Introduction: PixelPunk Self-Portrait

This activity is inspired by Larva Labs' CryptoPunks. CryptoPunks are pixel art images that are generated algorithmically. The goal of this activity is for students to explore pixel art by using Google Sheets and conditional formatting to manually create their own "PixelPunk" Self-Portrait.

Essential Questions:

  • Where and how is pixel art used in everyday life?
  • What type of art does pixel art remind students of?
  • What is Art?

NFT Artists:

Sarah Zucker

Picasso Punks - digital art project

Matt Kane

Chris Torres

Learn More About / Discuss:

CryptoPunks

What Are CryptoPunk NFTs?

Cryptocoins

Bitcoin

Ethereum

What NFTs Mean For Contemporary Art?

Supplies

Step 1: Step 1: Make PixelPunk Self-Portrait Using Google Sheets

  • Open Google Sheets and name your project
  • Set up your spreadsheet to form a grid (each cell will be a pixel)
  • Select all of the cells in the sheet by selecting the square of the axis and moving the divider towards the left to make cells approximately square-shaped

Step 2: Step 2: Conditional Formatting to Add Color

  • First, click on "format" and open "conditional formatting"
  • Check the range (A is the first column, and 1 is the first row in the range; Z is the last column and 1000 is the last row in the range)
  • Select is equal to
  • Enter a number and select a fill color for that value
  • Repeat this process to add more colors
  • Make sure all the cells in your spreadsheet are selected

Step 3: Step 3: Create Your PixelPunk Self-Portrait!

  • Open the conditional formatting rules to see your color rules
  • Start by outlining your silhouette with the darkest value (I used black)
  • Next, make your eyes, mouth, and nose
  • You can customize your PixelPunk's hair or add a hat or glasses (check out CryptoPunks for inspiration)

Step 4: Step 4: Hide Numeric Values

  • To hide the numeric values, you must change the conditional formatting rules and color settings
  • Select your entire image
  • Open "conditional formatting"
  • Select your first rule (number) and match the number with the fill color
  • Follow these steps to match the text and fill colors for the rest of the rules

Step 5: Step 5: Remove Gridlines

  • Select all the cells on your spreadsheet
  • Click on "view" and select "gridlines" to remove

Step 6: Step 6: Change Background Color

  • Select all the cells on your spreadsheet
  • Click on the paint bucket tool and select the color you want



Note: I changed my nose at the last minute (see pictures)