ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Goodgis Pixel Art Tips that Every Artist Should Know (ft. @SquidGodDev )
Recently, I collaborated with my friend Atsu to create a small fishing game for the Playdate, a unique console reminiscent of the Game Boy but with a crank. Atsu, being an expert in game development for the Playdate, handled the programming while I focused on the artwork. During this process, I was reminded of several essential tips that every artist should consider.
Initially, Atsu and I envisioned incorporating a first-person perspective of the water and fishing rod into the game. However, after a quick mock-up, we realized this approach was too complex and detracted from the core fishing experience. In pixel art, or any art form, it’s crucial to consider the functionality of your work. If your art complicates the programming or disrupts the game’s feel, its visual appeal becomes irrelevant.
Stylized art tends to age more gracefully than realistic graphics. For instance, the cel-shaded visuals in “Wind Waker” have stood the test of time better than many realistic games from the same era. Initially, I created realistic sketches for our fishing game, but they didn’t translate well. I shifted to a stylized approach, drawing inspiration from the Nintendo DS era, with exaggerated geometric fish and bold outlines.
The Playdate requires bitmap artwork, which uses only two colors: black and transparent. While this might seem limiting, it actually helps maintain visual consistency. Consider black-and-white films, which don’t need color correction for uniformity. If you’re new to color, starting with a monochromatic palette can be a beneficial strategy.
Creating accurate pixel art requires understanding the subject. For instance, you can’t draw a fish accurately without knowing what a fish looks like. I use real images as references for every sprite I create, rather than other pixel art, to avoid unintentional copying.
Utilize layers effectively! If your software supports layers, name them clearly to prevent confusion. Staying organized accelerates your workflow and simplifies future references. I use Milanote to organize my games and projects, which offers visual organization, collaboration features, and useful templates.
Consistency is key to professional-looking artwork. This can be challenging when following various tutorials that may not align stylistically. I encountered this issue while creating fish for the game; each one appeared different because I hadn’t fully defined my style. Establishing rules for your artwork can help maintain consistency.
Receiving feedback, especially from clients, can be difficult. It’s important to remember that criticism of your work is not a personal attack. Embracing feedback and using it constructively is vital for artistic growth.
If you have any questions or additional tips that every artist should know, feel free to share them in the comments below!
To see how our game “By the Pier” turned out, you can watch the development log on my channel. A special thanks to Milanote for sponsoring this video and to all my amazing Patreon supporters. Thank you for watching!
Create a quick mock-up of a simple game scene using pixel art. Focus on prioritizing function over form. After completing your mock-up, discuss with a peer how the design choices enhance or detract from the core experience of the game. Reflect on how simplifying elements can improve functionality.
Choose a realistic image and transform it into a stylized pixel art piece. Experiment with exaggerated shapes and bold outlines. Share your work with classmates and discuss how stylization can impact the longevity and appeal of artwork.
Design a small scene or character using only two colors: black and transparent. Focus on creating depth and detail without relying on a wide color palette. Present your artwork to the class and explain the techniques you used to convey your vision with limited colors.
Choose a subject you want to create in pixel art. Gather a collection of real images as references. Create a pixel art version of your subject, ensuring accuracy and originality. Share your reference images and final artwork with peers, discussing the importance of using real references.
Present a piece of your pixel art to a group of peers and invite constructive feedback. Practice receiving and providing feedback in a professional manner. Reflect on how the feedback can be used to improve your work and discuss the importance of not taking criticism personally.
Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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**Pixlr Tips Every Artist Should Know**
I recently created a small fishing game with my friend Atsu for the Playdate, which, if you haven’t heard of it, is a miniature console similar to the Game Boy but features a crank. Considering Atsu is a top game development specialist for the Playdate, I thought it would be fun if he programmed it while I focused on the artwork. While working on the artwork, I was reminded of some crucial tips that I think every artist should know.
