Read on Twitter
on pixel art and "correct" technique.
you see a lot of prescriptive pixel art advice out there.
it's important not to fixate on "correct" technique.
like this horror, which is the first search result for "pixel art tips". this, right here? look out for this.
you see a lot of prescriptive pixel art advice out there.
it's important not to fixate on "correct" technique.
like this horror, which is the first search result for "pixel art tips". this, right here? look out for this.
you can help people learn by offering options, not narrowing them.
the common format of offering a technique, and then highlighting alternatives as "bad" or "wrong" shames people for being where they are in their skills, and also discourages exploration.
the common format of offering a technique, and then highlighting alternatives as "bad" or "wrong" shames people for being where they are in their skills, and also discourages exploration.
i get it. it's a lot of work to develop skills.
and some people get there by embracing a certain technical ideal. that's not wrong. that's a useful tool.
but it's important to be aware of what exactly you're doing, critically, and how the way you frame this affects others.
and some people get there by embracing a certain technical ideal. that's not wrong. that's a useful tool.
but it's important to be aware of what exactly you're doing, critically, and how the way you frame this affects others.
let's elaborate.
first, narrowly: within any particular school of "technically good" pixel art, there are a lot of different approaches to the same things. which is best is subjective. and more importantly, alternative techniques have different things to offer.
first, narrowly: within any particular school of "technically good" pixel art, there are a lot of different approaches to the same things. which is best is subjective. and more importantly, alternative techniques have different things to offer.
technical skills are useful. they can create things of great efficiency, or great beauty: there is a particular joy in clockwork.
(gargoyle's quest ii)
(gargoyle's quest ii)
but more broadly, "technically good" pixel art is itself a particular choice of technique.
though it is a commercial reality, though it is relevant artistically, is a concept which excludes much which is vital. 90% of the interesting art out there is "wrong" technically.
though it is a commercial reality, though it is relevant artistically, is a concept which excludes much which is vital. 90% of the interesting art out there is "wrong" technically.
arguing over palettes or clusters or outlining is a privilege.
many people don't engage in that sort of narrow idealism: many programmers who do their own art, many of the people making great small games, many commercial artists on a deadline.
also: most historical pixel art.
many people don't engage in that sort of narrow idealism: many programmers who do their own art, many of the people making great small games, many commercial artists on a deadline.
also: most historical pixel art.
learning techniques is empowering. studying finely honed, highly lauded examples can be useful. i love studying the minutae of other people's pixel art. it's a wonderful way to connect and grow.
but remember:
that as you study, you should include references outside the canon.
that what is important is opening doors to people making art. that anyone's rules, as well as their subjectivities and particularities and deviations from rules, are a part of that.
that as you study, you should include references outside the canon.
that what is important is opening doors to people making art. that anyone's rules, as well as their subjectivities and particularities and deviations from rules, are a part of that.
this would benefit from more pictures! sorry, i have to go to the grocery store to get groceries for me and my neighbor. but i'll be active in the replies and am happy to discuss particulars or try to find examples.
