Netflix is offering fans guided walking tours to see some of the most iconic cities in Europe through the eyes of their favorite Netflix characters. With people coveting immersive fan experiences, brands are blending digital and IRL approaches to boost cultural affinity, exploration, and tourism.

With a strong aesthetic identity built around beloved cult characters, Disney has expanded into the homeware sector to meet older fans where they live. How is the brand’s foray into home décor allowing it to move beyond simple merchandising and toward embedded lifestyle choices?

Crafting and promoting a strong personal brand is key to finding success as an influencer, but is this creative labour always a solo activity? Canvas8 spoke to Colten Meisner, researcher at Cornell University, about how livestreaming creates a unique interplay between fans and creators.

With digital channels offering them increased access to their heroes, casual supporters and ‘stans’ alike are embracing novel ways of showing their devotion to celebs and sports teams. How are these passionate individuals forging new cultural tribes and changing expectations of fan interactions?