Pixel Art: What It Is, How to Make It, and Why It’s Awesome

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite retro games, such as Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, or Final Fantasy, achieved their iconic look and feel? Or have you ever admired the colorful and charming artworks that resemble the graphics of old-school consoles and computers? If so, then you have encountered pixel art, a form of digital art that uses pixels as the basic building blocks of images.

Pixel art is more than just a nostalgic throwback to the past. It is a vibrant and creative art form that has evolved and adapted to the changing times and technologies. It is also a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can learn and enjoy. In this article, we will explore what pixel art is, how to make it, and why it’s awesome. We will also show you some examples of pixel art from various sources and genres. By the end of this article, you will have a better appreciation of pixel art and maybe even feel inspired to create your own.

What is pixel art?

Pixel art is a type of digital art that uses pixels as the only building block. Pixels are tiny squares of a single color that make up a larger image. Pixel art is usually drawn with graphical software that allows the artist to control each individual pixel on the canvas. Pixel art is often associated with the low-resolution graphics from 8-bit and 16-bit era computers and video game consoles, such as the Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Commodore 64. However, pixel art can also be created with higher resolutions and more colors, depending on the style and preference of the artist.

The history and evolution of pixel art

Pixel art emerged from the need to communicate imagery on the limited storage space and processing power of early computers and video game systems. Artists had to work within strict constraints of resolution, color palette, memory, and file size. They had to be creative and efficient with every pixel and color they used, as they could make a big difference in the overall appearance and impression of the image. Pixel art became a distinctive and recognizable style that defined many genres and franchises of video games, such as platformers, RPGs, shooters, adventure games, puzzle games, and more.

As technology advanced, pixel art became less necessary and more optional. Newer systems could handle more complex graphics, such as 3D models, textures, lighting effects, animations, etc. Some artists and developers moved on to these new possibilities, while others remained loyal to the pixel art style. Pixel art also gained popularity among indie game developers, who found it easier and cheaper to produce than high-end graphics. Pixel art also appealed to many gamers who grew up with retro games or who appreciated the charm and nostalgia of pixel art.

Today, pixel art is still alive and thriving in various forms and media. It is not only used for video games, but also for web design, animation, comics, icons, logos, posters, stickers, t-shirts, etc. It is also a hobby and a passion for many artists who create pixel art for fun or for sharing online. Pixel art has become a versatile and expressive medium that can convey different moods, themes, genres, stories, characters, worlds, etc.

The benefits and challenges of pixel art

Pixel art has many benefits as an art form. Some of them are:

It is easy to learn. Anyone can start making pixel art with just a few basic tools and skills.
It is fun and rewarding.
It is fun and rewarding. You can see your progress and results instantly, and you can feel proud of your creations.
It is creative and expressive. You can experiment with different styles, colors, shapes, patterns, effects, etc. You can also create your own original characters, worlds, stories, etc.
It is nostalgic and retro. You can recreate the look and feel of your favorite old games, or you can make new ones with a vintage flair.

However, pixel art also has some challenges as an art form. Some of them are:

It is time-consuming and tedious. You have to work on every pixel and detail, which can take a lot of patience and concentration.
It is restrictive and limited. You have to work within the boundaries of resolution, color palette, file size, etc. You also have to consider the readability and clarity of your pixel art on different screens and devices.
It is competitive and demanding. You have to keep up with the trends and standards of pixel art, which are constantly evolving and improving. You also have to deal with the feedback and criticism of your pixel art from other artists and viewers.

How to make pixel art

The essential tools for pixel art

To make pixel art, you need two things: a computer and a software. There are many software options for pixel art, ranging from free and simple to paid and complex. Some of the most popular ones are:

Name	Description	Price
MS Paint	The classic drawing program that comes with Windows. It has basic tools for drawing, coloring, filling, resizing, etc. It is good for beginners who want to learn the basics of pixel art.	Free
Paint.NET	A free and open-source image editing software that has more features and functions than MS Paint. It supports layers, transparency, effects, plugins, etc. It is good for intermediate users who want more control and flexibility over their pixel art.	Free
Aseprite	A dedicated pixel art software that has many tools and features for creating pixel art. It supports animation, tilesets, palettes, spritesheets, etc. It is good for advanced users who want to create professional and polished pixel art.	$14.99
Photoshop	The most popular and powerful image editing software that can do almost anything with images. It has many tools and features for creating pixel art, such as grids, guides, brushes, filters, etc. It is good for expert users who want to create complex and stunning pixel art.	$20.99/month

The basic steps for creating pixel art

The process of creating pixel art may vary depending on the software you use, the style you want, the complexity you need, etc. However, there are some common steps that you can follow to create any pixel art. These are:

