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 pixel art.
Pixel art is the form of digital art which started with the limited capacity of early computer systems. Limited graphics capabilities on older systems meant that artists had to work within tight boundaries.
What does it look like?
Here’s a simple stone I made in pixel art, in fact 2 versions of the same stone in different palettes. You might place such a stone on the ground for some 2D platformer game. I’ve included the same picture in two sizes - first the original (64x64pixel) and the next enlarged - so that you can see the details.
Notice the limited use of colours and jagged edges.
Where can I learn more?
I find this tutorial written many years ago is referenced all the time - So You Want To Be A Pixel Artist? (yarrninja.com). I found it quite helpful, hope you do too.
PixelArt! (reddit.com) - PixelArt subreddit, which lists lots of resources for learning pixel art.
Artfully yours,
Abhishek (art noob)