News posts by jalonso

This may help some people that are new to ISO work.

Hope this is not repeated.

Posted by jalonso @ 1/9/2006 00:21 | 3

Finally, there is an online gif animator from the cool cats at www.iaza.com.
This brand new online tool with all the needed features is available.
Just make your frames and upload, set timing and thats it.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 8/12/2007 15:42 | 24

NFG Interviews Henk Nieborg

A true pixelart visionary is interviewed for NFG Games.
Many sample screens and a good read too.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 12/10/2007 04:32 | 10

Pixel Art Challenge: Pixelart Revisited

From challenge winner tomic comes this very interesting challenge. Re-pixel the first pixelart that you've submitted to your pixeljoint gallery. If your first pixelart was your avatar then your second pixel. Nothing newer.

rules:
- recognizable improvement in shading, dithering etc. must be evident. No entry will be allowed that does not show this.

ADDED: If your first gallery was sent back for revision or deleted. You may use this for your challenge entry but must include a direct link to it for comparison when voting.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 1/14/2008 05:23 | 51

Pixel Art Challenge: Cut Scene

From Equilibrix the winner of the 12 Days of Xmas comes this week's challenge.
Pixel your favourite scene from your favourite movie.

Palette limitations:
Movie from 40's or older - grayscale (max 12 colors)
Movie from 50's or newer - 12 colors

Canvas Size: Any
Animation: No
Isometric: No
Transparency: No

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 1/21/2008 07:23 | 30

The Walls Have Ears...

... Literally!
Adarias the winner of the Food Warriors challenges you to create a monster of sorts using a household object as the main inspiration. Try to think of something original (the killer vaccum has been done guys :P) and pick something totally out there (but still found in many houses).

    Size: 64x64 - 96x96
    Animation: Yus! (4 frame minimum)
    Transparency: If you can make a square canvas into a fluidly animated sprite WITHOUT transparency, you deserve to win hands down! Otherwise, it's a must.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 1/28/2008 03:40 | 17

Pixel Art Challenge: Blood-Fire-Rage-Hate

Challenge winner dakael challenges you to pixel these words as played in a major part in human history. Pick up at least any two of these abstracts and illustrate them. Be creative! This time imagination is the key.

Canvas size:
- Minimum resolution: 25.6 kpx (for example: 160x160, 256x100)
- Maximum resolution: 64 kpx (for example: 640x100, 320x200)
Maximum number of colors: 32
Animation: allowed
Transparency: not allowed

Have fun!

PS. What is kpx? It's a prefix 'kilo', so kpx means kilopixel, and it stands for 1000 pixels. "

*PJ Staff note, dakael is a nerd XD

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 2/4/2008 05:02 | 24

Pixel Art Challenge: WIP Stages

This week's challenge comes from Gas 13 and is a study on showing pixelling steps and procedures. Its a 5 frame minimum step animation.

1. Use this template. (frame 1)

2. When you see something in the template, make the lineart. (frame 2)
3. Find the shapes and volumes and develop them. (frames 3 & 4)*
4. Refine and finished piece. (frame 5)
5. Canvas size is fixed but may be on transparent background.
6. Color palette is unlimited but must be shown in the animation.
7. Create the WIP animation (from the above frames), 5 frame minimum.
* You may make more than 2 frames on #3 as needed.

Link(s) for free/demo/shareware PC animation programs:
1: http://www.gamani.com/ demo 30 days
2: ProMotion limited demo
3: EasyGif limited demo, 20 uses only !!!!!
4: Gif construction demo, looks easy

For MACs
gif builder 100% free ;)

You may also try posting your frames in the challenge thread for another PJ member to animate for you once finished. If you do this please keep your frame count to a minimum. Ask for help and give yourself enough time and be patient (its a favor).

For a visual example of this challenge see the image shown in the page below:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/59238378/

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 2/11/2008 04:43 | 24

Top Pixel Art - January 2008

TITLE: Top Pixel Art - February 2008

The following pixel artists produced Pixel Joint's top rated pixel art for February 2008. Many thanks go out to this month's top pixel artists and all the members who took time to rate.

Tank vol.3 by 4tochkin

R U sure your mom let me stay? by Fool

STOMP STOMP STOMP by FrankieSmileShow

Roadkill market leftovers by Fool

Fantasy_Homestead by zi-double

Terrifying Monsters by ThereIsNoCure

Advance wars: Kitchen force by Gas 13

Canine warriors outing by emlan

Trapped by mobichan

In Admiration of the Monument by Zephiel87

Posted by jalonso @ 2/15/2008 06:12 | 6

Pixel Art Challenge: Who Killed Mr. Body

Pixelart based on the game Clue/Cluedo.
Pixel a scene/sprite/mockup representing... who with what weapon in which room.

