PixelArt for Beginers

In this tutorial I will show you the basics of pixel art and how you can start your journey to become the next amazing spriter!

I use MS Paint but an photo editor will work fine. I suggest starting with a 32x32 canvas as well.

This is my first tutorial so please give me some feedback.

Step 1: Basics

Before we start drawing we need to think about the principles of pixeling. Pixel art is defined by one ideal, every pixel must change the outcome. For example one pixel in a huge painting would go unnoticed but in a pixel art every single one is important to the overall look.

Each program offers many tools, some use an automatic anti-aliasing system like the paintbrush on MS Paint. This mean it try's to fade the line with greys. When pixeling remember to use tools without this feature.

Step 2: Form

The form of your pixel can greatly affect the out come. Start basic with head on views and gradually fade into more complex angles. When creating your piece think about the circumstances, why is this object in this state? This can help visualise light angle and a good pose for your peice.

Step 3: Colour

This may basic but colour is a key part to all images. If the colours are wrong, then the rest won't look good either. To start I would try restricting yourself to a set grid of lets say 10 colours. This really makes you think about every pixels importance to the colour of the design and replicates and old feel e.g. The limited colours of the Game Boy.

Dithering is another effect used to give a retro feel and blend colours but I won't go over that here.

Step 4:

There are many more functions and ideas with pixel art which I may go over in a later tutorial if you want! This is just the basics, get pixelling!