Important Importables: Finding video game fan-art

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Important Importables: Finding video game fan-art

by Jenni Lada on Jun 19, 2009 at 08:34 AM

This week Important Importables continues the whole fan-creation theme. Last week we looked at video game doujinshi, which are fan-made comics inspired by video games. This week, we’re moving onto video game fan-art, the other way fans can express their devotion to a particular game. In particular, we’re going to be going over how to find fan-art drawn by Japanese artists.

Since it can be difficult to find art by Japanese artists, this week’s column is devoted to searching for it using two tools. First, we’ll see how to effectively use Google.co.jp to find images or artist websites. Then, we’ll learn how to make an account at and search the Japanese image site Pixiv.

So, let’s learn how to find some fan-art!

Google Japan logo

Google.co.jp

You’re probably thinking, “I already know how to use Google.” True, but if you visit Google.co.jp and type in the name of a video game, you may not get the best results. You’ll probably be typing it into the search box in English. While you may find some Japanese fan-art results with that, you’ll find a lot more of you use the Japanese name of the game or series in hirigana, katakana and kanji.

If you don’t know the Japanese name, or can’t type in Japanese characters on your computer, there’s no need to fear. I have a little shortcut I like to use when looking for Japanese game information when I’m not sure of the exact characters for the title. Stop by Play-Asia.com and enter the game’s English title in the search box. When the product page for the game you’re looking for art on appears, go to it. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the screen where it says display language. Choose Japanese (the fourth choice). Now scroll up to the top of the page and copy and paste the Japanese title of the game. Before you head off to Google Japan, make sure to change Play-Asia’s display language back to English!

Now that you have the Japanese name, plug that into the Google.co.jp search box. Then, go to image search like usual. If you want to make sure it’s even more specific, but quotes around the title like usual. You should be rewarded with a large selection of fan-art image results.

Pixiv

Pixiv is a wonderful source of tons of Japanese fan art. There’s only one catch - you have to be a member to view it. That’s fine for people who can read Japanese, but what about other users who won’t be able to create an account? That’s why you’re going to learn how to make an account now.

Once you visit the Pixiv site, you’ll see a orange box above the log-in area. It conveniently also says “Sign up for pixiv” in English, so you should have no trouble finding it. You’ll be taken to a page with a big, blank box and a yellow button. Enter your email in the box, then click the yellow button. It’ll ask if that’s correct, choose the yellow box on the right then to use that address. After that, go to your inbox and wait for the email address verification email. Click the link in that to verify your address for pixiv and continue the process.

This next part’s a basic form. It’s very easy to fill out. Just enter this information:

What you want your pixiv ID to be. You can click the grey button to check if it’s available.
Your password.
Confirm your password.
Your nickname/artist name.
Your website, if you have one.
Your gender. The first option is male, the second female. The drop down box lets ou choose if everyone can see this, your friends can see it or no-one can see it.
Your bloodtype. Again, the drop down box offers privacy choices, and so will the next few options.
Where you’re from. Choose the last option in the drop-down box to state that you live outside of Japan.
The year you were born.
The month and day you were born.
Your job. The last one says “Other,” so it’s best to go with that, for simplicity’s sake.
Your introduction.