DeviantArt

DeviantArt
source
Name	DeviantArt
Type	Online community, Art gallery
Registration	Optional (required to upload and interact)
Owner	Wix.com
Launch date	August 7, 2000
Current status	Active

DeviantArt. It is a prominent online community and digital art gallery platform, founded in August 2000 by Scott Jarkoff, Matthew Stephens, and Angelo Sotira. The site serves as a major hub for artists and enthusiasts to exhibit, discuss, and share a vast array of user-generated content, including digital painting, photography, traditional art, fan art, and literature. Over two decades, it has grown into one of the largest and most influential art communities on the internet, fostering the careers of numerous artists and shaping internet culture.

History

The platform was launched on August 7, 2000, by co-founders Scott Jarkoff, Matthew Stephens, and Angelo Sotira, originating from the earlier Dreamless community. Initially focused on providing a dedicated space for digital artists and webcomic creators, it rapidly expanded its scope. A significant milestone was its acquisition in 2017 by the social media company Wix.com, which sought to integrate its creative tools. Prior to this, the site had been part of divX and operated independently, navigating the early dot-com bubble era. Key developments include the introduction of a subscription service, DeviantArt Eclipse as a site redesign, and ongoing adaptations to compete with newer platforms like Instagram and ArtStation.

Features and services

The core functionality allows members to upload artwork into a personal gallery organized into categories and subcategories, utilizing a robust tagging system for discovery. It offers extensive social features, including comments, favorites, watches, and critiques within dedicated forums and groups. The platform provides artist tools such as Print-on-demand services via DeviantArt Print, status updates, and chatrooms. Historically, it supported customization through CSS and HTML for user profiles and hosted major events like Daily Deviations and Project Educate. The infrastructure is built around a notification system, journal blogging, and a point system for transactions.

Community and culture

The community is renowned for its diverse, global membership of amateur and professional artists, with significant subcultures dedicated to fan art for properties like My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, anime, and video games. It has been a birthplace for internet memes and iconic original characters like Sonic the Hedgehog fan creations. The culture is governed by a detailed Etiquette Policy and Submission Policy, with moderation handled by volunteers and administrators. Major community events include Art Fight, drawing challenges like Inktober, and charitable fundraisers. The site has also been a focal point for discussions on art theft, copyright, and AI art ethics.

Business model and ownership

Originally advertising-supported, the platform introduced a subscription membership called Core Membership, offering premium features and ad-free browsing. Revenue streams include commission services, print sales, and point purchases for gifts and donations. Following its acquisition by Wix.com, the platform has been integrated with Wix's website builder tools, though it operates as a distinct entity. The business has faced challenges balancing monetization with community needs, particularly regarding premium content and changes to the user interface. Its ownership history includes a stint under divX before becoming a subsidiary of the Israeli software company.

Impact and reception

DeviantArt is widely credited with democratizing art sharing online and launching the careers of notable artists such as Loish and Sakimichan, influencing styles across concept art and illustration. It has received criticism over the years for its interface changes, moderation policies, and the prevalence of art theft. The platform's response to the rise of AI-generated art, including the implementation of DreamUp and protections like NoAI tags, has sparked significant debate within the art world. It remains a historically important archive of early internet art and fandom culture, often studied for its social dynamics and impact on digital creativity.

Category:Art websites Category:Online communities Category:Social media