**Tip #1: Prioritize Function Over Form**
When Atsu and I first discussed the game, we thought it would be cool to add a first-person perspective of the water and fishing rod. However, after quickly mocking it up, we realized it would be extremely difficult to implement and detracted from the overall fishing experience. It’s essential in Pixlr or art in general to consider how the end product will function. If your artwork complicates programming or ruins the game feel, it doesn’t matter how visually appealing it is.
**Tip #2: Stylized Art Ages Better**
A clear example of this is comparing the cel-shaded graphics in “Wind Waker” to a realistic game from the same era. Realistic artwork often doesn’t age well, so applying a stylized approach can make your game more timeless. For our fishing game, I initially created realistic sketches but found they didn’t translate well. I shifted to a more stylized approach, inspired by the Nintendo DS era, with exaggerated geometric fish and thick outlines.
**Tip #3: You Don’t Need a Lot of Colors**
One requirement for the Playdate is that you can only use bitmap artwork, which consists of two colors: black and transparent. While this may seem limiting, it actually helps maintain consistency in your game. A great example is black-and-white films, which don’t require color correction for consistency. If you’re new or nervous about color, starting with a monochromatic palette can be a good approach.
**Tip #4: Always Look at References**
How can you create pixel art for a fish if you don’t know what a fish looks like? I use references for every sprite I create. When I say “look at references,” I mean real images, not other pixel art, as that can lead to unintentional copying.
**Tip #5: Organize Your Artwork**
Layers are your friend! If you’re using software with layers, make sure to name them properly to avoid confusion. Staying organized will help you produce artwork faster and make it easier to reference later. I’ve been using a tool called Milanote to organize my games and projects, and it has been incredibly helpful. It allows for visual organization, collaboration, and has handy templates to get started.
**Tip #6: Consistency Comes from Practice**
Consistency is a significant indicator of whether artwork looks amateurish. This often happens when artists follow various tutorials that may not align in style. I faced this issue while creating fish for the game; each one felt different because I hadn’t fully defined my style. Establishing rules for your artwork can help maintain consistency.
**Tip #7: Don’t Take Feedback Too Personally**
Feedback can be challenging, especially when it comes from clients. It’s important to remember that criticism of your work is not a personal attack. Learning to accept feedback and using it constructively is crucial for growth as an artist.
If you have any questions or additional tips that every artist should know, please let me know in the comments below!
If you want to see how our game “By the Pier” turned out, you can watch the devlog on my channel. A quick shoutout to Milanote for sponsoring this video and to all my fantastic Patreon supporters. Thank you for watching!
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This version maintains the original content’s essence while removing informal language and ensuring clarity.
Pixel – The smallest unit of a digital image or graphic that can be displayed and edited on a digital display device. – The artist meticulously adjusted each pixel to ensure the digital painting had the desired level of detail.
Art – The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture. – The gallery showcased a diverse range of art, from traditional oil paintings to modern digital installations.
Colors – The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light. – The designer carefully selected colors that would evoke a sense of calm and creativity in the workspace.
References – Sources of information or inspiration used by artists to guide their work or to ensure accuracy and authenticity. – The illustrator used historical references to accurately depict the costumes in the period piece.
Organize – To arrange systematically; to order or structure something effectively. – The curator had to organize the exhibition in a way that told a coherent story through the artworks.
Consistency – The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way, or of always happening in a similar way. – Maintaining consistency in brush strokes and color palette is crucial for creating a cohesive painting.
Feedback – Information or criticism about a person’s performance of a task, used as a basis for improvement. – The artist valued the feedback from peers to refine her technique and enhance her portfolio.
Stylized – Depicted or treated in a mannered and non-realistic style. – The mural featured a stylized representation of the city skyline, emphasizing geometric shapes and bold lines.
Functionality – The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality. – The DIY project combined aesthetics with functionality, resulting in a beautiful yet practical piece of furniture.
Monochromatic – Containing or using only one color or shades of one color. – The monochromatic painting used varying shades of blue to create depth and emotion.
