Integrity in FanartLet

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Fanart: Original artwork created by an artist showing appreciation for a character(s) or series, often Anime
(note the word "original" in the definition)
Original: Belonging to the first or beginning. A new idea produced by one's own imagination; the first of a kind
Freehand: Drawing or painting something without the use of copying or tracing
Reproductionist: My polite term for artists who specialize in the recreation of another person's art works

Allow me to introduce myself. My pen name is Higashiko. I am a fanartist, beginning doujinshika, and a professional author and illustrator. I have had a book published nationally (a few years ago) and have been hired by different organizations (websites and otherwise) for artistic purposes. *oooh, big deal, right?* Right. Being published isn't a badge of honour. The only thing I learned from that experience was that the term "professional" is applied to those people who get excessively screamed at by their publishers and/or editors. Then, let's see, I have also been (or rather my art has been) featured in Animerica Extra. But that's not such a huge thing, ne? Don't get me wrong. All of this stuff is pretty neat, but it doesn't make me better or more talented than anyone else. These things also do not give me the right to pass judgement on the works of others. My love for art, fanart, and anime is behind the conclusions expressed here.

In this page I will share many opinions and advice (mostly that given to me by others). I'll probably also refer to some of my own art. If you really want to take a look at it, here is my gallery.

Now allow me also to introduce you to our fictional fanartist, Kinkosu.

Kinkosu: "Yoroshiku, minna-san!"
(Polite little thing, isn't she?)

Yosha! Let us start with a series of questions and answers.

Kinkosu: "I drew this really neat picture of Zagato. What do you think?"
Higashiko: "Well. It's nice, but isn't that taken off an illustration by CLAMP?"
Kinkosu: "Sort of. It's original though. I drew it without tracing."
Higashiko: "Come on. That's like getting a writing assignment in English Lit and turning in Hamlet and then saying something like: 'But what do you mean it's not original. It's not like I xeroxed it or anything! See! It's in my handwriting!"
Kinkosu: "But I worked so hard!"
Higashiko: "I'm not saying it's bad. It's just not original. For freehand, it is very good. There's a big difference."

You see, I have no problem with people doing reproduction art. That's how artists learn different techniques and styles. Hell, I used to practice by drawing Darkwing Duck stuff all the time. My peeve is when reproductionists fail to tell anyone that their art is, in fact, a reproduction. Some fanartists try to pass off reproductions as their personal original creations.

Kinkosu: "So is it okay to put up my 'reproduction' art on my webpage?"
Higashiko: "Sure! Go for it! But be sure to tell people that you weren't the one to first do it."
Kinkosu: "Won't that make me look bad?"
Higashiko: "For every person that doesn't recognize a piece of reproduction fanart, there are two or more who will. They are the ones who will think bad of you. Being honest wins you respect and brownie points. :)"

Kinkosu: "What about submitting it to fan magazines, contests, or other peoples pages?"
Higashiko: "Reproductionists should avoid fan magazines and contests. Submit to pages, but be sure to tell them it's a reproduction. It's up to them whether they want to make light of it or not."
Kinkosu: "So why shouldn't I send stuff to contests and fan magazines?!"
Higashiko: "Because it's unfair to people who do original fanart. For one, in a contest or showcase, someone who's put a lot of work into creating an original piece shouldn't be considered equal to someone who simply duplicated another's work. That goes against the spirit of what a contest is all about. Submit all the original stuff you want, but don't put a copy in competition with original works. I would rather see a rough original fanart than a technically perfect reproduction."

I do reproduction art occasionally myself. For instance, I have this one window mural I did of Tasuki from Fushigi Yuugi. I found a great sketch by series creator, Yuu Watase, and transferred it to glass. The sketch was black and white, so I did all the colour schemes on my own. But that doesn't make it original. I was careful to mention all of this on my page. However, the image is on a Tasuki shrine and they do not mention it. I did tell them, and it was their choice not to share that info with their site-goers.

Kinkosu: "Okay. So let's say I do a reproduction and it's pretty good. What about selling it on, say, ebay?"
Higashiko: "No, Kinkosu! That's a bad Kinkosu! (phrase courtesy of Eric Cartman >_<) Even if you are honest about your work not being original, it's unfair to put it in such competition with original artists, for the same reasons as listed above. And besides, if it is really good (this especially applies to cels), who is to say that your buyer isn't going to turn around and sell it to someone else, saying it's the original thing? The danger of copyright infringement is another issue. It's comparable to illegally selling fansubs on ebay. It's also a bad idea to sell them at conventions."
Kinkosu: "Why? What's so bad about selling at a con?"
Higashiko: "There are extremely knowledgeable people attending these conventions. The majority of them will recognize a reproduction and you might end up being ridiculed. And what do you do if they confront you? You can be honest, but you'll still lose major face."

A few years ago I attended a convention and found one of my high school buddies in the art room. He was selling several prints of his art for not-so-humble prices. I noticed one of the drawings was taken directly from a scifi/fantasy image that had graced a cover of Heavy Metal Magazine. When I pointed that out, he said. "Oh, really? That guy must have stolen it from me." Bull. That's like saying Cyrano de Bergerac was stolen from Roxanne. It's obvious which came first. After that incident, I just couldn't find any respect for the guy.

