The Value of Fan Art

Fan Art!? Yes, this post is all about fan art and why I believe it's a valid art form. 

My own creative journey began with fan art and fan fics. The definition of fan art, according to Merriam-Webster, is "artwork based on popular works of fiction (such as books, movies, etc.) that is created by fans." Fan fic, or fan fiction, is referring to "stories involving popular fictional characters that are written by fans." Basically, unofficial creative works made by fans. I know when I was younger I made A LOT of fan art, and even wrote some fan fiction. In fact, the name DemoniCat (the name I used to post my art under) was the name of a little cat-robot I had designed as a teenager as fan art for some anime show about fighting robots (that I cannot for the life of me remember the name of. EDIT: It was called Medabots!) I only drew the robot once, but the name stuck with me and I gave it to my original character, DC, who I still draw to this day. 

My biggest defense of fan art is that it can be a gateway (as it was for me.) Don't get me wrong, because creating fan art and fan fics is perfectly valid on its own. It doesn't need to be a stepping stone on a journey to "real art." The creatives who make fan-creations shouldn't feel pressured to "be more original." The creative works they make are already art, just because they were created.

Seriously, think about the love, passion, and inspiration they have - enough to want to create their own versions. I drew many DragonBall Z and Digimon inspired drawings. My style of drawing is still heavily influenced by anime (I think? I'm a little too close to my own art to be able to discern my own style.) The stories told in writing and visually through fans can be incredible!

I know I've mentioned before the incredible feeling when someone really connects with a piece of your work enough to say "This! I feel this!" especially when it's enough that they will pay money for it. Fans drawing, painting, writing about, or even dressing up as (that's right, I see you cosplay!) is like that special connection multiplied a hundred times! Here's an example:

My first year selling at Siouxpercon in Sioux Falls, SD, people went crazy for my toaster art! One family bought some of my work, then came back the next day to give me a marker drawing that their son made for me. It was my first toaster fan art and I nearly cried on the spot. His drawing is framed and hangs in my studio right above my table. 

Here's another drawing of toasters by a young artist - my own daughter, Emma. I didn't ask her to draw this one for me, which makes it all the more special. I especially love that she drew all different sizes of toasters, and their curly, kinky tails are the absolute best!

This little guy was given to me by Ms. Chevious. I can't express how much I love it, she even made little fork trees and added winged little toasts! It lives on my desk at work so I can see it five days a week. It's right next to my beloved LEGO Bonsai Tree and terra cotta Bob Ross bust (formerly a disturbing Chia Pet.) 

I'll admit I have a secret dream of my fantasy books becoming popular enough that other artists will create fan art of my characters. Until then, I'll keep doing my own and being absolutely thrilled when someone else loves my toasters enough to create their own versions. I'll also continue to accept pictures and videos of kids reading my picture books because that, too, is extremely heartwarming. 🥰