Rules: No limitations this week, if its not written its allowed.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 2/18/2008 05:00 | 24

Pixel Art Challenge: A Real Work of Art

The lovely MashPotato challenges you to pixel a sprite that would be at home in a non-stop-action-packed, side-scrolling 2D platformer... taking place in an art gallery!

Pick a famous sculpture or painting and bring it to life by transforming it into an enemy or hero sprite
People paintings do not have to stay in their canvas.
For example. the Mona Lisa can have leg and arms and does not need to be in the frame.

Animation: required; must be an attack, idle, walking, or death animation
Transparency: required only if you only make the sprite. Mockups do not need transparency.
Canvas Size: no restrictions
Colours: 24 (includes transparency)
References: please link to the original artwork, regardless of how well-known you think it is.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 2/25/2008 04:18 | 15

Pixel Art Challenge: Wide Pixels

From challenge winner Stickman comes this challenge.
Choose the title of an existing book or novel (from the bible to Harry Potter) and pixel an original cover (no refs) for it emulating this vintage console using the Amstrad CPC palette and using only a 1x2 pixel brush (no single pixels).

The book title must be included in your entry, author may be included

Size template with 1x2 grid (vertically only, grid goes the other way for landscape)

This means 160x200 measured in single pixels but pixelled using double pixels (1x2) as a coloring unit.

Color Palette - 16 colours from fixed palette (no 1 bits ;)
Canvas Size - 160x200 horizontal or vertical
No transparency
No Animation

Reference Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstrad_CPC
http://members.chello.at/theodor.lauppert/games/pf-cpc.htm
http://www.gfxzone.org/articles/cpc_graphics-article_01.html

There is a link to a tutorial about making 1x2 brushes in MSPaint, see the links page.
*many unnoticed links are there too so no direct links, ya lazy bums :p

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 3/3/2008 05:01 | 41

Challenge Awards: A Real Work of Art

The A Real Work of Art pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

Daliclok by Larwick

American Gothic by panya

Warhol's Campbell Soup by 6dof

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the A Real Work of Art forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 3/10/2008 04:13 | 5

Challenge Voting: Wide Pixels

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Wide Pixels.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 3/10/2008 04:13 | 3

Pixel Art Challenge: Album Cover Art

This week's challenge is a combined idea from challenge winner Lackey and countach.
Remake or re-envision an existing Album Cover in pixelart.

JUST THE COVER
(first silly question goes to skamocore )
(second silly question goes to 7even )

(first whiny comment goes to skeddles )

Canvas Size: 100x100minimum , 200x200maximum
Colors: 64 maximum
Animation: no
Transparency: No, as all the square canvas must be used.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 3/10/2008 04:16 | 29

Pixel Art Challenge: 7even Knights

Pick a number from one to 7even below.

Pixel a medieval knight* (yes, we know, the page and the squire are not technically knights yet :p)
from one of the 7even titles and palettes (no mixing around).
(This portrait may be realistic or cartoony.
It may be a game sprite, a stand alone piece or a scene (this may include a background)

RULES
• Must use the 7even colors in the palette
(no black and white).
• You have 7even days to complete the challenge
(not 7even days from when you read this or begin pixelling. Sunday at midnight)
• Canvas Size 7even pixels by 7even pixels
(jk, 100px x 100px exactly)
• No Transparency allowed.
(a perfect square full of opaque pixels)
• No animations.
(nothing moving but motion may be implied)

In case its not obvious this challenge comes from 7even

This week also has a background competition, the first 7even members
with a stupid question will be eligible for a 7even day and 7even night vacation to...

...BANSVILLE!!!

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 3/17/2008 04:49 | 51

Pixel Art Challenge: Ancient Chill-Out

Challenge winner mobichan this week challenges you to choose a hero, creature or God from Roman or Greek mythology and pixel a scene showing them in a private moment.
For example, Zeus could be in the toilet, Venus could be putting on curlers. Mercury could be cross-dressed, a drunk Neptune, etc.

GOOD HERO/CREATURE/GOD LIST IS IN THE FORUM THREAD

Canvas Size: Fixed 128 wide x 90 high (no smaller, no bigger)
Colors: 12 or less
Animation: May be used
Transparency: None

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 3/24/2008 04:21 | 6

PixelJoint Is Closing, Forever.