Kinkosu: "You sure make a lot of comparisons."
Higashiko: "Yeah, I guess I do."
Kinkosu: "Okay. Here's another one for you. I'm not good at poses and perspective. So how am I supposed to do good originals?"
Higashiko: "Use models. Pose files are excellent. Lots of bookstores carry them. There are also online stores. I also suggest magazine ads. Somebody could be in that perfect sitting pose you need. Mix and match. I've found a great hand reference in one place, but the perfect leg pose in another. There is nothing wrong with using photos or reality as reference. Or grab some friends and a camera. That's good too. But be consistent with your models. If you are going to draw a kitty from pictures, then make sure that each pose uses a similar if not the same kitty."
Kinkosu: "What about 'How to Manga' books? I've seen them all over. Are they worth it?"
Higashiko: "Yes. But it depends on your style. You may not want to get a book on how to draw hentai if you aren't into that sort of thing. But you shouldn't rely on those books alone. In our library, we've several books on drawing the human figure, dramatic lines and shading, different painting techniques, doll making, and costuming."

Inspiration is a great thing to have. I bow to Brian Froud (he designed the Dark Crystal and Labyrinth). The essence of his work helps get the gears turning in my head. Tachibana Kaimu is the same way. Her art is unique and so beautiful to me. If I'm in an art slump, I just ask, what would Kaimu do? I'll even thumb through her mangas and find more inspiration. ("why didn't I think of that?! A 3/4 turn would be perfect, and here I was trying to do a side shot!") Also artists borrow ideas from each other all the time. Influence without direct copying is good and helpful.

Kinkosu: "Now I have finally done an original piece. All my friends tell me it's great, but this one chick said it sucked."
Higashiko: "Well, if it were me, I might be more inclined to listen to the chick. Let's face it, friends aren't always as brutally honest as they should be. But don't take criticism coldly. If someone says your art sucks, then ask them why. Make them be specific; constructive. If they have a problem, they should try to help you instead of bashing you. The same goes for friends. If they say they like your stuff, make them tell you why. Get details. And if your friends can't draw, then be sure to get opinions from other artists. Peer evaluation is very helpful."

I am fortunate enough to have a roommate who is brutally honest. For example, whilst working on Part Two of my online manga (a parody of sorts) she pointed out that Nanami (from El Hazard) had too much forehead. She actually pointed this out on at least three different occasions. I don't know why, but I seem to be cursed to draw Nanami like James Van der Beek. Now, even though I know this is constructive criticism and I should be grateful...that doesn't stop me from bitching, tossing my art on floor, and swearing about Nanami's bangs.

Kinkosu: "I've practiced. I've studied techniques out the wazoo! I was careful not to rush my artistic process and consulted numerous people. I've an original piece that's actually good."
Higashiko: "Great. Are you perfectly happy with it?"
Kinkosu: "Well, I think it's good. There are a few things that could be improved..."
Higashiko: "Yatta! That's wonderful. A good artist can always find room for improvement. You won't believe how much I'm fretting over my little self-portrait at the top of the page, even as I type this!"

Every piece of art I have done annoys me some way or another. This is because I am a pessimist, a perfectionist, and competitive. I hate everything I do and challenge myself to do better. I also don't expect raves for my stuff (due to that lack of optimism thing). This is good and bad. It's stressful (I have put myself into the hospital thanks to self-imposed deadlines) but it keeps me dedicated. Here's another comparison. George Lucas. He does these great films (Star Wars, Empire, Return) and goes back and changes them. They were fine. Most people thought so. But as an artist, he was unsatisfied. Granted that doesn't mean changing them made them better. It made him feel better (and rich).
Interesting fact: Star Wars is based in part on an Akira Kurasawa film titled "The Hidden Temple."

Kinkosu: "I put that original fanart on ebay, but didn't get any bids! What did I do wrong?!"
Higashiko: "Nothing. There are two reasons people visit auction sites like ebay: to find something rare or to find something cheap. Sadly, fanart is included in the latter reason. Be sure to start your bidding low. If you want it to go for a specified amount, put a reserve on it. A lot of ebay is also in salesmanship. You can put an image up, but it's not the same as being there with it. You have to make up for that with description. Be vivid! Be detailed! Let them know how much work you put into it and why they should buy your work, as opposed to getting a cheaply priced reproduction. Get their attention in the auction title too. Maybe even find another word for fanart, if that would help it sell . . ."

This is a lesson I learned the hard way . . .

Kinkosu: "So any other advice?"
Higashiko: "Yep. Choose your works carefully. Once they are on display (wherever that may be) they are representing you. I have stuff up at a local comic book store. Sometimes when I go in, people ask about the art. I want to be sure that my very best is being shown. If I were to do a half-assed picture and sell it or post it, I would have to accept that people would have opinions (mostly bad ones) about that. Another bit of advice that Puutsuki gave me: Don't do fanart for ebay or for praise. Do it because you love it. Have pride because you worked hard and put your soul out on the page."

That's it. I would like to thank Kinkosu for her assistance with this page. If you feel the same way as I do, please link to us using one of the buttons below. Place it on your page as a way of expressing your opinions. If you think I'm a wanker who just sits on his ass bitching, well I am at this particular moment. And I will remain so until I get up from this desk. But before you send me mail complaining or flaming me, please reread whatever part you have a problem with. It's easy to misinterpret and skip things. I do it all the time.
Thank you for your time and patience and for giving me a chance to rant.

Sincerely,
Higashiko

email: Higashiko@aol.com
webpage: http://www.crosswinds.net/~sbi/higashiko.htm

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