Pixton is an application intended to give users a way to build comics. The application comes in three flavors. One is intended for fun and allows users to create comic books, participate in discussion forums and connect with the Pixton user community. Pixton for schools provides visual writing tools that cover all major subjects and is aligned with curriculum standards. Pixton for business works as a comic storyboarding tool and can be utilized in marketing and training tasks. The interface is designed for almost anyone, even someone who is not terribly artistic. Users can select facial features, hair and coloration to create unique characters that require little to no actual drawing. Users can also add other elements such as background and speaking bubbles to give voice to their comic characters. Characters can be resized right on the pane and predesigned clothing elements added.

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Pixton was created by Clive and his wife Daina Goodinson. The concept was born out of Clive Goodinson’s love of comics like the Far Side, Tintin and Calvin and Hobbes. Using his experience as a computer programmer, along with Daina’s business development and marketing knowledge, the pair built Pixton. The Goodinsons are currently located in Parksville, British Columbia in Canada.

Pixton dramatically simplifies the process of building a comic. Although it does take some of the skill out of creating a comic, there are many things a user can do with Pixton. The customization features are numerous and allow users to build unique characters and reusable backgrounds that can be worked into multiple comics. The color palette is also enormous so the user is given many options to be creative.

The Pixton website welcomes users with a neat and clean design that is quite colorful. A new user can choose from three “uses,” which include for fun, for schools and for business. Each column presents a link explaining how Pixton can be used in that specific situation. The application’s editing tools are very easy to understand, working much like a Paint program or similar application. Users can drag and drop elements onto each pane to add detail to their comic.

New users can join Pixton by clicking on the area that best describes them. A gold “Join Now” link in the black header near the center of the for fun page takes the user to the basic registration form. The form asks for a desired screen name, password, email address, country location, date of birth and gender. A note at the bottom advises the user that by submitting their information, they are accepting the Pixton privacy policy and terms of service. A blue button at the top of the form gives the user the option of registering through an existing Facebook profile.

The basic Pixton membership is free and includes the ability to move and pose characters, drag and drop capability, rate and comment features, the ability to earn rewards and prizes, sharing features and the ability to print, download and embed comics. The Plus membership upgrades to include photo uploads, dynamic speech bubbles, freestyle comic layouts, prop groups, stretch and shrink function, private comics, comic stats, profile customization, comic book publication and multiple pixtures. The Plus membership costs around $6 per month, around $30 for six months and around $50 for a one year subscription.

Pixton is a great tool for many purposes. Individuals can have fun creating their own unique comics while schools can turn to Pixton as a valuable learning tool. Businesses can turn Pixton into a way to enhance training and other vital tasks.

• Create your own unique comic characters
• Design reusable backgrounds
• Customize comics using a drag and drop interface
• Select colors from an enormous palette
• Share comics and rate those posted by other users

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