We are very sorry to inform the pixelart community that this coming Friday will be Pixeljoint's last day on the interwebs.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 3/31/2008 19:54 | 93

Pixel Art Challenge: Depth of Field

Double wide pixel challenge winner surt challenges you to pixel a scene in which depth of field (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field) plays a major role.

Subject matter and execution is up to you and your imagination.

Rules:

Colours: 32 max
Canvas Size: 256 x 256 max
Transparency: No
Animation: Allowed

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 4/14/2008 05:19 | 17

Pixel Art Challenge: The Sporting Life

Adam, winner of the You Rad-Tad Misfits! challenge wants you to create something based on a fictional sport or on an existing one in a fictional setting.

Colors: exactly 32! No more, no less
Canvas size: 160x120 minimum, 320x240 maximum, horizontal or vertical
Transparency: not allowed
Animation: allowed

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 4/28/2008 05:08 | 20

Pixel Art Challenge: Retired Sprites

Challenge winner mobichan challenges you to choose your favorite fighting game character from any video game and pixel them in their old age.
A link to the original or mentioning the character (if well known) is required.

Canvas size: Less than 160x160 (meaning 160x160 maximum size)
Color Palette: Roughly those of the original (young) game version used for reference (not too strict here)
Transparency: Highly desired
Animation: Allowed

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 5/12/2008 05:35 | 14

Pixel Art Challenge: TV Show Mock up

Challenge winner iSTVAN challenges you to pixel a game screen mock up for an existing TV show of your choice.

   1. Must be a real TV show, not just a made up one. (Ref link in description)
   2. Must be a dynamic scene (eg. Including multiple characters)
   3. Live action shows only not animated series.
   4. TV show can be from any genre (eg. drama, action, comedy, reality).
   5. Canvas Size: 160x120 OR 320x240 horizontal.
   6. Colour restrictions: 32
   7. No transparency
   8. Animations not allowed.

EDIT: Canvas size, blame Wolverine

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 5/19/2008 05:17 | 12

Pixel Art Challenge: Plants have feelings too!

Aren't you tired of all those vegetarians eating those poor veggies, and fruits. "How many plants had to die for your salad, you heartless bastards!!!"

This challenge consists of casting life into any plant of your choice. The plant chosen can be depicted as some sort of humanoid, or alien-esque creature. The point is to depict them filled with as much emotion as a human is capable of (yes, it is known that plants are alive, just not in the common man's eyes), with an attached emotion or sub-emotion, such as anger, sadness, humor, confusion, etc....

Example: Pixel a Rose who resembles a woman that is dancing (excitement, romance), a giant redwood tree-beast/barbarian that terrorizes lands (anger), or a Bonsai Tree who is meditating over a sunset (tranquility, calmness), etc...

Rules:

Colors: No restrictions, but don't be silly.
Canvas Size: 200 x 200 max.
Transparency: allowed (www.iaza.com or giffy.com is your friend, children)
Animation: If you're a glutton for pain, then sure, It's allowed.
Can be a single character, or character in a scene, as long as the plant creature is the focus of attention.
There must be a banner,sign, or caption anywhere in the piece that indicates the feeling the plant is emoting.
Fruits and vegetables can't be used by themselves as the centerpiece. However the plant or tree from which they derive from can.
Plants must be an actual plant of this planet, with species in the description (any real life plant or shrubbery is fair game.). NO fictional crap.

Tips: Wikipedia.org is a good reference.

Challenge by B.O.B. winner of B.O.B Challenge a.k.a Mr.Vain

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 5/26/2008 09:29 | 23

Pixeldam V3

SNOB WARNING: This news deals with iso pixelart.

Pixeldam has just gone live with V3 of the city project.
The city is real now with a coast and islands using a SimCity styled navigation map.
New tourist accounts now mean you don't have to make a block to be a member too.
Citizen communications and blog are also new.
The best part is the integration between Pixeldam and Pixelmoon.

Check it :)

Posted by jalonso @ 5/29/2008 14:22 | 8

Pixel Art Challenge: Pearl's Story

ATTENTION: PEARL KNOWS ABOUT US NOW, see comments!!!

I will try to get her to vote on the closest to her idea, or favorite.
GOLD STAR FOR HIM/HER, besides the weekly ribbons!!!

Another pixel what you see based on Pearl's drawing.

Same size canvas is the only restriction.

