When Fan Art Loses Its Shine
- JP de la Rama
- Aug 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Rediscovering the Joy of Fan Art: How My 5-Year-Old Reminded Me Why It Matters
"Fan art isn’t about validation—it’s about rediscovering the joy of creation. When you draw like no one’s watching, that’s when your art truly shines."
Introduction
There was a time in my life when I grew to dislike creating fan art. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy drawing characters from my favorite shows, games, and comics. The issue stemmed from that guy. You know the one. The person who always says, “Your fan art doesn’t look like the original.”
This constant comparison took the fun out of it. It became a competition. Who could replicate the original the closest? Who could polish the details to perfection? Somewhere along the way, the joy got lost. So, I stopped doing fan art altogether.
The Problem Beneath It
The truth is, for many artists, fan art isn’t really about practice anymore. It’s about validation. It’s about likes, views, and attention. When you hinge your growth and happiness on what others think, you enter a toxic cycle:
You compare your work to others.
You measure yourself against the “likes” counter.
You lose the spark that made you pick up a pencil in the first place.
Comparing yourself to others is the bane of being an artist. It robs you of the joy of the process and replaces it with anxiety over the outcome.
When I stopped doing fan art, I rediscovered something important: art, at its core, isn’t about validation. It’s about expression. It’s about creating something from thin air, worldbuilding narratives out of words and sketches, and letting human ingenuity flow from your hands.
This is why the great artists of the past stood out. They weren’t focused on mass approval. They were obsessed with their own process, their craft, and their exploration. Through that, they became legends.
Rediscovering Joy in Creation
Fast forward to today. My five-year-old often requests artwork from me. She has favorite characters she loves, and as the perk of being “artist-dad,” fan commissions are free.
But here’s the thing: these requests are not about validation, likes, or perfection. They’re about pure joy. A five-year-old’s imagination doesn’t care if my drawing is “accurate.” It cares if it’s fun.
In translating her vision into art, I’m reminded of what fan art was meant to be in the first place: a practice, a play, and a passion.
The Real Lesson
That’s the real lesson here:
Use fan art as a workout for your creative muscles.
Treat sketchbooks as safe spaces for play, not judgment.
Forget validation—find joy in the process.
Because in the end, true happiness as an artist doesn’t come from likes or approval. It comes from creating with your own hands, for yourself, and for those who love you.
Fan art doesn’t have to be a prison of comparison. It can be a bridge back to joy—if you create it for the right reasons.
Embracing the Process
The Importance of Play
Art should be fun. It should be a playground for your imagination. When you create without the pressure of judgment, you allow your creativity to flow freely. This is where true innovation happens.
Finding Your Voice
Every artist has a unique voice. It’s essential to embrace yours. Don’t try to mimic others. Instead, focus on what makes your work special. Your perspective is valuable. Share it with the world.
The Role of Community
While it’s easy to get caught up in comparison, remember that the art community can also be a source of support. Engage with fellow artists. Share your work and receive feedback. This can help you grow without falling into the trap of validation.
Creating for Yourself
Ultimately, the best art comes from a place of authenticity. Create for yourself first. Let your passion guide you. When you do this, the joy of creation will shine through in your work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fan art is more than just a replication of existing characters. It’s an opportunity to express yourself and rediscover the joy of creation. Embrace your unique voice and create for the love of it.
Remember, true happiness as an artist comes from within. It’s about the process, the play, and the passion. So, pick up that pencil and draw like no one’s watching.
Subscribe to our newsletter:
Product Links:
#thescribblemedia #indiebasedstudio #animation #comics #webtoon #webcomics #services #platform #illustrationservices #computer #freelance #comicsandmanga #filipino #bisaya #bisdak #clipstudiopaint #clipstudio #clip #studio #ipadpro #tutorial #beginner #tips #videotips #newsletter #inspiration #art #creativedad #struggleofacreativedad #artistdad #fanart #fanartlosesitsshine #validation #comparison #expression #process
Comments