They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it's also the quickest way to a copyright strike if you're not careful. It's only natural that when someone's inspired by a creative work that they'll want to create something similar. As such, fan art honouring video games has become an entertaining hobby, a great way for aspiring artists to get their name out, and fine social tool to meet likeminded folks. What it isn't, however, is a smart way to make money. Video game publishers are often shrewd kingpins of copyright law and while Nintendo may be charmed by the millions of Zelda artworks its inspired, the minute you start asking for money for that stuff it's a different story.
This was the case with Michael Patch, a huge Zelda fan who spent years collaborating with other passionate players on a Zelda animated series on YouTube. Nintendo didn't seem to mind until he asked for money to fund a follow-up episode. Then Nintendo minded quite a lot and the project was shut down.
However, every once in a while an artist or fan community produces something of such high quality that those holding the copyright for its source material will cautiously lean forward and whisper "you did good, kid. You did good" before allowing their esteemed fans the rights to make money off their properties.
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