Introduction to Pixel Art

Getting Started

• Essential tools:
  • Computer, tablet, or mobile device
  • Input: Mouse, drawing tablet, or finger
• Software options:
  • Aseprite recommended for pixel art
  • Many free alternatives available
  • Skills are transferable across most art software

Pixel Art Creation Process

• Start with silhouette
• Define features
• Clean line work
• Add color and refine further
• Shadow, line, color, refine: key steps
• Use silhouettes for simple shapes and readability

Alternative Approaches

• Start with construction lines for proportion mapping
• Lay down rough idea, clean up later; especially useful for backgrounds
• Design in 2D, then shrink for pixel art

Canvas Size

• Varies based on project needs and detail level
• Beginners: Work small to appreciate individual pixel importance
• Exercise: Create art in multiple sizes

Line Work Techniques

• Avoid "doubles" which thicken lines
• "Jaggies" create unintentional sharpness
• Use doubles and jaggies intentionally for style

Art Fundamentals

• HSV color picker:
  • Hues: Colors
  • Saturation: Intensity from gray to full color
  • Value: Lightness/darkness
• Each hue has its own perceived value
• Value crucial for depth and form
• Check values by using black layer in software

Color and Contrast

• Balance saturated and desaturated colors
• Use high contrast to attract attention, low for rest
• Light and shadow: cast shadow, occlusion, midtones, highlights

Shading Techniques

• Avoid pillow shading (shading around object edges)
• Consider material reflection properties (e.g., matte vs. glossy)

Color Temperature

• Colors appear different based on surrounding colors
• Hue shifting for interest: shift towards different color when shading

Color Palettes

• Limit color range for cohesion
• Use predefined palettes for specific looks
• Consider hue, saturation, value, contrast, style

Dithering

• Create patterns for blending, illusion of more colors
• Useful with limited palettes
• Can add noise, unintentional texture

Anti-aliasing (AA)

• Softens pixel art by selecting intermediate values
• Use sparingly to avoid altering shapes
• Examples of internal and external AA

Outline Styles

• Various styles: single, double, colored, light source influenced, broken, no outline
• Style depends on project needs

Pixel Clusters

• Use clusters to describe areas, avoid single pixels
• Single pixels can add detail or noise

Retro Game Pixel Art

• CRT monitors blurred pixels, creating different visual effects
• Modern displays lack this filter, affecting references

Conclusion

• Pixel art offers endless styles through informed, consistent choices
• Art is a lifelong, fun journey
• Engage with artistic communities for support and growth