What Pixelatl Is and Is Not
| Bitácora | Comunidad |
Recently we’ve read some comments on social media suggesting that Pixelatl “is actually not” something we have never claimed it to be.
It’s curious because, on the festival’s website, we’ve tried to be clear so that first-time participants know what to expect. But since those criticisms have come up, we think it’s worth publishing this once again as a standalone article.
So here’s a “what Pixelatl is and isn’t.”
Pixelatl is not a massive event for the general public. On the contrary: it’s a niche event for artists and producers. And we strive to keep that spirit.
It’s not a comic convention designed for fans to meet their idols and for people to see Hollywood actors or directors on stage. Pixelatl is an event for creators, whether emerging or professional.
It’s not a tech fair or a LAN party for “enthusiasts” who come to see the latest tech breakthroughs or interact with cutting-edge gadgets. Pixelatl is a festival where you can see animation, comics, illustration, and video game projects created by peers.
It’s not a job fair where dozens of companies attend to fill vacancies and where you’re guaranteed to find a job. In reality, it’s a professional networking event. Yes, occasionally some companies send recruiters, but most portfolio reviews are mentorship sessions and, for us, just one of many activities designed to grow your network and give you a chance to showcase your work.
It’s not a runway to show off that “my company is the best” or “my idea is worth millions” and where you’ll walk away with a multi-million-dollar contract (spoiler: that’s not how the industry works). Yes, there are business meetings to present your company, pitch sessions to show projects to producers and executives, and opportunities to share your talent and interests. Because Pixelatl is a space where collaborative relationships are built, but to make them happen you need to turn down the volume on your ego so you can truly listen, get to know others, and recognize their talent.
It’s not an academic conference where you’ll find all the answers in a few talks, or where an expert will reveal the foolproof recipe for succeeding in this industry (spoiler: that recipe doesn’t exist). Pixelatl is a place where we learn from each other, where you can hear success stories, where established or emerging artists—whether from the international mainstream or radical independents—come to share how they solved their artistic or technical challenges, how they managed to sell their project, or how they’re progressing in their careers.
It’s fine if you just come to listen to a talk by someone you admire or to pick up some tips in a workshop or lecture, but the real opportunity lies in the connections you can build with others who—regardless of their age, trajectory, or circumstances—keep striving daily to carve their own path. Because, make no mistake, even the most established guest who comes every year is still fighting to earn their place in the industry.
But beyond all that, Pixelatl is a celebration—a space where we gather to celebrate what we are building together: the achievements of some, the progress of others, and the ways we help each other grow in such a tough and competitive environment.
Because (and perhaps this is the most important thing you should know) when you come to Pixelatl, you’re joining a collective effort, carried out not only by the organizers but also by the many artists, producers, and studios that have joined over the years to build this creative community together—one that has helped bring projects to the screen, publish new stories, and connect independent creators with new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
And you can be part of this community.
