It's been a weird 100 years for artists and creators, says musician and entrepreneur Jack Conte. The traditional ways we've turned art into money (like record sales) have been broken by the internet, leaving musicians, writers and artists wondering how to make a living. With Patreon, Conte has created a way for artists on the internet to get paid by their fans. Could payment platforms like this change what it means to be an artist in the digital age?

How artists can (finally) get paid in the digital age 

Digital creators once struggled to turn millions of views into real income as streaming platforms paid pennies and traditional industry support evaporated. A webcomic with 20,000 readers might earn only a few hundred dollars in ad revenue, leaving artists undervalued and insecure. Now, direct membership platforms and audience-driven support are helping creators build sustainable careers. The next era will see artists not just surviving, but thriving and respected, thanks to stronger connections with fans.

The Internet Broke Art’s Business Model, But a New One Is Rising

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