By Mira Ciganek, with reporting help from Cristine Trimarco, Phoebe Richiez and Sven Larson | June 18, 2022

Danny Meisinger was hesitant when he joined Instagram back in 2014 to promote his art. The 56-year-old potter doesn’t like being chained to his phone or listening to troubleshooting tutorials from 20-something know-it-alls.

But in the last few years, Meisinger has amassed over 85,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 300 patrons on the membership platform Patreon.

“Listen, I like making pots and I like selling pots. But this is the new world that we’re living in. And you can keep up or die,” he said, his passion evident even over a choppy phone call.

Meisinger is one of hundreds of thousands of artists and creators currently featuring their work on Patreon. Despite the kinks, quite literally, that are still being worked out of its system, this member subscription platform has taken the post-pandemic world by storm. By providing a paid alternative to social media, Patreon has assigned itself to the digital and democratic lifestyle that has gained popularity in recent years.

When Meisinger joined Patreon in March 2020, he had low expectations. Once the pandemic was in full swing, however, he began creating educational videos at lightning speed. The Kansas-based artist uploaded more than 50 videos by the start of the following year, featuring everything from standard clay-throwing tutorials to lessons on a chalkboard. Now, with monthly subscription tiers ranging from $3 to $50, Patreon provides a large portion of his income.

But for the self-taught potter, the money is only part of the point. He foresees platforms like Patreon infiltrating the standard educational path in America. “It’s democratizing knowledge,” Meisinger said.

Patreon lacks a free-subscription option, however, one of Meisinger’s primary concerns with the platform. “I believe in volunteer socialism,” he said. “So I don’t want to exclude anybody for monetary reasons.” He has priced his first tier at $3 to provide a budget option for patrons who need it.

Despite the financial strain many Americans faced during the pandemic, the number of Patreon users and creators soared during the initial months of 2020. According to an article from Patreon’s blog, “more than 30,000 creators launched in the first 3 weeks of March 2020 alone.” Similarly, the article indicated a drastic increase in patrons during this time.

Although the company’s growth started tapering off in the last year, new creators are still signing up every day. Guitarist and entrepreneur Philip Shouse joined Patreon in April. He offers weekly newsletters, first looks, meet-and-greets and even a signed guitar at the highest of his seven levels, a niche homage to a Beatles quote.

He has also toured with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley, formerly of Kiss. “In the ’70s, who wouldn’t have done this with anybody in Kiss or anybody in Led Zeppelin?” said Shouse. “It’s pretty amazing, the chance the fans now have to get one-on-one time with people.”

Quinn Hall, a patron of several professional gamers, appreciates the opportunity to view content before it is released on other platforms. “Depending on how they have their Patreon set up, you do get to see their content a little bit earlier than everybody else,” said Hall. But some users have expressed concern that some creators spread the same content across multiple platforms, leaving little exclusivity for Patreon.

Hector Melo joined Patreon to see uncensored, behind-the-scenes imagery from a documentary by YouTuber and videographer Jeff Wittek. “I signed up and was looking for the image and two days later he posted it on Instagram for free,” Melo said.

Melo was disappointed but understood the nature of these platforms. The exclusive first-look approach is very common on the site.

But Patreon isn’t all behind-the-scenes footage and pottery tutorials. Although video pornography is specifically prohibited, other forms of adult content make up a notable portion of what circulates across the platform. In 2021, adult games became the fourth-most lucrative category on Patreon. Creators featuring mature content under the umbrellas of games, videos, photography and cosplay brought in roughly 10 percent of total sales in the same year.

Despite the controversial nature of such content, Patreon is joining websites like OnlyFans in providing a more regulated option for creating and promoting adult material. In recent years, the topic of ethical pornography has gained traction in light of what critics and activists have said are exploitative practices across much of the industry.

This is just one of many avenues through which membership and social media platforms are able to spread awareness and knowledge. Through Patreon and Instagram, Meisinger has been able to connect with individuals around the world. During the pandemic, he was put in contact with a 16-year-old boy in Afghanistan, creating a virtual pottery apprenticeship of sorts.

“I get to talk to this young man that’s on the other side of the planet and encourage him and help him along,” said Meisinger. “It’s really an awesome thing. And it’s made the world such a smaller place.”