TWCL

[plughead]

Hey everyone

Directly asking readers for fanart through a blog or social media is a great way to get fan art. I've run several fairly successful campaigns over the years, and I've gotten tons of great stuff from awesome contributors.

http://sarahzero.com/sz_fan_art.html

Here's some fanart tips:

1) Wherever possible, give lots of notice. People lead busy lives and need time to put something together.

2) Tell them what their art will be used for, ie. filler, vacation, holidays, exams, milestone, you just had kids, etc. For most people, knowing helps.

3) If possible, promote the fan art when it's convenient to the maker. Sometimes they could use an extra boost in traffic. A strategically-timed pimp can help them out when they need it most.

4) Be sure to give proper credit. Fan art makers seldom think to include a name/URL/date on their image. I add a tag to the bottom of each of my fanarts, and I typically ask what handle the artist wishes to go by.

5) Have a sincere appreciation for every single fan art you get. People have gone out of their way to make something koo for you. So thank them, pimp that shit hardcore, send them some traffic, and if you really like the person, consider doing a reciprocal fanart or send them a couple prints or something.

Good luck!
_________________


Take care

Stef

http://sarahzero.com

[Dutch]

Yes, but directly asking for fan art sort of goes against the idea of what fan art is, doesn't it? Fan art is art sent in by the fans because they want to send you a piece of fan art. Asking for fan art means you've had to direct them into doing so...

Doesn't that sort of water down the definition of fan art?



Could well just be my interpretation of the meaning of it all, but it just feels... needy... to beg, ask or suggest that your readers send fan art in. If that's the case, call it guest art instead.
_________________

[plughead]

I see where you're coming from, Dutch, but I can't tell whether the OP or the average webcomic reader would make such a distinction.

I see fanart and guest art as basically the same. Ask and you shall receive, especially in the beginning. About half of my fanart is unsolicited, and it's been years since I last put out a request.

If we've been around long enough and create a webcomic that people can identify with and want to become a part of, people will offer up unsolicited fan art. For that, there is no formula or magic bullet.
_________________


Take care

Stef

http://sarahzero.com

[Uncle Greedy]

Some time ago I made this thread.
http://www.thewebcomiclist.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=19270&highlight=

Joining there is no guaranty for receiving fan-art, but could be a chance.