Pixiv Office Tour
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!
More Japanese office tours listed up below!
And this is what the English version looks like at http://www.pixiv.com/
