Fan Art and Being Grateful to Humble Clients for Small Projects

I originally planned to post this topic for later, but yesterday, I got a project inquiry from a client I worked with a long time ago, and It encouraged to post this ahead of schedule.

There are artists I have known and worked with online that have expressed mixed feelings about getting exposure through "Fan art".

By Wikipedia definition "Fan art is artwork created by fans of a work of fiction and derived from a series character or other aspect of that work".

While others say that drawing Fan art overshadows or in some ways prevents the artists' ability to create original work and possibly influence their style. The opposing group claim that drawing Fan Art is a way of showing support to the original creators and being inspired by their work, etcetera etcetera and so forth.

I've heard countless arguments on both sides being thrown as advice for the starting and confused freelancer. So when I am asked by the young ones about these opposing views, I can only say:

"First, get the project and be grateful for every client big and small. Especially the small ones. Fan art or otherwise."

If they need more proof, I tell them my story.

Though it was an original artwork that got me my first offers online, it was the numerous "small" projects that provided a more regular source of living in-between and even while working on big long term contracts.

And guess what? most of those projects... are "FAN ART"!

One of the most important issues that matter when you're working as a freelancer is your clients' needs. If they are satisfied with your work, good! If they are very satisfied with your work, they will remember you longer! And that's when your reputation as an artist will grow.

So again, if I'm asked if I personally prefer fan art over original work, I'm saying it doesn't matter. If you are happy with your art, the client is happy, your bank account is happy, What more do you need?

The attached artwork is from one of my earliest client who requested an illustration of Hatsune Miku and the Los Angeles convention center. Originally drawn separately then combined to create a poster for their groups' personal use in their blog and/or Room decoration. I also got to reuse these illustrations in other online articles as well.

The same client contacted me yesterday wondering if I'm interested in making them another one, this time drawing Mikasa Ackerman from the "Attack on Titan" series since the third season just came out. It felt good to be remembered, repeat offers from happy clients is something to look forward to in this business.

For someone starting in this profession, your work may not be getting a lot of exposure for now and it's not wrong to reach for that goal, but building a network of satisfied clients will help your reputation in the long run and it's more attainable and realistic.

So don't dismiss those small jobs and offers too quickly in favor of high paying ones. Chances are, they're much more fun and less of a headache to deal with, and some of them might come back for more!

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