Why Fan Creation Matters in the Webtoon Community
The explosion of webtoons like Tower of God, Solo Leveling, and Lore Olympus has created passionate global fandoms hungry to express their love through creative works. Fan creation isn't just a hobby—it's how communities thrive and how many professional artists got their start.
Types of Fan Creation You Can Explore
Fan Art
From quick sketches shared on Twitter/X to polished digital paintings on ArtStation, fan art is the most accessible entry point. Platforms like DeviantArt, Instagram, and Tumblr have thriving webtoon art communities. Pro tip: Tag your work properly (#webtoon #fanart #[series name]) to reach fellow fans.
Fan Fiction
Archive of Our Own (AO3) and Wattpad are the go-to platforms for webtoon fanfic. Popular categories include alternate universe (AU) stories, character backstories, and "what if" scenarios. Series like The Remarried Empress and True Beauty have massive fanfic communities.
Doujinshi and Zines
Fan-made comics and collaborative zines let you contribute to anthology projects. Check Twitter and Discord servers for open zine calls—many benefit charities while celebrating your favorite series.
Navigating Copyright: The Essential Guidelines
- Non-commercial use: Most publishers tolerate fan works that aren't sold for profit
- Credit the original: Always acknowledge the source material and creator
- Check platform policies: Webtoon, Tapas, and LINE Manga each have different fan creation guidelines
- Avoid official merchandise confusion: Don't create items that could be mistaken for licensed products
- Patreon caution: Monetizing fan content through subscription platforms is a legal gray area
Platform-Specific Guidelines
WEBTOON generally allows fan art shared on social media with proper credit. Tapas has a dedicated fan community section. For Japanese-origin series on Crunchyroll or Shonen Jump, follow their specific fan work policies, which tend to be stricter.
Building Your Fan Creator Portfolio
Many successful webtoon artists started in fandom spaces. Use fan creation to develop your style, build an audience, and connect with like-minded creators. Just remember: the goal is celebrating the stories you love while respecting the creators who made them.
Recommended Communities
- Reddit: r/webtoons, r/OtomeIsekai, series-specific subreddits
- Discord: Most popular webtoons have fan-run servers
- Twitter/X: Follow hashtags and fan art accounts