EDIT: You may use the image as your base to work from. Tracing shouldn't be an issue.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 6/2/2008 05:33 | 27

Pixel Art Challenge: Sweet Dreams

From Equilibrix the winner of the 12 Days of Xmas comes this week's challenge.
Pixel some pleasant dream you've recently had (no nightmares :-))

Palette: Grayscale + 1 other color with it's shades (Sin City style), max. 8 colors
Canvas: Any
Transparency: No

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 6/16/2008 05:00 | 10

Challenge Awards: Pixel-graphy

The Pixel-graphy pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

Hand Font by zi-double

AlphaHeroes by pixelblink

pxlfnt by -ViC-

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Pixel-graphy forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 7/14/2008 09:04 | 0

Challenge Voting: Iconic Photo

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Iconic Photo.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 7/14/2008 09:04 | 3

Pixel Art Challenge: Flower Power-ed

Challenge winner tomic, challenges you to pixel a flower or flowers as being electric.
Think of sunflower lanterns, Tulip lampshades, household plants etc., be creative.

colors: 32 max.
canvas: 256x256 max.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 7/14/2008 09:05 | 5

Challenge Awards: Flower Power-ed

The Flower Power-ed pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

PowerFlower by jamon

Metal bride by Arachne

Color is SIN! by Adam

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Flower Power-ed forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 7/28/2008 10:57 | 4

Pixel Art Challenge: Masquerade!

'The Sporting Life' challenge winner MashPotato challenges you to pixel a scene that involves a character(s) using a mask or other type of disguise.

Canvas size: any size square (i.e. equal length and width)
Transparency: none
Animation: allowed
Colours: 16

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 7/28/2008 10:57 | 15

PJ Members Art Featured by the ForceFighters

Force Fighters' is a group of people which feels like a team who work together, to relax and have fun or to reach particular objectives. Force Fighters main interests include gaming, game development, modding, graphics, writing, music and creativity in general. Apart from games, various kinds of contests are held, often as part of bigger projects.

Not much pixelart but they do have online versions of Metal Slug 1 & 2

Recently they contacted us to feature pixelart to the Fighters and their mailing list.
Fool, zi-double, Gas13 and other PJ members are featured.

http://www.forcefighters.com

http://www.forcefighters.com/magazine/ffmagazine2.pdf

Posted by jalonso @ 8/28/2008 18:26 | 13

Challenge Awards: Face Your Fears

The Face Your Fears pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

Death - slopjob version by Emanu

Drowned Jinn - Weekly Challenge by JinnDEvil

spiders~ by Setzer

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Face Your Fears forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 9/1/2008 08:04 | 3

Challenge Voting: View From A High Place

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: View From A High Place.

VOTE NOW!

*NOTE: As there are only 3 submissions in this challenge, it may be best to only vote for only 2 selections then hit submit,
so it's easy for us to rank afterward*

Posted by jalonso @ 9/1/2008 08:04 | 10

Pixel Art Challenge: At Night in The Zoo

Challenge winner Mirage challenges you to pixel the strange things that happen at the zoo at night, when the humans aren't watching.

Colours: 16 max
Canvas size: 256x256 max
Transparency: allowed
Animation: 2 frames max

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 9/1/2008 08:05 | 11

Challenge Awards: Monumental

The Monumental pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

workers of all lands unite! and produce better lightbulbs, dammit! by tomic

"Les Trois Graces" by DoomDoom

Jefferson Memorial by Bacteriophage

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Monumental forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 9/22/2008 07:53 | 2

Challenge Voting: Fairy Tales

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Fairy Tales.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 9/22/2008 07:54 | 0

Pixel Art Challenge: Haiku Pixels

Haiku poems require the precise and thoughtful picking of each word, making sure that each is carefully placed to give the desired effect. In this way haiku are similar to pixel art. Therefore skamocore challenges you to pixel a scene based off one of the haiku from the list provided below.

Colours: 17 max
Canvas Size: exactly 50(height) x 70(length)
Transparency: No
Animation: No

Haiku to choose from:
• 1. An old pond!
A frog jumps in-
The sound of water.

• 2. No one travels
Along this way but I,
This autumn evening.

• 3. Clouds appear
and bring to men a chance to rest
from looking at the moon.
(by Matsuo Basho)

• 4. A mountain village
under the pilled-up snow
the sound of water.

