docs: add dedicated sponsor section with full-width banner to README

README.md

@@ -82,7 +82,20 @@ We welcome bug reports, feature ideas, and pull requests. See [CONTRIBUTING.md](
 - [Open an issue](https://github.com/snapotter-hq/snapotter/issues)
 - [Submit a PR](CONTRIBUTING.md#code-requires-cla)
 - [Join Discord](https://discord.gg/hr3s7HPUsr) for help and discussion
-- [Fund development](https://github.com/sponsors/snapotter-hq) to keep SnapOtter free for everyone
+- [Sponsor the project](https://github.com/sponsors/snapotter-hq) to keep SnapOtter free for everyone
+
+## Support SnapOtter
+
+SnapOtter is built and maintained independently with no venture capital or corporate backing. Sponsorships fund infrastructure, keep releases flowing, and ensure the project stays free and open for everyone.
+
+If SnapOtter saves you from paying for cloud image services, consider supporting its development:
+
+<a href="https://github.com/sponsors/snapotter-hq">
+  <img src="branding/sponsor-banner.svg" width="100%" alt="Sponsor SnapOtter on GitHub">
+</a>
+
+<!-- sponsors -->
+<!-- sponsors -->
 
 <p align="center">
   <a href="https://star-history.com/#snapotter-hq/SnapOtter&Date">

branding/sponsor-banner.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="838" height="54" fill="none">
+  <defs>
+    <linearGradient id="bg" x1="0%" y1="0%" x2="100%" y2="0%">
+      <stop offset="0%" stop-color="#bf3f8f"/>
+      <stop offset="50%" stop-color="#9b4dca"/>
+      <stop offset="100%" stop-color="#6366f1"/>
+    </linearGradient>
+  </defs>
+  <rect width="838" height="54" rx="10" fill="url(#bg)"/>
+  <g transform="translate(280, 19)">
+    <path d="M7.5 13.5C7.5 13.5 0 9 0 4.5 0 2 2-0 4.5-0 5.8-0 7 .8 7.5 1.8 8 .8 9.2-0 10.5-0 13-0 15 2 15 4.5 15 9 7.5 13.5 7.5 13.5Z" fill="#ffffff" opacity="0.9"/>
+  </g>
+  <text x="430" y="33" font-family="-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif" font-size="15" font-weight="600" fill="#ffffff" text-anchor="middle" letter-spacing="0.4">Sponsor SnapOtter on GitHub</text>
+</svg>