If I do commissions, I'll have to prepare a rules sheet, and possibly make an original piece just for the sheet to show visual aides. What would you like me to make/what would you like to ask for commissions?

Now that it's available for purchase, here's my own plug on #PillowMan, the book series I am doing cover illustrations and character profiles on, for publisher Flat Sole Studio!

One night while Sam DeVenoe is biking home after a game, he has a mysterious encounter and is granted an unusual, slightly odd, maybe even a little bizarre "super" power. As Sam tries to discover the limits of his strange new ability, his best friend Gavin is determined to transform him into crimefighter. But donning a mask and patrolling the street on their bikes leads to unexpected trouble. A fire breaks and Sam's superpower is put to the test when spots someone in danger.

"A Hero Awakens" is a superhero origin story aimed at kids ages 6-12. It's written by Blake Hoena and Nate Burns, who have infused solidly written characters who form a strong friendship as they discover what it means to be a hero!

The first installment of Pillow-Man is now available on Amazon for Kindle and paperback, and at Barnes & Nobles for paperback, as well as on their international sites! More volumes will follow soon, each showcasing a new cover illustration I made. Help support small businesses and indie artists today!

The second volume will be available on November 1st.

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Awakens-Blake-Hoena/dp/B0CW3VM6ZH/

Barnes & Nobles - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-hero-awakens-blake-hoena/1144940142?ean=9798330306626

Flat Sole Studios - https://flatsolestudio.com/

Other places to get it online:

https://shop.harvard.com/book/9798869186133

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-hero-awakens-1

https://www.everand.com/book/753177291/A-Hero-Awakens

I got a newsletter this morning saying Apple is forcing Patreon to only allow iOS-approved payment systems on their site, which means they are forcing all creators there to migrate to a subscription-based model by November 2025 where Apple asks for an additional 30% fee for every payment.

In addition to kofi, are there any other Patreon replacements?

https://ko-fi.com/andrewkaiko

https://www.patreon.com/andrewkaiko

I realized that it's not enough to keep posting about new art I make on Patreon in order to get attention. For one thing, I only post around once or twice a month here, but also, I need to start really pushing earning income on my work some other way. For years and years, I have never managed to find that formula for a successful Patreon, as I only have a handful of patrons who pledge here every month, and even then, it's only $1 for each patron. I have infinitely more free followers, but engagement can only get you so far.

I am considering opening commissions, selling more things on an online site, and/or a third alternate form of service that I haven't found yet. Any suggestions for other avenues is welcome in the comments section!

All in all, I just have to make releasable art more often, as the bulk of my income derives from clients who hold the rights to my work and which I can't always post publicly, and cannot release in my portfolio, which is a downside for me. You can't keep a job in this business if you don't constantly have anything to show for it.

And of course, if you haven't yet, consider donating TO my Patreon! And I can also be found on ko-fi!