I’ve had to build another logo in Aseprite for a tiny personal software project. And I really liked making pixel art. Something about the sharp angles, jagged edges, limited palette, limited canvas and limited drawing tools - helps you get creative.

Therefore I wanted to compile a list of resources about where and how to start with pixel art.

What is Pixel Art?

Let’s take first things first though. There is no canonical definition, but if you are working with a small canvas, editing it at the pixel-level, and working with a limited palette - then you’re probably making …

Hi Guys,

For a few years I’ve been watching this bird come and rest in the trees next to my balcony. It rests for some time in the mornings and evenings. It is used to me now, and does not fly away when I’m near.

So yesterday we were having a cup of chai on the terrace, and this guy came around and sat down on our neighbour’s terrace.

And then when I started clicking, this fellow stared right back at me!

I don’t have a …

A CityScape drawn in MSPaint

Happy New Year!!

The best way to keep an ongoing art practice is to incorporate it in things you already do. So if you write a lot of programs or make a lot of presentations, why not learn to make cool graphics to use them in your documents. Instead of searching for existing graphics online, you could create some of your own.

When it comes to digital art, pixel art is perhaps the oldest discipline - because early computers were limited in image processing and display. It is a wonderful art form which still survives today. And there are modern tools …

Ah! The dreaded artist block! When we keep staring at the blank page or canvas and nothing is happening. We are frozen, or we keep getting distracted, there is no inspiration. And internal voice screams “Why is this not working!!!! Gaaah!”

Well what if we could develop a strategy to deal with this mindfully. Instead of just worrying about this state, what if we could fix it. It’s better to fix it - I think we all agree. But HOW!?!

Easy 1st Step - Recognize

I think the first step is to recognize that you are blocked. And this condition could …

People call it being in the zone or being in the flow state. Some special conditions are required to get into the zone of creativity, where the mind is working smoothly and creative energy is flowing uninterrupted. Any interruption when you’re in this special place has a huge cost. You might not get back into the zone again that day, and even if you do, you would lose a lot of time.

Thus - protect the zone. Build a quiet workplace, let your partner, family, flat-mates know that you are not to be disturbed when you are in there. Such …

Dear Reader,

Wish you happy holidays. Have a wonderful time, and do spend some time to enjoy the beauty of nature. And if you have time draw, photograph, make music.

And last but not the least, don’t forget to set some goals for the new year.

I leave you with this painting of contemplation.

Abhishek (art noob)

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Dear Reader,

As a novice, I do not produce great art. At most times I produce works which are difficult to look at 😉. So what keeps me going. Well I have a goal in mind - it is vague and it shifts from time to time. But I would like to make professional quality illustrations and paintings, good enough to be able to make a decent comic book.

Now this goal pulls me towards itself. For this magnetic force to not frustrate and …