• 5. A lightning flash:
between the forest trees
I have seen water.
(by Masaoka Shiki)

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 9/22/2008 07:54 | 10

Challenge Awards: Fairy Tales

The Fairy Tales pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

Fairy Tale - Weekly Challenge by JinnDEvil

Hey diddle diddle humpty dumpty! by Jaeden

Corn Woman by Morganne

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Fairy Tales forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 9/29/2008 04:45 | 5

Challenge Voting: Haiku Pixels

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Haiku Pixels.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 9/29/2008 04:45 | 0

Pixel Art Challenge: Proportion Play

This week's challenge by Arachne calls for pixelart where an animal is shown out of proportion to its surroundings.
This animal must be a true living animal which is not extinct.
For example, it could be a tiny giraffe eating your tulips, or an aquarium with whales in your living room or even enormous slugs coating the streets in slime.
Rules:
Canvas Size: No Restriction
Colors Palette: 16 colors Max.
Animation: No

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 9/29/2008 04:45 | 11

Challenge Awards: Haiku Pixels

The Haiku Pixels pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

اب by Adarias

Weekly Challenge: Haiku #5 by old_flick

As I walk Through The Forrest by Broli

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Haiku Pixels forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 10/6/2008 06:11 | 8

Challenge Voting: Proportion Play

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Proportion Play.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 10/6/2008 06:11 | 8

Pixel Art Challenge: Show Yo Emoness

FrostPumpkin challenges you to pixel an abstract feeling or emotion.
It can be anything, an abstract work, an allegory, just show your emotional nature by pixeling an abstract feeling or emotion.

Rules:
Canvas Size: Minimum 100x100
Colors : 16 colors max but you can't use any grey or neutralizers
Transparency : none
Animation : allowed

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 10/6/2008 06:12 | 21

Pixel Art Challenge: Pixeljoint Tales

"Long ago, there were tales of a monster, who lurked the meadows of the scared inhabitants of the Pixel Joint Village. Unfortunately, it only came out during the nighttime. And at that time, the mist and fog tend to flood the air, so a sharp eye was never cast upon it. However, though many lives it's claimed, some have survived to live and tell of the ghastly sight.
   A soldier who tried (and failed) to exterminate the beast, said it had 4 legs, and a hairy tuft upon its back, shoulders and head. Almost like a lion's mane!
   A disgruntled farmer whose cows and sheep had fallen victim to the beast, claimed its eyes were dormant and bright blue when hazing, but as soon as he raised his shot gun to fire at it, it's eyes turned a bright red, and its mouth frothed with madness. He also said it had THREE horns protruding from its head, where as smoke emptied from its nostrils.
Finally, the crazy old woman of the west said the beast is a calm beast if not disturbed, and enjoys the smells of her potted plants, which he visits some nights. She claims it does have giant, hairy arms, but only has 3 fingers for each hand, with one finger carrying a giant, sharp claw on each hand as well. Not to mention, it tends to sometimes knock over her plants with it's tentacle-like tail, making her believe it to be slightly clumsy.
   Nonetheless, this beast has never been fully captured or seen. Maybe a brave soul can one day find and show us just what exactly haunts our meadows this time of year!!"

   Alright, so your mission is capture this beast with your trusty camera, and bring it back to us, so we can see just what exactly this thing is! The challenge is to pixel a piece of what this monster looks like, by using the above story and anecdotes as the monster traits, while at the same time making it look as if it's a photo, that was taken. As long as it doesn't conflict too much with the description above, its look is totally up to you!
Rules:
size: 200x200 max
colors: 32 max
animation: no
transparency: no

Your entry has to be a scene since it's supposed to look like a photo, capturing the monster. Bonus for making your entry look like a photograph :)

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 10/27/2008 05:44 | 26

Challenge Awards: Game Boy Turns 20

The Game Boy Turns 20 pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

Plagued - GB Challenge by jalonso

The Phantom Squad by Stickman

Dirge by Crylar

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Game Boy Turns 20 forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 5/11/2009 00:31 | 9

Challenge Voting: Circled

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Circled.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 5/11/2009 00:31 | 3

Pixel Art Challenge: Cards Alive

You are challenged to create a sprite based on one of the characters found on the court cards in a standard deck of playing cards.
You may base your sprite on any of these cards:

Jack of Hearts-Diamonds-Spades-Clubs
Queen of Hearts-Diamonds-Spades-Clubs
King of Hearts-Diamonds-Spades-Clubs

Information and images of court cards

Edit: Depict just the character that is on the card and not an image of a playing card itself.

Canvas Size - Maximum 70 (width) x 100 (height).
Colours - Maximum 12.
Transparency - Required.
Animation - Optional.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 5/11/2009 00:34 | 37

Challenge Awards: Gates of Heaven/Hell

The Gates of Heaven/Hell pixel art challenge is complete and we have three new champions. This week's challenge awards go to the following pieces:

Hobo Heaven by Peach

World's Worst Security by TheInquisitor

The gate to Hell! by Game & Watch

Thanks so much to all who took the time to vote and participate in the challenge! Check out the Gates of Heaven/Hell forum thread for more information.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 6/15/2009 00:14 | 9

Challenge Voting: Side Ship

It's time to head on over to the forum and vote for the latest pixel art challenge: Side Ship.

