARISHIONERS
Unformed
AmanCalledDominik
Vulpinator
FluffyWolf117
Sypher597
Dr.Portal 455
YFC
BovineMage
JustCallMeFaux
Ver min
Karakuri
Warwolf416
DuskyLycanroc
C. Archive
FOLLOWERS
EkhonACT9
Eric Johnson
Martin Nilsson
Mariusz Lewandowski
So let's start with the controversial stuff. By that I mean the aggressive crackdown by payment processors of NSFW content. Between Gumroad and Pixvi flat-out banning all NSFW content, and Patreon instituting that ridiculous 'visual confirmed consent' rule, things are looking dicey for sticking around on Patreon. I mean, it's insane to have, (And correct me if I've misinterpreted this), but to need to go as far as having something like text bubbles above characters who are clearly of age and into what's going on stating 'they consent'. Next thing you know the characters will be required to be holding up driver's licenses too. This isn't Patreon's first stupid kowtow to payment processors being puritanical, but unlike Gumroad they've clearly been taking the 'slow boil' approach instead of pulling the rug out from under everyone with little warning. More than likely to avoid the uproar and mass exodus places like Tumblr and Onlyfans (Although Onlyfans backtracked hard) suffered when they pulled the same blanket ban tactic.
That said, I set up a substar a long while back as sort of a backup should Patreon become too much of a pain in the ass. While I won't be closing my Patreon at present, I will be opening my substar back up alongside it for exit strategy purposes in preparation for whatever stupid shit Patreon pulls next. It's not a long-term solution I guess, seeing as this is coming down from payment processors, they'd eventually come for substar too...but at least that would more than likely prolong things. I can get a few more breaths of oxygen in while they continue to slowly strangle a good chunk of online artists' livelihoods to death. And here I thought AI was the biggest threat to the art community. Anyway, the substar will be functioning in a few weeks, probably mid-April. Although god knows I'm always about a week behind my estimates. When it does go live I will post an announcement along with the active link to it.
Moving away from the looming gloom and doom for the artistic community, let's talk about my current work schedule.
Right now I'm having sort of a slow week. By that, I mean my focus is purely on getting the rough draft of my Gus and Melly side-fic done and ready to send off to my editor. As with the previous fics, I'll be sharing about two pages of the rough for backers once it's finished. Of course, this puts me behind in wanting to get more asks done as well as work on an Easter/Spring project for everyone to enjoy (spoilers; it's sheep-themed). Ideally, I'll also be getting my last commission on deck done and can spend a little time preparing a public pricing sheet to post around before I've got to get a Mother's Day picture or sticker set out for Etsy.
After that, things finally start to loosen up, and I can get back to some long pending projects. Character sheets, Savage Love Pages, that Ellie and Cameron comic, and whatever else I can think of to toy around with until fall starts closing in. Might come back to some of my OCs who've only gone as far as the sketch stage. Might make some new ones. The skies the limit really. At least, fingers crossed on that anyway. I'm still sitting on my 'Art School' program I've been waiting to start, and I'd like to before next year. I can't afford to stagnate especially with AI breathing down everyone's necks like a hypersonic missile.
Lastly, life stuff. There's not much to say here as not too much has changed. I had to postpone my heart doctor appointment for another month due to a surprise storm. So I'm basically just doing my best to press on while I wait for my appointment. Hopefully, there won't be another storm in mid-April, but I live in the high Rockies, so the chances are higher than most places. My mother has been doing well with physical therapy, and fingers crossed she'll be walking unassisted by June. Which will take a decent-sized portion of weight off my back. Even thinking about that possibility feels like such a relief, at least before I remind myself we aren't there yet.
I think that's about all I have to say for now. If I think of anything else I'll be sure to supply you all with a mini-update!
Thanks again to my Patreon backers! As well as all the folks following, faving, and commenting on my works. (And buying stuff in my Etsy store) It's always appreciated.
My Etsy Shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WastedTimesArtShoppe
My Patreon
https://patreon.com/wastedtimeee?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
-Wasty