Choose your resolution and color palette. Resolution is the number of pixels in your image, such as 32×32 or 64×64. Color palette is the number and range of colors you use in your image, such as 8-bit or 16-bit. These factors will affect the look and feel of your pixel art.
Sketch your idea on a new layer. Use a pencil tool or a brush tool with low opacity to draw a rough outline of your image. This will help you plan your composition and proportions.
Fill in the colors on another layer. Use a bucket tool or a brush tool with high opacity to fill in the areas of your image with solid colors. This will help you define your shapes and contrast.
Add details and shading on another layer. Use a pencil tool or a brush tool with different sizes and colors to add details and shading to your image. This will help you create depth and texture.
Refine your pixel art on another layer. Use an eraser tool or a brush tool with low opacity to smooth out any jagged edges or unwanted pixels in your image. This will help you improve your readability and clarity.
Save your pixel art as a PNG file or a GIF file if it’s animated. PNG files preserve the transparency and quality of your pixel art, while GIF files allow you to create animations with your pixel art. These files are also compatible with most online platforms and communities that support pixel art.

The best practices and tips for pixel art

Creating pixel art can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and frustrating at times. To help you improve your skills and enjoy your pixel art journey, here are some best practices and tips that you can follow:

Study and analyze other pixel art. Look at how other artists use colors, shapes, patterns, shading, etc. to create their pixel art. Learn from their techniques and styles, but don’t copy them exactly. Try to find your own voice and expression.
Use references and inspiration. Don’t rely on your memory or imagination alone. Use photos, drawings, sketches, etc. as references and inspiration for your pixel art. They can help you with realism, accuracy, consistency, etc.
Start simple and small. Don’t try to make complex and large pixel art right away. Start with simple and small pixel art that you can finish quickly and easily. This will help you build your confidence and experience.
Experiment and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun with your pixel art. Experiment with different tools, features, effects, etc. that your software offers. Have fun with different genres, themes, stories, characters, etc. that you can create with your pixel art.

Examples of pixel art

Pixel art in video games

Pixel art is most commonly seen in video games, especially in retro and indie games. Pixel art can create a variety of genres and styles of video games, such as action, adventure, RPG, platformer, puzzle, etc. Some of the most famous and influential examples of pixel art in video games are:

Super Mario Bros.: The game that popularized the platformer genre and the mascot of Nintendo. It features colorful and charming pixel art of Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, etc.
The Legend of Zelda: The game that established the adventure genre and the legend of Link, Zelda, Ganon, etc. It features detailed and immersive pixel art of Hyrule, its dungeons, items, enemies, etc.
Final Fantasy: The game that revolutionized the RPG genre and the franchise of Final Fantasy. It features rich and diverse pixel art of its characters, worlds, monsters, magic, etc.
Minecraft: The game that redefined the sandbox genre and the phenomenon of Minecraft. It features simple and minimalist pixel art of its blocks, items, mobs, biomes, etc.
Stardew Valley: The game that revived the farming simulation genre and the indie hit of Stardew Valley. It features cute and cozy pixel art of its characters, animals, crops, buildings, etc.

Pixel art in other media and forms

Pixel art is not limited to video games. It can also be found in other media and forms

Pixel art is not limited to video games. It can also be found in other media and forms, such as:

Animation: Pixel art can be used to create animated movies, shows, shorts, etc. that have a unique and retro style. Some examples are The Lego Movie, Wreck-It Ralph, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, etc.
Comics: Pixel art can be used to create comic books, strips, webcomics, etc. that have a simple and expressive style. Some examples are 8-Bit Theater, Diesel Sweeties, Super Pixel Quest, etc.
Art: Pixel art can be used to create artworks, sculptures, installations, etc. that have a pixelated and abstract style. Some examples are eBoy, Invader, Pixel Art Park, etc.
Crafts: Pixel art can be used to create crafts, such as beads, cross-stitch, quilting, etc. that have a colorful and pixelated style. Some examples are Perler Beads, Pixel People, Pixel Quilts, etc.
Music: Pixel art can be used to create music, such as chiptunes, synthwave, etc. that have a retro and electronic sound. Some examples are Anamanaguchi, Carpenter Brut, The 8-Bit Beatles, etc.

Pixel art in online communities and platforms

Pixel art is also a popular and social activity that many people enjoy and share online. There are many online communities and platforms that support and promote pixel art, such as:

Pixel Joint: A website that hosts a large and active pixel art community. It features pixel art galleries, forums, contests, tutorials, resources, etc.
Pixilart: A website that allows you to create and share pixel art online. It features an online pixel art editor, drawing tools, animation tools, social network, etc.
Piskel: A website that allows you to create and export pixel art online. It features an online pixel art editor, drawing tools, animation tools, spritesheet generator, etc.
Lospec: A website that provides various resources and tools for pixel art. It features pixel art tutorials, palettes, software, generators, etc.
Reddit: A website that hosts various subreddits dedicated to pixel art. Some examples are r/PixelArt, r/PixelArtTutorials, r/PixelArtRequests, etc.

