What's the Problem with Fanart?

People on the Internet seem to have a broad interest in fan art and yet an obsession with making fun of people that make fan art. What gives?

Let’s think about that for a moment. Popular things tend to get fanart, right? Really popular things will get even more, and the more popular something is, the more art will be created – and at the same time, the more likely it is that you’re going to encounter a loud person with bad opinions, usually of the rather rude variety. Why can people be so rude? Eh, probably not worth spending time trying to figure that out. People can get jealous if they see someone else in the spotlight, and if you made a popular fanart post, you’re probably going to see more grumpy people try to tear you down. Don’t even acknowledge them. They won’t respect you, so you don’t owe them any response.

While we’re talking about popularity, though, try to think about why you want to make fanart. Is it because you really like the show or game or franchise it’s from, or the artists that made it? Perfect! Make as much as you like. Is it because you’re chasing popularity? Maybe reconsider. I know that’s something that few people will admit to, so pause and ask yourself if that’s what you’re doing, honestly. If your true motivation is recognition and popularity, then you’re at high risk of burning out when you don’t get the reactions you hope for. Popularity is nothing to fear, but it’s important to take care of your mental health and make sure that you’re doing what you truly want to do, and not what you think others want you to do.

I think fanart is an awesome display of respect for the original artists! Doesn’t matter how popular it is. You’re showing someone that you liked their work so much that you wanted to commit your own time to share in that creativity and tell more stories. You’re carrying on that experience as influences in the rest of your art, and keeping those stories alive.

After all, all art we make is based on something. You didn’t just create a character out of nothing, you made one out of things you like, out of people you’ve seen, clothes you’ve worn, things people have done. Even if you painted a landscape, those trees and plants and sky are based on things in life. So is fanart! Here’s another way silly way to look at it: if you’ve ever drawn anything more than once, including your own characters, you’ve made fanart every time past the first drawing. Nothing wrong with it! Nothing wrong with fanart either. So what sorts of fanart have you liked to make? Popular or not, let’s hear it. Maybe go see if you want to make some more fanart today, of whatever’s on your mind. Go do it! See ya next time.