VOTE NOW!

Posted by jalonso @ 6/15/2009 00:15 | 22

Pixel Art Challenge: Egads!

surt challenges you to pixel a scene that could be captioned with the word "Egads!" using only the default EGA 16 colour palette.

A caption containing "Egads!" in the image is encouraged, but optional.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egads

Subject matter and execution is up to you and your imagination.

Canvas Size - Max 320 (width) x 200 (height).
Colors: Max 16. Use only colors from the default EGA palette:

Transparency - No.
Animation - No.

The challenge thread will have all the challenge updates. The thread is also a great place to post your WIPs.

Posted by jalonso @ 6/15/2009 00:16 | 19

Game Design Comp

Jay is Games is sponsoring another game competition. First Prize is US$1,000.

Design a game that incorporates a given theme (see link). It doesn't have to be complex nor large in scope. You may use any browser-based technology platform you are comfortable with (Flash, Unity, Shockwave, Javascript, etc.).

http://jayisgames.com/archives/2009/08/game_design_competition_6.php

The deadline for entries is
Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 11:59PM (GMT-5:00).

So, start the brainstorming, pixelling and coding ...!

Posted by jalonso @ 8/26/2009 21:32 | 9

Are Video Games Art?

This is a very interesting article written by Aaron Smuts.
In this article Aaron argues that by any major definition of art many modern video games should be considered art. Rather than defining art and defending video games based on a single contentious definition, Aaron offers reasons for thinking that video games can be art according to historical, aesthetic, institutional, representational and expressive theories of art. Overall, the argument is that while many video games probably should not be considered art, there are good reasons to think that some video games should be classified as art, and that the debates concerning the artistic status of chess and sports offer some insights into the status of video games.

Read the whole thing here

http://www.contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=299

Posted by jalonso @ 9/12/2009 20:21 | 15

Pixel Library

Yet another way to bring pixelart to life.

This one is cheap, cool and easily created, even from your own art.

LINK

Posted by jalonso @ 9/24/2009 18:38 | 9

Cave Chaos

Nitrome has a new platform game out and it looks and plays as well as all the Nitrome games always do. The pixels by Markus Heinel are all cute and very well made. This one contains twenty levels that only get tougher and tougher. All you must do is escape the caves before they crumble. Fun!

Play it here!

Posted by jalonso @ 10/7/2009 21:22 | 8

Commodore 64 is Back

Manomio.com whose mantra is "In Retro We Trust" has finally released their Commodore 64 emulator for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. Feauturing realistic joystick and keyboard. Manomio currently has 8 of the original games, free with app.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 12/3/2009 20:36 | 10

Just in time for Xmas

If you've wanted a tablet to pixel with, now is the time to add this cheap (US$70) tablet to your list.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 12/9/2009 12:14 | 18

Mini Game Madness

Skipmore.com is a great collection of retro/old school/8bit pixel based games. All games are short, sweet and loads of fun. Perfect! The site is in Japanese but there is no language barrier and most games use English in-game. Start from the homepage (skipmore button) to choose games. The rest of the navigation is mostly galleries of screenshots, development blog, etc.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 4/16/2010 17:51 | 5

Pixelart Bookmarks

These are 3 very useful bookmarks for all PJ members. The first two were written by Hatch. The third was created by 1ucas. All 3 are must haves.
PJ Challenge Checker- PJ Spec Checker - GIF Animation Viewer

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 4/17/2010 12:04 | 9

Challenge Icons

Pixeljoint is looking to update the Weekly Challenge Icons. We'd love to see your suggestion.

See the Forum Thread for details.

Posted by jalonso @ 5/20/2010 06:54 | 5

FixPix

Tilt your iPhone to explore eBoy’s mind-boggling art and find the right angle to solve the puzzle. Over 100 levels in this game. Lots of them have a 3D effect, others are layered compositions or sliced madness. The challenge is to find the hints that lead to the solution.

The game sells for under US$2 and is not the most amazing game or a good one it seems but it is Pixelart :)

See it here and play the online demo.

