Founding Artist Program
The Founding Artist program rewards early Artbase adopters with two years of zero commission on all direct sales. It's our way of saying thank you for believing in us from the start.
Program Overview
The Benefit
0% Artbase commission for 2 years
That means on a $100 sale:
- Regular: $2.00-$0.50 commission (depending on plan)
- Founding Artist: $0 commission
Only Stripe's payment processing fee applies.
Who Qualifies
Founding Artist status was offered to:
- Artists who joined during our launch period
- Early beta testers
- Artists who signed up before [date]
- Special invitation recipients
The Founding Artist program is closed to new members. Current members retain their benefits for the full 2-year period.
How It Works
Activation
When you became a Founding Artist:
- Your account was flagged as
is_founding_artist = true - Start date was recorded
- Commission exemption began immediately
Duration
- 2 years from your founding date
- Automatic transition to standard rates after
- Advance notice before transition
What's Included
| Feature | Founding Artist |
|---|---|
| Commission rate | 0% |
| All plan features | Yes |
| Subscription cost | Regular pricing |
| Channel fees | N/A (channels charge their own) |
What's Not Included
- Subscription fees still apply
- Stripe processing fees still apply
- Channel fees (Etsy, Gumroad) unchanged
- No special pricing on add-ons
Checking Your Status
In Creator Hub
- Go to Settings → Billing
- Look for "Founding Artist" badge
- See your start date
- View days remaining
Status Display
Founding Artist Status: Active
Started: March 15, 2024
Ends: March 15, 2026
Commission Rate: 0%
Commission Savings
Monthly Savings Example
On $2,000 monthly direct sales:
| Plan | Regular Commission | Founding Artist | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $40/mo | $0 | $40/mo |
| Growth | $30/mo | $0 | $30/mo |
| Pro | $10/mo | $0 | $10/mo |
Two-Year Savings
On $2,000 monthly sales over 2 years:
| Plan | Total Saved |
|---|---|
| Starter | $960 |
| Growth | $720 |
| Pro | $240 |
At Higher Volumes
Monthly sales of $10,000:
| Plan | Monthly Savings | 2-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $200 | $4,800 |
| Growth | $150 | $3,600 |
| Pro | $50 | $1,200 |
After Founding Period
What Changes
When your 2-year period ends:
- Standard commission applies based on your plan
- All other features unchanged
- No action required
Notification Timeline
| Timing | Communication |
|---|---|
| 90 days before | Email reminder |
| 30 days before | In-app notification |
| 7 days before | Final reminder |
| Day of | Status changes |
Upgrade Recommendation
Consider your volume when transitioning:
- High volume → Pro plan (0.5%)
- Medium volume → Growth plan (1.5%)
- Lower volume → Starter may be fine (2%)
Maximizing Your Founding Period
Drive Direct Sales
Your 0% commission period is most valuable on direct sales:
- Push storefront over marketplace
- Email marketing emphasis
- Social links to your storefront
- Exclusive direct-only products
Build Your Foundation
Use these 2 years to:
- Grow your email list
- Build customer relationships
- Establish your brand
- Create repeat customers
Document Your Savings
Track your commission savings:
- View fee reports monthly
- See "Commission waived" amount
- Calculate running total
- Appreciate the benefit!
FAQ
Can I still get Founding Artist status?
The program is currently closed. Watch for future promotions.
Does it apply to all my products?
Yes, all direct sales from your storefront are commission-free.
What about channel orders?
Channel orders (Etsy, Gumroad) don't have Artbase commission anyway—the channels take their own fees.
Can the period be extended?
The 2-year period is fixed. Consider Pro plan for lowest ongoing rates.
What if I pause my subscription?
Your founding period clock continues regardless of subscription status. We recommend staying active to maximize the benefit.
Can I transfer Founding Artist status?
No, the status is tied to your specific organization account.
What if I create a new organization?
Founding Artist status doesn't transfer to new organizations.
Program Values
Why We Offered This
- Reward early believers
- Give artists runway to grow
- Build long-term relationships
- Prove our value before charging
Our Commitment
We designed Artbase to be:
- Artist-friendly fees always
- Transparent pricing
- Value-aligned (we win when you win)
- Fair to all users