pixiv

Pixiv

pixiv is an online art community and social networking service where users can post their drawings and illustrations. It originated in Japan and is popular among anime/manga fans and artists.
pixiv image
art illustration manga anime drawing social-network

Pixiv: Online Art Community

An online platform for sharing and discovering digital artwork, particularly anime and manga illustrations, founded in Japan with a global user base.

What is Pixiv?

pixiv is an online art community and social networking service launched in September 2007 by pixiv Inc. Based in Japan, the site allows users to upload, view, and share artwork with other users. As of 2018, pixiv had over 15 million members with over 60 million illustrations and artworks uploaded to the service.

pixiv is especially popular among fans and creators of anime, manga, and video games. Users can create personal galleries of their drawings and illustrations in a variety of categories and art styles. Other users can view, comment on, favorite, and follow specific artists that they like. It also includes social networking features to connect fans with creators and fellow users.

Key features of pixiv include:

  • Image hosting for artworks and illustrations
  • Profiles and galleries to share and promote artists' portfolios
  • User commenting and feedback mechanisms
  • Advanced search and discovery capabilities by illustration type, category, tags, and more
  • In-built art contest capabilities and rankings for popular submissions
  • Integration with creative software, tablets, and other drawing tools to facilitate uploads
  • Available on mobile, PC, and in multiple languages (primarily Japanese and English)

Overall, pixiv aims to allow anyone to upload and share their illustrations; connect through common interests in art, manga, and more; foster online art communities and fandoms; and enable budding artists to publish portfolios. With its vast userbase in Japan and other art enthusiasts globally, pixiv has emerged as a leading online destination for participating in art and anime/manga fandoms.

Pixiv Features

Features

  1. Social networking for artists
  2. Share and browse artwork
  3. Follow other users and discover new art
  4. Post illustrations, manga, novels
  5. Comment on and like artworks
  6. Groups and messaging
  7. Search by tags and categories
  8. Contests and events
  9. Profile customization

Pricing

  • Freemium

Pros

Large active community

Good exposure for artists

Lots of original artworks

Easy to use interface

Available on mobile

Different privacy settings

Good search and discovery

Active discussions

Cons

Mostly Japanese userbase

Language barrier

Potential copyright issues

Some mature content

Limited options for free users

Slow upload speeds

No prints or merch


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