Posted by jalonso @ 6/21/2010 14:45 | 9

IcoFX

IcoFX is an image editor primarily designed for icon creation, extraction and editing. It supports png, gif and bmp file formats. One of the best features for pixel pushing is the hue shifting, trans BG options and the ability to zoom in up to 10,000% (for comparison, Photoshop can only zoom to a maximum of 3200%). Unfortunately though, it only has a maximum canvas size of 256 x 256.

The program is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7; to download and/or read further about the program click here.

Originally sent in as a link by avo, but it's worth sharing on the front page too :)

Posted by jalonso @ 7/24/2010 16:19 | 4

Burning Pixels!

For this year's Burning Man the folks who run the More Carrot Theme Camp have created Illuminatrix, an LED matrix art installation and want your animation contribution. The site has an online editor to create or even re-create one of your existing pixelart animation. Deadline is Aug 26, 2010.

Even if you don't attend Burning Man, after the festival, videos will be posted of the art installation.

Check it out!

Posted by jalonso @ 8/8/2010 13:42 | 3

16 Color Contest

Pixeljoint is holding a contest which is open to everyone and is quite simple. Submit your ultimate 16 color unique + original color palette.

Why enter? What's the point?
Well we have these 'spiffy' and rare trophies that Jinn created and will look lovely in your profile. Look how beautiful they are :)

*only 1 honorable mention will be given for this contest but its the best looking one so trying to get that one is a mini-goal on its own ;)

See the forum thread to post your entry and read the rules HERE

Contest closes next Friday, September 10, 2010. (CLOSED!)

E: Thanks Everyone :)

Posted by jalonso @ 9/3/2010 10:17 | 24

16 Color Winners

Announcing the winners of the 16 color palette contest.
First Place - DawnBringer
Second Place - Manupix
Third Place - Noet
Honorable Mention - Zenobia

Congratulations to all who contributed a palette. Excellent and deserving good palettes by all.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 9/10/2010 19:40 | 23

Iso-Ology Collab

A new isometric collaboration has begun in the forum. The overall theme for this project is underground. Gem mines, archaeological digs, dinosaur bones, underground caves, lava flows, caverns, etc. Novice or pro, all are encouraged to contribute a tile.

Read all the details and the project rules HERE

This project features DawnBringer's award winning 16 color palette.

Posted by jalonso @ 9/11/2010 07:31 | 12

PJ Image Problems

Apparently tinypic.com has been shut down for International users without any warning. Many here use tinypic on the forum and your gallery page descriptions. Be aware that you may see the image, depending on your location, but not everyone will. It is best not to use this popular service from now on.

Beyond ImageShack and Photobucket if you know good and easy image upload hosts that you use and recommend (especially those with no membership required), please leave a link as a comment.

Posted by jalonso @ 9/23/2010 17:00 | 24

Pixel Fireplace

This (Windows Only) screen fireplace was sent in by Romson as a link by but with this being the Holiday season it seemed a news post would be better for it.

See details and download HERE and start roasting marshmallows and making smores.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Developers Website HERE

Posted by jalonso @ 12/25/2010 21:30 | 8

Pixel Artist - Stickman

Since joining Pixeljoint in early 2007 Stickman has built himself a great pixelart gallery with some of the most entertaining and outstanding animations to be found in the entire gallery.

Stickman began experimenting with animation in Secondary School using an ION camera (1 frame per second) and by the time he finished College, (BTEC-General Art and Design) he solely focused in animation and film-making using amiga dpaint, scratch film, cardboard cut outs, stop motion and various styles of 2D images using cine cameras.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 1/28/2011 21:09 | 28

mtPAINT

For poor folk, cheapskates and anyone stuck with Paint.

mtPaint is a FREE multi-platform graphics editor which features layers and outputs gif and png8 formats. Site Description:
"mtPaint is a painting program which Mark Tyler developed from scratch so he could easily create pixel art and manipulate digital photos."

It uses the GTK toolkit (version 1 or 2) and runs on PC's via the GNU/Linux or Windows OS.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 2/6/2011 11:44 | 13

Pixel Artist - Jinn

Jinn (João Victor Gonçalves Costa) is a 21 year old computer graphics student from São Paulo, Brazil who joined Pixeljoint in August 2008. He is a book editor by day and a pixel artist in his free time; he began drawing on paper from early childhood, eventually migrating to digital drawing and pixel pushing.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 5/31/2011 05:58 | 28

TSR REVIVES TUGS

TUGS is a spriting/pixel art tournament originally run by Pixeltendo under the direction of BaB and Tyvon. TSR has revived TUGS, under the direction of Christoballs and invites all PJ members to join this year's tournament.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 6/17/2011 06:59 | 20

Cubies 1-2-3-4

PJs own raynoa has created and animated his first pixelart, game inspired Ocktoberfest themed video for the Cubies.

