Anime is among the most pirated TV and movie genres around. While this might seem like a convenient way to get your fix, it’s actually detrimental to the industry as a whole. Artists specifically struggle to make ends meet when they don’t get royalties from legitimate streams.
Long-time fans of the art form know this well, but newcomers might still be unaware. Without animators, the anime genre wouldn’t exist. Discover some cool ways to support your favorite anime creators and keep the art form authentic.
Create Content Online
Naruto, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia—these are all household animes that people instantly recognize. What about lesser-known shows that don’t get as much screen time? Fans can help advertise more niche shows by creating online content.
Many viewers make Youtube videos to expose people to less popular animes. Others run anime and hobby blogs to promote these shows. Either way, getting more people to watch anime will put money back into the creator’s pocket.
Purchase Anime Merchandise
Another way you can support your favorite anime creators is by purchasing their merchandise. Manufacturers have to acquire rights and licenses to produce products based on animated shows. These rights ensure that creators get a share of the profits.
One of the reasons why people collect toys is to engage in their preferred forms of media. Start a collection with your favorite anime action figures to indulge in your interests. From T-shirts and cups to board games and video games, purchasing anime merchandise helps creators.
Use Legit Streaming Services
Illegal streaming is harming the anime industry. Artists don’t want to put all of their time and effort into animation if people are just going to steal their work.
If you want to be part of the solution, make sure you’re streaming from legit services. Sites like Funimation and Crunchyroll use ads and artist contractors to pay animators for their craft. While there’s a debate about how streaming services work with artists, it’s a better alternative than pirating anime.
Donate Directly to Creators
Of course, the best way to support the art form is by donating directly to the creators. It’s no secret that the industry underpays even successful artists. Many popular animators have crowd-funding campaigns that fans can contribute to help them develop their craft.
You could also donate to nonprofit organizations working to better the genre. For example, the Animator Supporters Dormitory Project helps find housing for new creators breaking into the industry. Many fans are willing to give financial assistance to see the genre move in a better direction.
While there are nuances to the problem, fans are the best source of support animators have right now. Whether you can give your time or your money to improve the cause, fan effort will be the catalyst to some massive changes within the industry.
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