The Creators Conundrum: Fan Works And Original Content | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Creators Conundrum: Fan Works And Original Content

Fan works are great, but what about the people who are making original things?

37
The Creators Conundrum: Fan Works And Original Content
Fandoms Unite

I've been a writer my entire life. My main goal is to be a film director. I believe it's safe to say that I am a creator, I build things, imagine entire worlds and put together stories, lives, within these places I think of. I bring stories to life through series of pictures that move across your screen. I fill your head with my words and you remember them. Well, I like to think you remember them.

I am also a fan. I am part of multiple fandoms and I continue to become part of these fandoms more and more. I love seeing the work other people have done. Their original content become very near and dear to their hearts. Their work inspires more than hundreds of people, including myself, to create their own works of art. This is where we get fan art, fan fiction, cosplay and even fan films. This is where the line becomes blurry for me and where I've wanted to avoid getting myself caught.

Being creative is just a part of who am. This gives me the gift and curse that I have. Its fairly easy to make a story out of almost anything. Creating your own universe and rules for that world is a bit harder, but obviously, it's doable. This is where the crosses and blurred lines come in. Why go through the effort of world building when there's already one set up for you? You don't have to worry about much because it's all taken care of for you, even most times, the characters. All you have to do is fill in the blanks. It's like writing the stage directions in a play, everything is there, you just need to tell it where to go.

It's amazing, honestly, the things fans can do with something they're passionate about. I have seen absolutely gorgeous art based off of books and TV shows, People have made animations of things, done their own versions of and written stories that in every respect could (and basically are) full length novels. The things that inspire us are very powerful.

But, this is where you can get caught in the middle. As someone who is a member of multiple fandoms I completely understand the allure to all of this creativity. As a filmmaker it's a bit harder to handle for a few reasons.

It should come as no surprise that things related to fandoms are generally more popular than original content. I have a friend whose fan art has gotten her jobs for the very people she drew fan art of. She's an amazing artist and animator and definitely has worked very hard to get where she is, make no mistake about that.

Wouldn't it be great if it was that easy for everyone else? Original content is so much harder to get out there. When you create something related to a fandom people are looking for it, they're specifically searching for that. Original works have to be dragged into people's attention, advertised and broadcasted to everyone who might listen.

I've been trying to avoid this for as long as possible, but the time has come. As I've recently been trying to work on more projects and get more things going for myself I've come to know this struggle.

I want to create original work. I want people to know what I'm capable of and what I can do. I love what I do and I want to do more and more of it and I want people to see it and love it as much as I do. It isn't all about me. But it is harder to get original work out there, so I don't want anything to get in the way of that.

But I also want to create fandom related things too. I have ideas that keep evolving and popping up the more I get into things. I want to create things based off of them because I love them and it's a good way to practice what I know while doing and being surrounded by things that I really love. I'd be doing it because it's fun. But I do not want that to be what I'm known for. I'd like to be known for what I do on my own.

Why not do both? I wish it were that simple. I can do both, yes, but it's given that the fandom related things will overshadow everything else I do. I could be wrong, but looking at the way most of the artists that I know feel, it isn't likely.

Even thought it is a struggle, it is a good one. Artistic mediums are all about expression and in the end, all that really matters is how you express yourself and how you feel about your work. Allow yourself to feel pride in everything you do, original or inspired.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

125688
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

28010
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26100
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments