# Patreon Tier Structure

**CREATOR:**
The Art of Alex Chen (Digital illustration tutorials)

**CONTENT OFFERED:**
- Weekly tutorials
- Process videos
- PSD files
- Monthly Q&A
- Private community
- 1-on-1 feedback

**TARGET AUDIENCE:**
Aspiring digital artists wanting to improve

**PRICING GOAL:**
Maximize revenue while keeping entry tier accessible

---

## RECOMMENDED TIER STRUCTURE

### Overview: 4-Tier Model

| Tier | Name | Price | Purpose |
|------|------|-------|--------|
| 1 | Apprentice | $5 | Entry point, high volume |
| 2 | Artist | $12 | Core offering, most value |
| 3 | Professional | $25 | Premium access, dedicated learners |
| 4 | Master | $50 | VIP, 1-on-1 access |

**Psychology:** The $12 tier should feel like the obvious best value. Most patrons should land there.

---

## TIER 1: ENTRY LEVEL

### Tier Name Options:
```
1. Apprentice
2. Supporter
3. Fan
4. Sketch Tier
5. Foundation
```

**Recommended:** Apprentice (fits art theme, implies growth)

### Price: $5/month

### Benefits:
```
✓ Access to patron-only feed
✓ Weekly tutorial posts
✓ Behind-the-scenes updates
✓ Patron-only Discord channel
✓ My eternal gratitude
```

### Description:

```
🎨 APPRENTICE — $5/month

The perfect starting point for artists ready to level up.

You get:
→ Weekly tutorial posts breaking down professional techniques
→ Behind-the-scenes looks at my client work and process
→ Access to the patron-only Discord where artists help each other
→ My genuine appreciation for supporting independent art education

This tier is for artists who want to learn but are not ready for the deep-dive content yet. You will still get massive value — just at your own pace.

Every dollar helps me create more free content for the broader art community. Thank you for being part of this.
```

**Word Count:** 93

**Why This Tier Works:**
- **Low barrier** ($5 = impulse decision)
- **Clear value** (tutorials, Discord)
- **Sets expectation** (not deep-dive)
- **Gratitude without begging**
- **Explains impact** (supports free content)

---

## TIER 2: CORE TIER (Most Popular)

### Tier Name Options:
```
1. Artist
2. Creator
3. Studio Access
4. Brushwork
5. The Workshop
```

**Recommended:** Artist (aspirational identity)

### Price: $12/month

### Benefits:
```
✓ Everything in Apprentice tier
✓ Full process videos (1-2 hours each)
✓ Downloadable PSD files with all layers
✓ Monthly live Q&A sessions
✓ Tutorial request voting
✓ Early access to all content
```

### Description:

```
⭐ ARTIST — $12/month (Most Popular)

This is where the real learning happens.

Everything in Apprentice, plus:

→ Full process videos (1-2 hours) — Watch entire pieces come together from blank canvas to finished art. Every decision explained.

→ Downloadable PSD files — Get the actual layered files so you can study exactly how I build my work. Worth the tier price alone.

→ Monthly live Q&A — Bring your questions, get them answered in real-time. Past sessions are archived for you to watch anytime.

→ Tutorial voting — Help decide what I teach next. Your input shapes the content.

→ Early access — See everything 48 hours before it goes to lower tiers.

This tier is designed to be the best value on my Patreon. If you are serious about improving, this is where you want to be.

Most patrons choose Artist — and for good reason.
```

**Word Count:** 153

**Why This Tier Works:**
- **"Most Popular" label** (social proof, anchoring)
- **Clear upgrade from Tier 1** (process videos, PSDs)
- **Specific details** (1-2 hours, layered files)
- **Value statement** (worth tier price alone)
- **Best value positioning** (designed to be best value)
- **Social proof close** (most patrons choose this)

---

## TIER 3: PREMIUM TIER

### Tier Name Options:
```
1. Professional
2. Studio Pro
3. Masterwork
4. Inner Circle
5. Advanced Artist
```

**Recommended:** Professional (signals serious commitment)

### Price: $25/month

### Benefits:
```
✓ Everything in Artist tier
✓ Exclusive advanced tutorials
✓ Monthly artwork critique session
✓ Custom brush pack (updated quarterly)
✓ Name in video credits
✓ Private patron-only channel
```

