Mqe at LTs by friedl66 is a highly detailed pixel art made my day. I love the bottles of beer that are scattered through out.  It's the little additions that really enhance this piece.  I also wish I could see a music video in this style.  This deviation just plain rocks, quite literaly, and that it why it has been awarded Daily Deviation.  Congrats.  (Selected by *vts31</B>.)

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Sometimes it's hard to determine whether or not an arist spends a few minutes on a pixel piece, or if an artist spends several hours working on it. buente's Pixel Army series Deux is the latter. Upon viewing it you immediately see the amount of effort it took to collaborate such an extreme piece with amazing detail and a sweet birds-eye view of a pixel armies' barracks. With this, he is awarded a much deserved Daily Deviation for his dedication to pixel art.  (Selected by ~halfliquid.)

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Think of the following situation: You're visiting devianART and you click the link to the Pixel Art tier.  (My, what a smart person you are!)  Now that you're there, you think to yourself, "What exactly is pixel art?  How can I create this type of art?"  Well, in order to answer your questions, I have enlisted the help of pixel artist extraordinaire, halfliquid</B>.  So please, read on to expand your brain.

What is pixel art?

A common misconception is the fact that "every digital media is made of pixels therefore it has to be pixel art." Even though there is some truth in that statement it's far from what pixel art fundamentally is.

Pixel art, down to the nuts and bolts, is the creation of an image pixel by pixel using a minimal amount of graphical tools.

That's right... pixel by pixel from the ground up.

What's a "pixel"?

Perhaps there is also some confusion over what a "pixel" is. First off, a pixel is derived from two words: Picture Elment. Secondly, it's defined as a single point on a web graphic. It is the smallest part of every image you see on the monitor (like how molecules make up us). When putting thousands (to millions) of these pixels together they appear connected and therefore create a digital image. You're looking at zillions of pixels as you read this as well.

But how do I go about creating pixel art?...

Using good ol' programs ranging from the simplistic (and often recommended) MS Paint to more advanced (but also often recommended) Photoshop (too many others as well, mind you).

If you think about it, pixel art would be almost impossible without zooming in so that you can work with the small dimensions that are required. Going in as close as possible will help you greatly. Just think of it this way: the closer you are the more precision you have and the better your work will be at the end.

It's important to remember that practice makes perfect. No one opens up MS Paint and creates Mona Lisa within a couple minutes.

Time is your friend. Respect it.

Formats?

For the most part you want to save the work you create as GIF format because
it does not lose an image quality (something that you need for pixel art). JPEG is another format that most would consider saving on though you should stray away from it like the plague. JPEG is used for images with high color depth (pics, etc) and with plenty of detail. Same goes for other formats as well (except for BMPs though you should only save pixel art in that format if you wish to include if you wish to put them in a game).

Stick with GIF. Period. End of story.

OK, so I know what it is now but what can it be used for?

You might think that the world has no use for pixel artists but that is quite the contrary. Most small hand-held devices use pixel art to display small graphics. Many videogames use sprites (characters and animations made of pixels; Mario, Street Fighter, Metal Slug) and tiles (floor textures that are repeated to create building blocks to assembling floors). Icons on your desktop are made of pixels. Your mouse point is made of pixels.  Your favorite WinAMP skin might be made of pixels.

Pixel art is all around you. You might not even know it... but it's there.

Sure, the 3D art scene might be creating a niche to stay in the computer graphics industry but the presence of pixel artists to create simplistic designs will also be needed.

There is a future for you if you want it.

So what are the restrictions that make pixel art pixel art?

As mentioned above, pixel art is created pixel by pixel using a minimal
amount of tools. It's obvious if you need to draw a long line spanning from oneside of the picture to the other you're not going to strain doing it pixel by pixel- you would simply use the line tool to speed up the process.

This is where the controversy- "If it's created pixel by pixel, should I not be able to use any form of tools?" As long as you create your work without using any program renderings or manipulation (effects, blur, sharpen, etc...) it is, for the most part, fine and will still be OK in many people's books. In other words, you can still use layers and the most simple of tools as long as you follow the rules of what pixel-art is. Only then can you truly appreciate your work and only then can it be
considered pixel-art.

* Fundamentally pixel rules are not set in stone and can be combined with "not-pixel art" things. However, avoiding most of these "time-savers" would be to your best interest if you wish to become a respected Pixelist (a pixel artist). Rendering is not your friend in the world of pixel.

I would again like to thank halfliquid</B> for his help and hard work with this article.  Go visit his userpage and comment on all his work!  halfliquid</B>, halfliquid</B>, halfliquid</B>!

In order to get everyone into the Halloween spirit, I thought I would award Spooooooky Grave by sawtooth the Daily Deviation.  Using only fifteen colors, the piece still has a great color scheme and is very detailed.  Give it a look!  (Selected by ^Heidi.)

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I might catch a little slack from the Liberal deviants out there, but I don't mind because halfliquid</B>'s deviation You Too Can Be President is too good to pass up.  Made using Photoshop, the pixelated version of President Bush displays a "classic Bush" face.  (i.e. silly grin/what am I doing here look.)  (Selected by ^Heidi</B>.)

