By the Words of an Artist, the Myths of Fandom Art Explained · 2:12pm May 7th, 2015
In a recent interview, fandom artist John Smith shares his views about the role artists, such as himself, play within their respective fandoms.
With a personal definition of fandom focusing on the creatives aspects of media, Smith describes himself, as well as other artists, as the expressionistic members of a community of like-minded individuals.
However, as the interview progressed, the art seemed to play a more important role in the fandoms than the artists, “…art can be used as a chain that binds the fans together in the fandom.”
“Art can be used as a beacon to draw in new people to a fandom.”
Playing both roles as a tie binding fandom members together, as well as the catalyst which brings in new members, Smith did share concern as to the influence these artists can acquire from their art.
Desiring the artists of fandoms to help support, or inspire, the creators of whatever media their fandoms comes from, Smith expresses his worry about the possibility that, “Fans turn to fanaticism over [the artists’] art.” In short, that fans will become greater fans of the art rather than the original media.
“It can be a double-edged sword, sometimes, the influence can lead to positive results, such as creators taking notice. Yet other times, it can end badly, with people criticizing the art.”
Smith further explains that this negative can possibly result in affecting both the artist and the entirety of the fandom, by judgemental perspectives and possible prejudice towards the fandom based off its fan-made art, or ‘fandom art.’
Even so, John Smith takes pride in what he does, and the role he sees himself and his fellow artists take within their fandoms.
If you wish to read the interview, you may find the link below.
Note: The views expressed in both the article and the interview are opinions held by the interviewee. Again, these are only opinions found within fandoms.
If you have anything about the article you wish to critique, or simply want to state your opinion, please do. The point of this series of articles is simply to showcase understandings and opinions found within and outside fandoms about the topic of fandom.