How to Sell Your Art without copyright stress!

Are you an artist looking to share your unique creations with the world, but worried about copyright issues? Stop right there. There is a way!
Let me walk you through How You can share and sell Your fan art at conventions without stepping on any legal toes.

What is Fan Art?

Fan Art is the artistic representation of an existing Character or Creature re-imagined by the artist... Creating fan art is an incredibly grey area, because of the risks tied to it. Even though many artists have a style that shows significantly unique work. Ethically, Fan Art is considered highly infringing.

So How do Artists sell their own fan art?

The biggest hurdle of an Artist selling their art, is being selected as a convention vendor. Second to this, is the ability to develop a personal artistic sense and style.
Fan arts will not cut it with organizers, even with Fair Use doctrine. You must in every part develop a way to create original art (something even IP/©️ holders haven't done).Something unique, special and can only be done by You.
Learn to create 1:1's (One of One's) or Limited Run, In this way You're learning, developing and nurturing variety, style and sense.

How to Navigate Copyright Concerns?

Let's briefly explore some concepts of copyright and IP ownership.

"I have an idea, This is my idea."
It's Your idea, You own it.. This is your intellectual property. No debate or questions needed.

"My Friend has an idea, I have permission to use that idea."

This instance, your friend is the client and you're the artist, by default copyrights belongs to the person that created it (your friend) although not artistically, it's their idea.. Which is why now; when artists accept commissions, to add value to the project, they assume copyright claims.

"I Have an idea, but it sounds like my friends idea"
 
This one is tied in that grey area of Fair use and infringement; but is most definitely in strong favour for Fair Use; as long as You can be honest to say that You took no aspect of Your idea from Your Friend's then it's 100% fair game.

It's a hot mess; I've also likely explained it terribly; but then again anything related to soliciting law I'm no expert, just mildly educated through lots of people, lots of places and way too many questions.

End Note;

Remember, Creating original art is the way to go, but whenever You get the itch to draw IP/©️ characters, Be original, put a new spin on them, 100% make them your own, it's absolutely for profit but make this about sharing your artistic journey with others. Stay true to yourself, stay true to your art, and watch as your creations thrill and inspire your audience.