Is Fan Art Really Art?

Is Fan Art Really Art?

If you enjoy creating art, you might have considered going to university to complete one of the many available art courses. If you are considering this route, the University of Bolton is an excellent place to start as it was voted No.1 for Teaching Quality in 2020.* But what if your favourite art style is fan art? Can you take this type of art into more than a hobby? Is fan art even really art?

There are a lot of misconceptions about fan art. While it is growing in popularity and can be found everywhere on social media and apps like DeviantArt, it is often derided as little more than copying or tracing and having little or no creativity. However, this is very far from the truth. When a fan creates art based on a character in a film, TV programme, anime etc., they immediately put their own spin on that character. The intention is not to pass off the drawing as the original but show what it means to the fan artist, to show their interpretation of what they have seen or read.

Like fan fiction, fan art often involves creating entirely new characters inspired by those that the artist has seen. Doing this involves the same level of skill, creativity and dedication as any other art form including still life drawing. As with any creative element, there are good and bad examples of fan art out there. Some lack skill and knowledge, making the result either poorly drawn or flat and lifeless. In these cases, undertaking art courses that are supportive and designed to guide the individual can help the artist develop their skills and provide new opportunities for expression.

For some fan artists, these forms of art are a way of learning and practising the skills they need to excel on graphic design courses or as illustrators for graphic novels, comics, and manga. Regardless of why fan art is created, as long as it is completed with the same passion as any other art form from still life drawing to landscapes, it remains a form of art.

Why Study Art Courses at the University of Bolton?

If you enjoy creating fan art and would like an opportunity to hone your skills and experience different art styles, why not look for art classes or art courses that suit your interests. The University of Bolton rates No.1 for Student Satisfaction and ranks as a Top 50 UK University.** Find art courses in Greater Manchester that are right for you and come and enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.

Get in Touch

Search our art courses and broaden your horizons in a caring and supportive environment. Find out more about our art courses and how you could benefit from studying at the University of Bolton by getting in touch today. If you need support with funding, finance, disability support, wellbeing, or accommodation in Manchester and the North West reach out to our award-winning student services team.

For more information about enrolling go to the art and design courses page, email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call us on +44(0)1204 900 600.

*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
**The Guardian Best University Guide 2021 / Complete University Guide