The importance of art and merchandise in fandom spaces: Why do fans love tangible representations so much?

Fan work and creative diversity

"Fan Labor" (fan work) is the term for all collective activities of fans, especially when they involve visual media or music. The range of fan works is overwhelming: it extends from well-known fan fiction and fan art to more complex projects such as fan-produced films, animations, games, applied art, costuming (cosplay), music, and digital art projects.

Fans invest a lot of time and effort in these works, pouring their hearts into pieces they create for other fans to view and interact with. Sometimes fanfiction and fan art become so popular that even the creators of the original works find out about them and share their own opinions.

Most fans are amateurs who create art without expecting payment. However, the rise of platforms like Patreon has changed the situation for many. There, creators can generate a regular income directly from fans through monthly fees for early access or behind-the-scenes content.

Critics point out that receiving payment for works depicting characters not created by the creator is, at best, a legal gray area and, at worst, copyright infringement. At its core, however, fan work remains something that is largely done without financial compensation.

Despite these gray areas and discussions, one thing is certain and understood by both fans and those responsible for series, films or bands: Fan-created content massively promotes engagement and maintains interest for a long time.

The psychology behind it

Why are fans so attached to physical representations of the characters or celebrities they like – whether in the form of fan art or official merchandise? You've surely seen people (perhaps you're one of them) who passionately collect items from their fandoms. Funko Pop ! figures are among the most popular collectibles, as there are countless variations.

Signed memorabilia also widely available. Fans often spend days or years scouring online marketplaces for merchandise that was released long ago.

People love fan art and merchandise because it's an extension of the things they already know and love. It allows them to keep the hype alive and provides a sense of belonging to a community – even if they don't have anyone in their immediate circle who shares the same fandom.

Wearing or displaying merchandise expresses one's personality and allows one to connect with like-minded individuals. Since merchandise is often limited edition, these pieces also preserve memories. When a beloved series ends or a band breaks up, these items can take on an even deeper meaning.

In fanfiction or fan art, fans appreciate the opportunity to expand upon the source material. Those who wish for two characters to become a couple, or who envisioned a completely different ending, can draw on "what-if" scenarios in fanfiction. Many fan works also arise to fill a perceived gap in mainstream media regarding inclusive representation and diversity.

The emotional connection to the original is clearly noticeable in these works; they can have a healing effect on both the artists and the consumers, ensuring a deeper bond.

Toxic practices

While fandoms bring much joy, they can also be the scene of immoral or illegal practices. Scalping is one such practice: it involves buying up merchandise, collectibles, or tickets in large quantities (often with the help of bots) in order to resell them at grossly inflated prices. This predatory practice ruins the experience for ordinary fans who cannot afford such prices and leads to financial hardship for others.

To combat this, it helps to avoid scalpers, demand anti-bot measures from retailers, and advocate for unlimited production runs. Harassment and bullying of content creators also occur, especially when fans disapprove of an artist's interpretation of a character. Even actors and musicians are sometimes targeted with malicious behavior.

Shipping wars (disputes over fictional pairings), the obsession of fans claiming ownership of characters or their development, and fan wars (aggressive conflicts between different fandom groups) are unfortunately also widespread. This often leads to anxiety and psychological problems for the victims of this relentless cyberbullying.

Concluding remarks

Fandom has evolved enormously in recent decades – from an often-ignored aspect of pop culture to a complex network that offers genuine value to the community. The fact that fan art has left its niche and gained mainstream recognition has profoundly changed the perception of art in the modern world.

Fan work isn't just about the art itself, but about community, inclusion, and how we consume culture. Fandom has transformed the scene for curators, critics, and media, making it more grassroots and community-oriented.

But while art resulting from these trends may be more commercially successful, some question whether the balance between fulfilling fan desires and artistic vision is lost in the pursuit of profit. After all, we all know that the highest quality art is that which feels honest and organic and speaks directly to the human spirit.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de