Conclusion

Summary of the main points

In conclusion, pixel art is a form of digital art that uses pixels as the only building block. It has a long and rich history that spans from the early days of computers and video games to the present day of various media and forms. It has many benefits and challenges as an art form that require creativity and skill. It can be learned and enjoyed by anyone with a computer and a software. It can also be shared and appreciated by many people online.

Call to action and final remarks

If you are interested in pixel art or want to learn more about it, we encourage you to check out the links and resources we provided in this article. You can also try making your own pixel art with the software we recommended or any other software you prefer. You can also join the online communities and platforms we mentioned or any other ones you find. You can also browse and admire the pixel art examples we showed or any other ones you discover.

Pixel art is a wonderful and fascinating art form that can bring joy and satisfaction to both the creators and the viewers. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about pixel art. We also hope you feel inspired to create your own pixel art or appreciate the pixel art of others. Thank you for reading and happy pixeling!

FAQs

What is the difference between pixel art and vector art?

Pixel art is a type of

Pixel art is a type of digital art that uses pixels as the only building block. Vector art is a type of digital art that uses mathematical formulas to create shapes and curves. Pixel art is resolution-dependent, meaning that it can lose quality and clarity when scaled up or down. Vector art is resolution-independent, meaning that it can retain quality and clarity when scaled up or down.

What are some of the best pixel art games?

There are many pixel art games that are considered to be the best by different criteria, such as popularity, ratings, reviews, awards, etc. Some of the most commonly cited ones are:

Celeste: A platformer game that follows a girl named Madeline as she climbs a mountain while overcoming her personal struggles. It features beautiful and challenging pixel art levels, music, and story.
Hollow Knight: A metroidvania game that follows a knight as he explores a vast and mysterious underground kingdom. It features gorgeous and atmospheric pixel art graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Shovel Knight: A platformer game that follows a knight with a shovel as he fights to save his beloved from an evil enchantress. It features retro and charming pixel art graphics, music, and humor.
Undertale: A role-playing game that follows a human child who falls into a world of monsters. It features quirky and emotional pixel art characters, music, and story.
Dead Cells: A roguelike game that follows a prisoner who tries to escape from a cursed island. It features smooth and dynamic pixel art graphics, animation, and combat.

How can I make money from pixel art?

There are many ways to make money from pixel art, depending on your skills, experience, goals, etc. Some of the most common ones are:

Selling your pixel art online. You can sell your pixel art as digital downloads or physical products on various online platforms, such as Etsy, Redbubble, Society6, etc.
Working as a freelance pixel artist. You can offer your pixel art services to clients who need them for their projects, such as games, websites, logos, etc. You can find clients on various online platforms, such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, etc.
Working as a professional pixel artist. You can apply for a job as a pixel artist in a company or studio that produces pixel art for their products, such as games, animation, comics, etc. You can find job opportunities on various online platforms, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.
Teaching pixel art online. You can create and sell your own pixel art courses or tutorials online on various platforms, such as Udemy, Skillshare, YouTube, etc.
Creating and monetizing your own pixel art content online. You can create and share your own pixel art content online on various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, videos, etc. and monetize them with ads, donations, subscriptions, etc.

What are some of the best pixel art tutorials?

There are many pixel art tutorials online that can teach you the basics and advanced techniques of pixel art. Some of the best ones are:

Pixel Art Tutorial by Derek Yu: A comprehensive and classic pixel art tutorial that covers the fundamentals of pixel art, such as resolution, color, shading, dithering, etc.
Pixel Art Tutorial by Pedro Medeiros: A series of pixel art tutorials that cover various topics and genres of pixel art, such as animation, characters, backgrounds, effects, etc.
Pixel Art Tutorial by MortMort: A series of pixel art tutorials that cover various tools and features of Aseprite, a popular pixel art software.
Pixel Art Tutorial by Lospec: A collection of pixel art tutorials from various sources and authors that cover various aspects and styles of pixel art.
Pixel Art Tutorial by Pixel Logic: A book that teaches pixel art from the ground up, with over 200 pages of theory and practice.

What are some of the best pixel art websites?

There are many pixel art websites online that can provide you with inspiration, information, resources, tools, etc. for your pixel art. Some of the best ones are:

Pixel Joint: A website that hosts a large and active pixel art community. It features pixel art galleries, forums, contests, tutorials, resources, etc.
Pixilart: A website that allows you to create and share pixel art online. It features an online pixel art editor, drawing tools, animation tools, social network, etc.
Piskel: A website that allows you to create and export pixel art online. It features an online pixel art editor, drawing tools, animation tools, spritesheet generator, etc.
Lospec: A website that provides various resources and tools for pixel art. It features pixel art tutorials, palettes, software, generators, etc.
Reddit: A website that hosts various subreddits dedicated to pixel art. Some examples are r/PixelArt, r/PixelArtTutorials, r/PixelArtRequests, etc.

bc1a9a207d