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Now that you know the Pixel Art tier has an (almost) Daily Deviation, aren't you just dying to know who will be awarded the honor next?  I thought so.  Well, I won't keep you in suspense any further.  "Game Boy Advance" by fu has taken home the prize.  Drawn in MS Paint, converted to .gif with Irfanview, and touched up again in MS Paint, the deviation is almost an exact replica of the real thing.  Give it a look.  (Selected by ^Heidi.)

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For those that are wondering why the Daily Deviation is an (almost) Daily Deviation, meaning about every other day or so, that would be because I'm trying to build up the feature's popularity and get more comments for each selected work.  So comment, comment, comment!

Congratulations to cheba2 for being the first deviant to hold the honor of Daily Deviation given by the Pixel Art tier.    His work on "pixel police station" is a great example of what pixel art is all about.  The piece is detailed, precise, and creative; everything pixel art should be.  (Selected by ^Heidi.)

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Hello everyone.  My name is Heidi and I will be your Tier Administrator for all things Pixel Art related.  If you'll take a look to the left of your computer screen, you'll notice fabulous Pixel Art sections like 3D, Animations, Characters, Objects, Scenes, and much more.  I urge you to explore the world of Pixel Art and become better acquainted with the tiny, little dots.

And while you're surfing through the Pixel Art category, if you see something that doesn't belong (like a deviation that has been uploaded to the wrong place), a policy violation (ripped art, vulgar art, etc.), a piece of work that deserves the Daily Deviation, or an artist who should be featured in pixel(ement) ... please let me know.  That's what I'm here for; to serve you and to make the Pixel Art category the best it can possibly be.

Also, if you have ideas about anything pixel art related or would like to help with the Pixel Art category, just drop me a line.  I'm easily accessible through notes or e-mail.  Now, get browsing!  

Issue two of pixel(ement) is here!  For those that don't know, pixel(element) is similar to TWENTY in that it looks for deviants who manifest superb ability in their art, only pixel(ement) will obviously focus on Pixel Art deviations.  Remember, these artists represent talented people who are overlooked and possess much potential for their work and also have less than 5000 pageviews to their user pages (at time of publication).

I feel the first issue of pixel(ement) came off very positively and was well received.  As always, if you would like to be considered for pixel(ement) or know someone who should, please drop me a line.   

Now ... onward to glory! Be devious.


With less than 115 pageviews, italianprince is truly a treasure to find.  His pixel scenes are unique in that he adds different elements than other artists.  One of his pieces that I really enjoy is "Space Cadet Chamber."  It's simple and clean, yet seems complete as it is.  Who wouldn't want to live there?  Also take note of "The Street" and "Space kitchen" which are not to be missed.  

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Bringing to the table a different style of pixel art is soronius.  soronius focuses more along the lines of dark pixel art, often depicting blood and death.  At first glance, his deviation "Shortcut" seems simple enough.  But take a look in the cracked mirror and you'll notice a whole other story.  Another interesting piece is "He Never Looked Back."  Don't miss it.  

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When I first saw the deviation "Break Out" I noticed it was not only good pixel art, but it was also funny!  Can you honestly take a look at a pixel man trying to dig his way out of jail and not give little chuckle?  That's good stuff!  Furthermore, luisfigo is another deviant with so little pageviews.  With less than 300, his work deserves to be seen by more of our community.

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Continuing with my trend of finding great artists that have little to no pageviews, is sh0ckwav3.  With a flair for drawing pixel scenes that involve band members and music, sh0ckwav3 is very talented.  The detail in some of his work is excellent.  (Notice the light coming through the glass from the windows.)  Check out the following thumbnails, they speak for themselves.

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Ladies and gentlemen, I have found someone with under 20 page views.  You read that correctly, twenty.  That would be two-zero.  It's true that sawtooth has only been a deviantART member for about a month, but this artist possesses a lot of talent and is definitely one to watch.  His style of design has great range, just take a look below.

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Finally, I had to include "911 Flag Raise" by rawfx because it is such a beautifully done and touching deviation.  Millions of people around the world have seen the famous photo of three firemen raising an American flag after the tragedies of September 11th and this piece captures that moment perfectly.  It's a very well done tribute.

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Disclaimer: Please be aware that the above artists and pieces of work were picked at my sole discretion. They only represent my opinion.

Thank you for taking the time to read pixel(ement).  If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please head over to my userpage and drop me a line. Thanks again.

With the success of spyed's new feature TWENTY, staff members have been thinking of other ways to incorporate our fundamental rule about running deviantART as a community and as a company.  That rule being; exposure and feedback.  One idea that that crossed our minds was to break TWENTY down into different categories.  By doing so, more specific pieces of art could be featured and users could browse the chosen art depending on their tastes.

For those that don't know, TWENTY highlights two groups of ten artists that have fewer than 5000 pageviews to their user pages.  These artists represent talented people who are overlooked and possess much potential for their work.  The new pixel(ement) will be similar to TWENTY in that it looks for deviants who manifest superb ability in their art, only pixel(ement) will obviously focus on Pixel Art deviations.  For the first issue, pixel(ement) will feature six artists to ensure quality while I am still getting my feet wet.  In the coming issues, more artists will be added until around eight to ten deviants appear in each issue.    

