We had the opportunity to gather insight from the Senior Vice President of Product for Patreon, Wyatt Jenkins. This year, we are excited to partner with Patreon, a membership platform that makes it easy for artists and creators to get paid. Patreon will be offering some awesome opportunities for artists and creators during A3C. To learn more about Patreon, check out our interview with their Senior Vice President of Product, Wyatt Jenkins:
Wyatt Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Product
A3C: What impact has Patreon made on the industry?
Patreon has created a new business model that is sustainable for artists. Previously gatekeepers from Tech platforms to Major labels held the keys of success, but now we’ve proven at scale that artists can build a durable business from their craft.
We’ve created a space that strengthens the connections between creators and their biggest fans. Rather than the toxic online comments you see elsewhere, we’ve built a space where like-minded people connected by a common creator or community can have a healthy discourse.
This membership model is creating better art. Having a solid, predictable fanbase supporting your work gives artists the freedom to pursue projects they might not have, to stretch themselves creatively or take take breaks during creative fallow periods.
A3C: What type of legacy do you want to leave for Patreon?
First and foremost, I want Patreon to be a strong, independent business that is around for decades. Creators are launching their careers on this platform and we are in it for the long haul.
That art has value, so many of us get home after a tough day and it’s creativity (video, audio, podcast, illustration, community) that helps keep us human and connected. This creativity has value and this company will help the artist respect that value.
A3C: Aside from colleagues at Patreon , who do you admire in the industry?
I get the most inspiration from creators to be honest. Every other day, I find a fascinating creator who is doing something I never dreamed would be possible and making a living with it.
A3C: What are you doing that’s innovative?
Building a merch for membership product that is an end to end service delivering unique custom merch to your members.
Building a focused public page that articulates the value of membership to the world.
Helping creators with custom video thank you's to their fans at specific moments in their lifecycle.
A3C: What motivates and drives you to continue to improve and innovate?
Creators, my past as a creator, my fellow employees here at Patreon, the opportunity.
A3C: Is there anything you’re working on (that you can share) that you’re excited about releasing in 2019?
We are excited about internationalizing memberships for our creators. We are introducing lots of new podcast and video features to help creators deliver gated media.
Patreon's Mission:
We’re proud and motivated that creators rely on us for their paycheck, and ultimately, their creative freedom. We take that responsibility seriously, and have fun fulfilling that mission together.
A3C Studio Takeover Contest
Patreon has partnered with Dead End Hip Hop and Raedio by Issa Rae to give away one (1) free 2-hour recording session at Bravo Ocean Studios, a state-of-the-art recording facility in Atlanta, on October 12th and 13th. Learn more and enter to win here.
Assembly Announcement!
On November 2nd Patreon will gather some of the biggest names in film, podcasting, art, activism, music, and media to address the new generation of creators. Through personal stories gleaned along their own creative journey, we will lead a purposeful conversation on the importance of finding your unique voice and preserving your creative independence. Learn more about Assembly and subscribe for updates here.