### Description:

```
💎 PROFESSIONAL — $25/month

For artists ready to go deeper and get personal feedback.

Everything in Artist, plus:

→ Advanced tutorials — Content I only share at this level. Complex techniques, industry workflows, and professional secrets that go beyond the basics.

→ Monthly critique sessions — Submit your work and get detailed feedback from me. I will show you exactly what is working and what to improve.

→ Custom brush pack — My personal brushes, updated every quarter with new additions. These are the exact brushes I use for client work.

→ Credits recognition — Your name appears in my video credits as a Professional supporter.

→ Private channel — A smaller, more focused community of serious artists. Better conversations, more networking.

This tier is for artists who want more than tutorials — they want guidance. If you are building a portfolio or pursuing art professionally, this is your tier.
```

**Word Count:** 152

**Why This Tier Works:**
- **Clear differentiation** (personal feedback, advanced content)
- **Tangible exclusive** (brushes, credits)
- **Identity appeal** (serious artists, professional pursuit)
- **Smaller community** (exclusivity)
- **Career framing** (portfolio, professional)

---

## TIER 4: VIP TIER

### Tier Name Options:
```
1. Master
2. Mentor Access
3. 1-on-1
4. Atelier
5. Patron Elite
```

**Recommended:** Master (highest achievement, mentorship implied)

### Price: $50/month

### Benefits:
```
✓ Everything in Professional tier
✓ Monthly 30-min 1-on-1 video call
✓ Direct message access
✓ Portfolio review session (quarterly)
✓ Shoutout on social media
✓ Input on future content direction
```

### Description:

```
👑 MASTER — $50/month (Limited to 20 patrons)

Direct access to me. Mentorship, not just tutorials.

Everything in Professional, plus:

→ Monthly 1-on-1 call (30 minutes) — Video chat where we focus entirely on your art and goals. Bring questions, get personalized guidance, plan your next steps.

→ Direct message access — Have a quick question? Message me directly. I prioritize Master patrons and typically respond within 24 hours.

→ Quarterly portfolio review — Detailed written feedback on your portfolio with specific suggestions for improvement.

→ Social media shoutout — I will feature your work to my 150K+ followers once per quarter.

→ Content input — Help shape what I create. Your suggestions get priority consideration.

This tier is limited to 20 patrons to ensure I can give everyone proper attention. When it fills up, there will be a waitlist.

If you want actual mentorship — not just content — this is it.
```

**Word Count:** 161

**Why This Tier Works:**
- **Scarcity** (limited to 20 = urgency)
- **True differentiation** (1-on-1 access)
- **Multiple touchpoints** (calls, DMs, reviews)
- **Exposure benefit** (shoutout to 150K)
- **Mentorship framing** (not just content)
- **Waitlist mention** (social proof, urgency)

---

## ALTERNATIVE TIER STRUCTURES

### 3-Tier Structure (Simpler)

| Tier | Price | Focus |
|------|-------|-------|
| Supporter | $3 | Access + gratitude |
| Member | $10 | Core content |
| VIP | $30 | Personal access |

**Best for:** New creators, smaller content libraries

---

### 5-Tier Structure (More Options)

| Tier | Price | Focus |
|------|-------|-------|
| Fan | $3 | Community access |
| Supporter | $7 | Basic content |
| Member | $15 | Full content |
| Pro | $30 | Premium + feedback |
| Elite | $75+ | 1-on-1 + everything |

**Best for:** Established creators with lots of content

---

### Physical Rewards Structure

| Tier | Price | Focus |
|------|-------|-------|
| Digital | $5 | Digital content only |
| Collector | $15 | Digital + monthly print |
| Superfan | $35 | Digital + merch quarterly |

**Best for:** Artists, makers, creators with physical products

---

## TIER NAMING STRATEGIES

### Strategy 1: Themed Names
Match your content theme:
- Art: Sketch, Canvas, Masterpiece
- Writing: Reader, Editor, Author
- Gaming: Player, Champion, Legend
- Music: Listener, Fan, Backstage

