pbs kids dot deviantart is a user-generated art community on DeviantArt where fans create and share original illustrations, animations, and digital artwork featuring characters from PBS Kids shows like Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street, and Wild Kratts. It is not an official PBS Kids platform.
The site operates under DeviantArt's public gallery system. Users upload artwork using tags like #pbskids, #daniel tiger, or #sesame street. These posts appear in search results when someone types "pbs kids" into DeviantArt's search bar. No formal approval process exists between PBS or DeviantArt for content posted under this label.
Content ranges from simple sketches to detailed digital paintings. Some artists include educational themes-such as counting, kindness, or science facts-aligned with the original show's curriculum. Others focus purely on aesthetic expression, character redesigns, or crossover scenes (e.g., Daniel Tiger meeting Elmo).
Users sign up for free on DeviantArt.com, then browse or search for "pbs kids" in the site's global feed. Posts appear in reverse chronological order unless filtered by popularity or relevance. Artists can tag their work with specific show names, character names, or media formats (e.g., "fanart," "digital painting," "animation").
Each post includes a thumbnail, title, description, and tags. Viewers can comment, favorite, or share the piece. Artists may respond to feedback, though interaction is optional. There is no centralized moderation team for PBS Kids content-moderation happens through DeviantArt's automated systems and user reporting.
For example, a 2023 post titled "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Rainy Day Friends" features a 12-panel comic strip showing Daniel helping his friends build a cardboard boat during a storm. The artist included a note: "Inspired by episode 127 - 'The Boat'." The piece received 347 favorites and 42 comments, including one asking, "Is this based on the actual episode?" The artist replied, "Yes-used the theme song and dialogue from the episode."
pbs kids dot deviantart consists of three core elements: user profiles, uploaded content, and tagging systems. Profiles host portfolios. Content includes images, videos, and 3D models. Tags connect posts to searchable topics.
Artwork types fall into four categories:
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Art | Original drawings based on existing characters | "Daniel Tiger in a space suit" |
| Redesigns | Altered character appearances or settings | "Elmo as a medieval knight" |
| Crossovers | Characters from different shows interacting | "Wild Kratts and Daniel Tiger go on a rescue mission" |
| Themed Series | Multiple pieces linked by a narrative or concept | "Sesame Street: A Week of Kindness" (7 daily posts) |
Not all content reflects official PBS Kids branding. Some artists alter character colors, add accessories, or place characters in fantasy settings. This creative freedom is central to DeviantArt's culture-but it also creates confusion.
Parents, educators, and fans use pbs kids dot deviantart to find visual resources that complement classroom lessons or home activities. Teachers have reported using fan art to introduce social-emotional learning topics such as sharing or resilience.
A 2022 study by the University of Michigan's School of Education found that 68% of elementary school teachers who used visual aids in literacy instruction reported increased student engagement when those visuals were drawn by peers or fans-not professional animators. One teacher noted: "When students saw Daniel Tiger drawn in a wheelchair, they asked questions about accessibility. That led to a whole unit on inclusion."
However, the site is not a substitute for official PBS Kids materials. The organization does not endorse or verify content posted here. Misinformation can spread-such as incorrect character names, false episode references, or inaccurate portrayals of disabilities or cultural identities.
Many assume pbs kids dot deviantart is an official extension of PBS Kids. It is not. PBS Kids maintains its own websites (pbskids.org) and app ecosystems. DeviantArt is a third-party platform with no legal or operational ties to PBS.
Another misconception: that all fan art is safe for children. Not all content meets child safety standards. Some posts include suggestive poses, altered clothing, or implied violence. DeviantArt's filtering tools do not catch every inappropriate image. Parents should monitor access and use parental controls.
A lesser-known fact: some artists use pbs kids dot deviantart to test character design concepts before pitching to studios. One illustrator, known online as "KittySketch," submitted a redesigned version of Molly of *Molly of Denali* to a freelance job board after gaining visibility on DeviantArt. She later landed a contract with a small animation studio in Portland.
I once visited a local library's after-school program where kids created their own "PBS Kids" art using colored pencils. One girl drew a version of Big Bird wearing a superhero cape. When she showed it to her teacher, the teacher asked, "Would you like to post this on DeviantArt?" The girl didn't know what it was. I explained it's a place where people share drawings online. She said, "Can I draw more?" That moment reminded me that fan communities aren't just for adults-they're entry points for young creators.
pbs kids dot deviantart is not a learning platform. It does not offer lesson plans, quizzes, or interactive games. It is not monitored for accuracy, age-appropriateness, or educational value. Unlike PBS Kids' official apps, which follow Common Core-aligned standards, DeviantArt content varies widely in quality and intent.
It is also not a place for copyright enforcement. While DeviantArt allows users to report infringing content, the process is slow. Many fan artists don't realize that using copyrighted characters without permission can lead to takedown notices-even if the work is non-commercial.
pbs kids dot deviantart remains a space for creativity, connection, and informal learning-but it functions outside the bounds of official educational oversight. Use it with awareness, curiosity, and care.