Palliativity 197: the fandome menace

Fan-art is a strange beast. It’s a wonderfully freeing experience to take ownership of a story, style or character that you love but did not entirely create. The way that you can instantly connect with and incite thousands of fellow followers of any given genre or franchise feels all too much like chasing dragons. My most successful pieces (in terms of views/sales) have been my fan art by epic magnitudes and have even gotten me published alongside some of my heroes.

Return to Godswood

Prints on Society6

At the same time, I’ve never wanted to get pigeon-holed as many successful artists often do. I have no interest in being the world’s most awesome cover band. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes will forever hold that crown. The important thing to remember when creating fan art is to project your own vision and style of another world as if it is your own into each and every detail. That way, you never lose sight of what it truly means to be a fan.

As I have said time and again:

If you want fans, make fan art.

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