Concerning Commissions - I need your feedback! (Patreon)

Hey there! I hope everyone is doing well so far in the new 2022! Recently I had my first commission opening of the year and I want to clear up any confusion that has arisen after this opening. This may be long-winded so I have bolded the most important information if you'd rather browse, but I feel I need to address some concerns that have arisen. 

The purpose of my Patreon is to offer all previews of my major projects, WIPs, and a discount for top tier supporters.

First dibs on commission slots IS NOT a Patreon benefit, and will not ever be a benefit. I deeply apologize if this was at all misleading, or a reason you subscribed. I'd even understand if you chose to unsubscribe because of this. While it's true that the last few commission openings have occurred here on Patreon, this has never been a promise to anyone in any tier. I simply can't offer it as an official benefit, because per the rules of Patreon, it would mean that I would have to guarantee a commission slot to everyone in that tier, which would be impossible for me to accommodate. Because I also tend to pick the commissions I want to take, I also don't like the idea of someone having to pay for the *chance* for a commission slot. No shade to any artist who choses to do that way, it's just not how I want to take commissions.

The reason why the last few openings have happened here and not publicly, is because it is WAY easier for me to pick from a much smaller group of people. It has also served as an extra "thank you" for your support. I'm VERY grateful to have such an amazing support system of Patrons who understand, and want support the work that I do! So, a few times in the past I have wanted to express my gratitude by going above and beyond by offering private commission openings.

Despite this, I could absolutely see how this would lead some people to thinking it was an exclusive benefit, which was a mistake on my part so again, I deeply apologize for making anyone feel like they had to be here in order to get a commission. That being said, I will no longer privately open for commissions here on Patreon, and will ONLY take them publicly from now on. By publicly, I mean on Twitter or FA or both. You can still expect previews of YCHs or adoptables. None of that is going to change. You just won't see me open slots here anymore unless I say otherwise.

On a personal note, I am only one person. I simply cannot do a commission for everyone who wants one. Sometimes public openings get very overwhelming for me. I hate to disappoint people, but someone will always be upset at me for the way I do things. Still, I will do my best to improve the process so it's as fair as it can be for everyone including myself.

So, my question to you is; what can I do to make the commission process better? Should I add a benefit for a commission opening heads up 1 week in advance? Should I alternate between artist choice and first come first serve? Should I offer commission in only 1 place (like Twitter only)? I sound like an annoying survey, but your feedback is very important to me because I truly want to do better for you. 

Finally, I have made small adjustments to the membership descriptions so hopefully it's easier to understand exactly what you're getting. 

Thank you if you've made it to the end, and I look forward to hearing from you ;w;