Pixiv is the largest community for artists in Japan and by looking at their growth, they could be set to become the largest in the world too. There are about 4 million members who have generated 24 million artwork submissions which in turn generate 2.8 million pageviews per month.
Their Japanese website has an English interface but they recently started up a seperate English only interface at pixiv.com.
I use Pixiv regularly to hunt for talent. if you are planning to draw Mirai Suenaga then make sure its on pixiv too!
Today we take a lookie at the offices of Pixiv in Yoyogi.
In the morning - arrival at Yoyogi station on the Yamanote line.
Japanese photo sharing community Ally.
Very very hot day!
I used to commute through here during my years at Microsoft.
I love Japanese rail crossings!
NTT Tower.
On the back streets of Yoyogi.
Do you need a free hand?
At the Pixiv offices! Nice n colorful.
Tables are full of artwork submitted to Pixiv.
This Miku is so cute! that skirt! @.@
Pixiv regularly publish journals that feature the work of thousands of illustrators.
Hmmm. Me wonder why there are a load of Mirai here...
Retro! When my new offices are in action, there will be a retro game corner.
Just an example of the Pixiv server setup.
Pixiv have a separate building with servers setup like this - these ones uncovered though.
Pixiv have a ton of engineers - many of them are foreigners too.
Lovely idea - blocks to make walls...
...and chairs.
Feeling hungry?
I love pixel art - need to make more pixel Mirai.
Folks from all around the world - Also for some reason comrades from Yuzusoft have come down from Osaka to be here too...
The entrance to Pixiv is full of Ema [絵馬] - traditionally wooden plaques where one would write a prayer.
Some really gorgeous artwork - some by famous sensei and some by folks who just visit the office!
Cute!
Shinjuku has some lovely scenery by day and night.
Meetings done - off to lunch.
Is this only in Japan or common worldwide - folks usually wait in the shade when waiting to cross the road where possible.
Nom nom.
Our place of lunch today.
Stole some goodies from the Pixiv office!
I think its great that artists get featured in publications like this to highlight their work - but looks like there are many artists who think short term wanting cash for any opportunity there maybe to display their work.
I always recommend the path that I took to build my career and company - do things for free initially to build a profile and then the cash will naturally come later.
I like those shorts with the frills - I think I want one for my daughters.
Clear files are big in Japan.
This Miku is so cute - cant wait for the figure.
Was given this Ema to doodle something on - but I cant draw!
There is a poll embedded in this article.
More Japanese office tours listed up below!
And this is what the English version looks like at http://www.pixiv.com/
