MUMBAI: See.Me, the fast-growing visual social network for artists, has introduced a new feature, a “tip jar on steroids,” that allows creators of all types to earn funds while rewarding their supporters.

The supporting experience on See.Me is social to its core, with supporters recognized on the artist’s profile. Artists also have simple tools to attach real-world rewards to their support levels as a “thank you” to their supporters.

“Our goal is to create a fluid social economy between creatives and their audience,” said William Etundi, Founder and CEO of See.Me. “While some artists are likely to become stand-out income earners, we are just as excited about the potential of a wide array of artists to be recognized with contributions of all sizes.  Our goal is to create a social connection that is more meaningful than a ‘like’ or a ‘follow.’”

See.Me (formerly known as Artists Wanted) recently re-launched after receiving $1.5 million from investors, expanding its community to additional creative pursuits beyond the art world including photography, fashion, and music. Members come from over 180 countries worldwide and include renowned artists like Questlove, Reggie Watts, and DJ Spooky as well as emerging painters, musicians, and photographers, with thousands of new members joining each day.

The beta-launch of the tip jar system will be rolled out to select users over the coming weeks. Early users include artists previously honored by See.Me such as Pete Eckert, a blind photographer from Sacramento; Anya Sapozhnikova, a Brooklyn-based circus performer; and Aaron Taylor Kuffner, who is accepting support for a fully robotic Gamelan Orchestra. Supporters can “Give a Little” at a $1 donation, “Give a Little More” at $7, or “Give a Lot” at an amount defined by the artist - up to $500.

Following a limited initial beta period, artists will be able to accept monetary contributions after depositing $7 into their account and giving away those dollars to seven different artists. “We want to encourage the social aspect of the contributions from the start,” said Etundi. “Mutual support is a core principle behind what we do.”

In addition to the funding tools artists are offered on the website, See.Me also produces real-world shows and other opportunities featuring members of the online community. This past March, several See.Me artists were presented in partnership with SCOPE Art at Moynihan Station in Manhattan. This coming June, five select See.Me users will have their work shown on the American Eagle video billboard, one of the largest billboards in Times Square.