Buy Me a Coffee — simple support for creative practice through donations and subscriptions
Supporting authors can be simple, transparent and not require complicated explanations. This service was created for creators and authors who want to give their audience a simple, straightforward way to support their work — without campaigns, deadlines or complicated set-up. One page and the ability to receive support exactly when it’s needed.
Direct support without complicated conditions
The platform allows you to receive support directly from your audience — through one-off transfers or regular subscriptions. There’s no need to set a fundraising goal or explain in detail how the funds will be used. Support is perceived as a gesture of participation and trust, rather than a one-off campaign or project.
A format that is clear to the audience
People choose the level of support themselves. The author does not need to create complex reward tiers. Instead, one can offer simple and heartfelt tokens of gratitude, such as small digital images of artworks, an early preview of new works, a personal message or postcard, a free invitation to an exhibition or studio visit, or access to behind-the-scenes materials.
Such gestures require no additional production and can be easily integrated into artistic practice.
Quick launch and a single link
Creating a page takes minimal time. As soon as the payment tools are connected, the service will be ready for use. The single link can be conveniently posted on social media, on the author’s website, in newsletters or shared personally — as a simple way to support the artist here and now.
International audience and page language
The platform caters to an international audience. There is no Russian interface — a creator’s page can be shown in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Ukrainian. Creators write the texts on their page in any language, based on their audience. So the platform also suits artists working with Russian-speaking communities in various countries.
Payments and technical requirements
Payouts are made only via Stripe. So creators can receive money only in countries where Stripe operates. Before launching the page, it is worth checking whether your country is on the list published in the Buy Me a Coffee help centre. The platform charges a fee on each payment, and standard payment system fees also apply.
Support without turning it into a separate project
Unlike crowdfunding, there is no need to launch a separate campaign with specific goals and deadlines. This format is convenient when it’s important to maintain practice on an ongoing basis — covering materials, studio hire, labour time or the preparation of new works — without the pressure of deadlines or reporting.
How to practically use the service
This format is particularly useful when an artist is between exhibitions, commissions or grants and wants to maintain contact with their audience and financial stability. Support does not replace major opportunities, but it helps artists stay in the game and continue their practice.
Who benefits most from this service?
Artists, illustrators, photographers, designers and other creators who want to build a community around their work, stay connected with their audience and receive support without complex structures, formal requirements or bureaucracy.
