Ko-fi — donations, subscriptions, and sales of digital materials for authors
This service is designed for authors who want to receive support and sell digital works directly, without launching campaigns, deadlines, or complex infrastructure. Ko-fi combines several simple formats in one place: audience support, regular subscriptions, and direct sales of digital materials — all on one page.
Support without campaigns or goals
The service allows you to accumulate funds through one-time donations and regular subscriptions. There is no need to formulate a fundraising goal or explain in detail what the funds will be used for. Support is perceived as a gesture of participation and trust in the author’s practice, rather than as a separate project.
Direct sale of digital
works A key feature of the service is the ability to sell digital materials immediately. Authors can post images, illustrations, photographs, small digital publications in PDF format (mini-catalogues, collections of works, visual diaries), sets of works, or educational files. Files are uploaded directly, the price is set by the author, and the purchase takes place without launching an online store or external services. This format is especially convenient for artists working with reproducible digital works.
An understandable format for the audience
Support is as simple as possible: people choose the amount and format of their participation, and authors don’t need to set up complicated reward levels. Ko-fi is convenient for using lightweight digital formats that are immediately available after support, such as individual images or small series of works, PDF files with mini-catalogues or selections, early access to new materials, sketches and work processes, as well as short personal messages.
Quick launch and one link
Creating a page takes minimal time and does not require moderation. Once payment instruments are connected, the service is ready to use. One link can be conveniently placed on social media, on the author’s website, in newsletters, or used after offline events — as an easy way to support or purchase work here and now.
Language and international audience
The main interface language is English, but the service is actively used by an international audience. Authors create their own content and can publish it in any language, including Russian, depending on their community.
Payments and technical conditions PayPal or Stripe
are connected to receive funds. The availability of a specific method depends on the author’s country of residence and local payment restrictions. In the basic model, the service does not charge its own commission — only standard payment fees are charged. Advanced features are available in paid plans.
Support as part of everyday practice
Unlike crowdfunding with fixed goals and deadlines, there is no need to turn fundraising into a separate project. The format is designed for ongoing support and regular sales of digital works, which is convenient for sustainable practice and contact with the audience at your own pace.
Who will benefit most from
this service Artists, illustrators, photographers, designers, and other creators who work with digital materials, develop a community around their practice, and want to combine support and direct sales without complex structures, reporting, and formal barriers.
