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View Full Version : Pixel Art Tutorial by Qrat.


Qrat
07-01-2009, 07:31 AM
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2812/pixeltut.png

1. introduction

First of all i'm going to talk about Pixel art.
Pixel art is a type of art where you basically just use pen tool.
How do you use pen tool? Its simple, you draw it pixel by pixel, click by click. At first it seems hard and it is hard to pick up, but if can handle the pixel by pixel drawing, its much easier and it doesn't take that much time.


2. Lines

You must make all lines correct, like this:

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7462/linesn.png


3. Borders

If you have picture with dark background, and the colors of objects are kinda dark too, then you can use black color for object borders, but if you have light colors and lighter background, then it looks bad like this:
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4628/border1z.png

for light background and light colors you must use for borders same colors as object but just darker.
like this:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/958/border2s.png

4. Blending

There are three official type of blendings.

Basic blending:
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5360/blending1.png
This is the most easier way to blend, but its too simple and doesn't look good on objects.


Chessboard blending:
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8813/blending2.png
It's called chessboard blending, because it does look like chessboard.
This is also kinda basic and correct style of blending, and it looks very nice if you need some correct blending.


Dithering:
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8576/blending3.png
This is the best style in my opinion, it doesn't look too correct and weird. there are no rules for this style, just make messy blending, and it looks good. Only when you seriously need some correct blending, then use basic style or chessboard style.


5. Shading

There are three official type of shadings.

Basic shading:
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6871/shadding1.png
This is a basic way to make your shadings.
its easy and it also doesn't look that bad.
you pick a side where the light comes, and this side of object must be lighter.

Dithered shading:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/4934/shadding2.png
This is probably hardest of these three, but it also looks best.
basically it's same as the first shading style, but you just use dithering.
(this is the shading style that i use)

Pillowshading:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7900/shadding3.png
This is easiest way, you just start from outside and going lighter with every round. And of course it doesn't look that good.
it looks like the light is between camera and object.


6. Shadows

To add shadows, you must pick one way where light comes.
If you have chosen one way, then all shadows must come to
opposite side of object.
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2972/shadows.png
On one picture you must make all shadows to one side, or it will look like very weird.



I hope this tutorial is helpful for everyone who are interested of pixel art.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in here and i will answer you.
If something must be added to tutorial, then ask for it and maybe i will add it.


Thanks.
Qrat.

Divine
07-01-2009, 10:04 AM
Awesome, thanks Qrat.

The Risen
07-01-2009, 10:08 AM
That was so good I feel like entering the next pixel battle!

Clingplus1
07-01-2009, 10:09 AM
WOW this is a truly awesome guide, btw I like the purple potato you used for shadings.

Qrat
07-01-2009, 10:15 AM
thanks.
yeah cling, i just made random object and it looks like a potato.

AquaFear09
07-01-2009, 11:52 AM
Im not into doing pixel art but if I start I'll surly use this guide thanks mate.

Pure Man55
07-01-2009, 12:07 PM
Good job Qrat. I'll start with pixel again maybe.

Gimmeyoshoez
07-01-2009, 12:09 PM
Thanks QRat, I'll post a result when I get home.

Every1die4
07-01-2009, 12:17 PM
Nice guide, but when I make my pixel art, I can't make a perfect, straight, diagonal line. Maybe PM me?

AquaFear09
07-01-2009, 12:37 PM
Nice guide, but when I make my pixel art, I can't make a perfect, straight, diagonal line. Maybe PM me?

Try zooming in on paint and do clicks at a time?

Sirnoob
07-01-2009, 12:44 PM
Wouldn't this be like a reference guide?

Nicck
07-01-2009, 01:43 PM
Gj Qrat :D

killamarks
07-14-2009, 01:32 AM
Goood job on making this guide, It will probably make pixel signatures more popular! :O

Mikehewitt
07-15-2009, 04:46 AM
Helped me out, but ever since, I can't stop using pillow shading, I will try my best.
By the way, you have made many before, Why not combine them together because some of the other ones never get looked at and they are very helpful.

NinjaCat
07-24-2009, 03:31 PM
Nice guide Qrat 9/10, purples not my favorite colour haha.

Chris
07-24-2009, 05:32 PM
Thank you for this tutorial, Qrat. I enjoyed learning how you make such great works of art ;). Although you'll still always make better pixel art than us.