### Strategy 2: Progression Names
Imply growth:
- Beginner → Intermediate → Advanced → Expert
- Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Grandmaster
- Bronze → Silver → Gold → Platinum

### Strategy 3: Access-Based Names
Describe what they get:
- Community Access, Content Access, VIP Access
- Supporter, Member, Inner Circle

### Strategy 4: Simple + Clear
No creativity needed:
- Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3
- $5 Tier, $15 Tier, $30 Tier

---

## PRICING PSYCHOLOGY

### The Anchor Effect:
```
Your middle tier should feel like the best deal.

$5 → $12 → $25 → $50

The $12 tier looks great compared to $5 (more than 2x value for 2.4x price).
The $25 tier looks reasonable compared to $50 (half price, still premium).
```

### Price Point Research:

| Price | Patron Psychology |
|-------|------------------|
| $1-3 | Tip jar, minimal commitment |
| $5 | Entry point, low risk |
| $10-15 | Serious but accessible, most common |
| $20-30 | Premium, expects real value |
| $50+ | VIP, expects personal access |
| $100+ | Superfan, corporate, or high-value |

### Avoid:
```
- $1 tier (attracts non-engaged patrons)
- Too many tiers (decision paralysis)
- Unclear jumps ($5 → $7 → $9 = confusing)
- No premium option (leaves money on table)
```

---

## BENEFIT WRITING TIPS

### Do:
```
- Lead with the most valuable benefit
- Use specific details (1-2 hours, 30 minutes, quarterly)
- Explain WHY each benefit matters
- Differentiate clearly from lower tiers
- Use "Everything in [previous tier], plus:" format
```

### Do Not:
```
- List benefits without explanation
- Use vague language (exclusive content, special access)
- Repeat same benefits across tiers
- Overpromise what you cannot deliver
- Forget to mention frequency (weekly, monthly)
```

### Benefit Categories:

| Category | Examples |
|----------|----------|
| Content | Tutorials, videos, posts, downloads |
| Community | Discord, private channels, events |
| Access | Early access, behind-scenes, archives |
| Recognition | Credits, shoutouts, thank you |
| Personal | Feedback, calls, DMs, mentorship |
| Physical | Prints, merch, signed items |

---

## TIER UPGRADE PSYCHOLOGY

### Why Patrons Upgrade:
```
1. They got value from current tier (trust built)
2. They want something specific in higher tier
3. Social proof (others are at higher tier)
4. Scarcity (limited spots)
5. Identity (want to be "Professional" not "Supporter")
```

### Encourage Upgrades:
```
- Mention higher tier benefits in posts
- Celebrate higher-tier patrons publicly
- Offer upgrade promotions occasionally
- Make tier names aspirational
- Show what higher tiers unlock
```

---

## COMMON TIER MISTAKES

| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---------|--------|-----|
| Too many tiers | Decision paralysis | 3-5 tiers maximum |
| No clear value jump | No reason to upgrade | Each tier needs unique value |
| $1 entry tier | Low-quality patrons | Start at $3-5 minimum |
| Vague descriptions | Confusion | Be specific about deliverables |
| Promising too much | Burnout, disappointment | Only promise what you can sustain |
| No premium tier | Missing revenue | Always have $25+ option |
| Same benefits, different price | Feels like cash grab | Clear differentiation required |
| Forgetting frequency | Unclear expectations | State weekly, monthly, etc. |

---

## TIER CHECKLIST

### Before Publishing Tiers:

- [ ] 3-5 tiers total (not more)
- [ ] Entry tier $3-5 (accessible)
- [ ] Core tier $10-15 (best value)
- [ ] Premium tier $25+ (serious supporters)
- [ ] Each tier has unique benefits
- [ ] Descriptions explain WHY benefits matter
- [ ] Frequency stated (weekly, monthly)
- [ ] "Everything in X, plus" format used
- [ ] Names fit your brand/theme
- [ ] You can actually deliver everything promised
- [ ] Limited spots mentioned if applicable
- [ ] Most Popular label on core tier