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the following artists and pieces of work were picked at my sole discretion.  They only represent my opinion.

One more thing: As you are reading this, you may be wondering why I am qualified to write this article.  You also might be thinking, "Who's Heidi?  I didn't know she was on staff.  She only has nine deviations and they all suck.  Why should I read this?"  Well, the answers to these questions are not simple.  First of all, I work with spyed (deviantART's CEO) a few days a week on various deviantART projects.  (i.e.: server installation.)  Just knowing him should add some validity to my article, right?  But in all honestly, I'm just an avid pixel art fan.  I have no more credentials than anyone else when it comes to this matter.  I can only do my best to find and feature the best possible work.  

Now ... onward to glory!  Be devious.


waterrat is truly talented pixel artist who seems to have a flair for deviating Nintendo systems.  The detail on his Nintendo and Super Ninetndo pixelations are exact.  Plus, his other work is also top notch.  And to top things off, to discover an artist like this with under 700 pageviews makes me feel like I just won the lottery.  (Almost.)

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Two words: "Pixel Scene."  If you haven't seen this deviation, I think it's time you gave it a gander.  With eighty-five favorites it's hardly a secret, but it deserves to be seen by the masses.  Pixel Scene offers a pixelated look into a land where castles and moats are reality.  But Pixel Scene isn't all nikitamoh has to offer, check out his gallery for more excellent work.

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Do you like to play X-Box, Gamecube, or other entertainment systems?  Do you like Jackie Chan movies?  Are you feeling a little hungry?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, deviant rhysd has you covered.  With an uncanny ability for all-things-pixelated, rhysd's talent is unreal.

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Offering a different style of pixel art is yetipants.  His creations are different than the common pixel scene deviations, but they are pixel art nonetheless.  One of his pieces that really intrigues me is "Pelf Sortrait" (aka self portrait if you aren't dyslexic.)  This deviation offers a look at yetipants himself, pixel style.  Other work that deserves to be view, "Stand Up" and "That wizard bloke."

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Earlier in this issue, I wrote about feeling like I had won the lottery because I found a talented artist with under 1500 pageviews.  Well, now I know that I have won for sure because flawedlogic possesses tremendous talent and has under 300 pageviews.  Just check out the following thumbnails, they speak for themselves.

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When I first saw "bugship v2" I honestly thought it was a screenshot from an old school video game.  It's just that good.  The detail is amazing and deviation itself is very interesting.  Other good pieces of art to check out include "yodashead" and "samus" which are two very well done pixel characters.

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Thanks much for taking the time to read the first issue of pixel(ement).  I honestly greatly appreciate it.  If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please head over to my userpage and drop me a line.  Thanks again!

Update:  It has come to my attention that one of my original picks for pixel(ement) has ripped some of his deviations.  Therefore he is obviously disqualified.  What a great way to start off the first issue.

Five Four Clothing, a new urban street wear clothing line, is offering deviants the chance to win $$$!  The company is looking for new designs for their Spring/Summer 2003 Collection.  The creators of the best designs, to be chosen by the Five Four Clothing staff, will receive $50.00 and a royalty rate of $0.50 cents on each t-shirt sold.  In addition, the creator will also get free shirts.

The themes of Five Four's collection is "Defiance of Authority" and "Hypocrisy of Authority."  Five Four is looking for designs, graphics, or phrases that best reflects this.  The designs that are submitted cannot be more than two colors, and must include the brand's name, "Five Four".  (The "F" in Five is always reversed, that is one of the monikers for Five Four.)

With their themes "Defiance of Authority" and "Hypocrisy of Authority," Five Four is trying to express the suppression of youth ideals by figures of authority.  Events such as the incident at Kent State where the National Guard shot and killed students for protesting against the bombing/invasion of Cambodia, the Tiananmen Square killings where a tank rolled over and also shot students that were protesting against communism in China, and in South Africa, the Soweto uprising, when young black students were protesting the apartheid.    

Five Four urges artists to not hesitate their artistic freedom.

For those that wish to enter, submissions can be square or rectangular.  The document size is 7.5 x 5.292 inches.  If your design is rectangular, 8 x 6 inches is the biggest design size accepted (aka 543x381 pixels) and 543 x 381 pixels is the smallest.  Resolution should be set to 72 pixels/inch.  

The contest lasts from now through 11:50pm on August 3rd, 2002. Any submissions to the section thereafter will not be eligible. All entries must be submitted to the Contests -> 54 Clothing Design #1 section.

More on Five Four:  The company's clothing has risen from the streets of Los Angeles to retail in less than six months and has appeared in some of the hottest retail locations in the United States, including Fred Segal in Santa Monica, California.  At the end of August, Five Four will take their show to Las Vegas to entice the biggest retailers in the to provide the Five Four experience to people all over the world.

For reference of their past work, see [link] and for our a complete concepts page visit [link].