I like that you have actual items that people can buy, buttons and shirts and whatnot. That always made sense to me as a way to make money from artwork: tangible things.

But it seems like people can have good results from Patreon. Though it seems to vary. I'm certainly no expert myself. If nothing else, you could use patreon like a simple 'tip jar'

But it seems like the only way to make the most of art as any significant source of revenue, is to do everything. Store, patreon, commissions, etc. And hopefully enough trickles in via all those things to allow you to keep drawing.

That's always how I've looked at it: hopefully I'll find a way to convince people to give me enough money with my drawing to allow me to keep drawing more.
That's my theory anyway.
I haven't really put it into action...I'll probably always have a "real" job instead. I'm probably not being much help...

Best of luck, whatever you decide to try.

Yeah, despite having the stores, a few conventions, and commissions, it seems to never be enough to cover expenses D:. It's the way of being an artist I guess (unless you're one of those people who can just make art constantly, I envy them).

Using patreon as a tip jar is what I was thinking. If someone likes my work and is willing to donate 1, 5, or more dollars, hey. Otherwise keeping tracks of having to save sketches or psd's and stuff sounds too complicated and, again, I REALLY don't want to have "patron-only" art.

I'll just keep on truckin' for now. Thanks for the comment :D