Pixel Art
Painting with squares
Pixel art places individual pixels deliberately to create images within severe resolution and colour constraints, a necessity become art form.
Overview
Pixel art began as necessity—low resolutions demanded that every pixel count. Artists became masters of suggestion, using limited colours to imply detail the hardware couldn’t actually display. When technology advanced, pixel art survived as a deliberate aesthetic choice. Modern pixel artists work with constraints their predecessors couldn’t avoid.
Fast facts
- Origin: hardware limitation, early 1970s.
- Constraints: resolution, colour count.
- Techniques: dithering, anti-aliasing, limited palette.
- Modern status: deliberate aesthetic choice.
- Tools: Aseprite, GraphicsGale, Deluxe Paint.
Techniques
Pixel art methods:
- Anti-aliasing: smoothing edges with intermediate colours.
- Dithering: creating gradients through patterns.
- Outlining: defining shapes clearly.
- Colour ramps: creating depth with limited palette.
Why it persists
Modern pixel art appeal:
- Nostalgia: evokes gaming memories.
- Clarity: readable at small sizes.
- Economy: faster to produce than 3D.
- Style: distinctive visual identity.