With some additional pixel assets by Mykola.

See and enjoy the video HERE then see the extra feature 'Making-Of' HERE

Posted by jalonso @ 7/27/2011 11:05 | 9

Pixel Installations

Some real life pixel installations, exhibitions and videos for your viewing pleasure.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 8/16/2011 07:59 | 11

Weekend Diversions

This weekend marks the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and in the US things will/should be gloomy all around especially for the NYC members. The Japanese and Norwegian members have also had heavy hearts of late.

Here are some miscellaneous diversions to take your mind of things.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 9/9/2011 17:34 | 4

Top Pixel Art - September 2011

The following pixel artists produced Pixel Joint's top rated pixel art for September 2011. Many thanks go out to this month's top pixel artists and all the members who took time to rate.

Hoppity by Mrmo Tarius

A Delicious Sandwich by Delicious

Portrait by Sooba

energy crisis by tomic

DEV WEAPONS - Code Dept. by Mathias

Spark of Life by surt

WC - A Breath in the Forest of Life by slym

Chavo del Ocho by Jinn

You must gather your party before venturing forth by Mrmo Tarius

Guernica3D by jalonso

A very special award to a piece that would have placed on the Top10 for September but due to our mixup was denied. We apologize:

energy crisis by tomic

Posted by jalonso @ 10/5/2011 05:28 | 13

Top Pixel Art - August 2011

The following pixel artists produced Pixel Joint's top rated pixel art for August 2011. Many thanks go out to this month's top pixel artists and all the members who took time to rate.

LOI Starting screen by DarkfalzX

Dirty Monster by Delicious

Beacon light by Gas 13

DB's 16 Color Palette V1.0 Mockups by DawnBringer

The Summoning by Mrmo Tarius

The Lion Knight's Challenge by Drazelic

Maska by KO-KI

Masked Mantis by ivancat

Devastation by a3um

Lisbeth and Rattlesnake by neofotistou

Posted by jalonso @ 10/5/2011 07:21 | 6

Top Pixel Art - October 2011

The following pixel artists produced Pixel Joint's top rated pixel art for October 2011. Many thanks go out to this month's top pixel artists and all the members who took time to rate.

The Lost Vikings III - Vikings in arms by Jinn

Gate keepers by Fool

Incomplete RPG party by cocefi

Rinpoche by cure

Jobs in Pixels by Jinn

Kirin ~@~ by ivancat

Mockup - Welcome Home by Bisque

Final Boss Propagande by Victor Rojo

forbidden forrest by schrumpfkopf

practice by marple

Posted by jalonso @ 11/14/2011 22:20 | 17

Pixelpourri

A compilation of games, videos and other pixel related things recently submitted by PJ members.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 11/18/2011 07:36 | 3

Iso-Ology Ends!

PJs latest isometric collaborative project is finally complete. The original theme was just 'underground' but developed a videogame sub-theme along the way...find them all!

98 tiles, 53 participants, assembled between Sept 11, 2010 and October 31, 2011.

The final image can be seen HERE

Thanks to everyone who participated in this collab and provided so much help to others in this 32 page thread. Especially Gecimen for his 'above and beyond' vigilance and DawnBringer for the super palette that inspired so many beyond this collab.

Posted by jalonso @ 11/18/2011 07:55 | 13

20 Color Palette Comp

Pixeljoint is holding another palette competition which is open to everyone and is quite simple. Submit your ultimate 20 color unique + original color palette. The winning palette will be used in PJs next collab.

Add a rare trophy to your profile.

Contest closes Friday, December 2, 2011. (CLOSED!)

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 11/18/2011 08:19 | 31

20 Color Palette Comp WINNERS

Announcing the winners of the 20 Color Palette Comp.
First Place - Dennis
Second Place - tanuki
Third Place - Super17
Honorable Mention* - a3um + [thUg]

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 12/8/2011 09:32 | 24

ISOak

PJs latest isometric collaboration has begun in the forum. The overall theme for this project will be underwater and features Dennis' award winning 20 color palette.

Read all the details and the project rules HERE

Posted by jalonso @ 12/13/2011 06:02 | 5

Pixelmator Contest

Win eBoy prizes!

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 12/14/2011 10:26 | 22

Holiday Cheer

A neat holiday video!

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 12/14/2011 10:35 | 1

Top Pixel Art - December 2011

The following pixel artists produced Pixel Joint's top rated pixel art for December 2011. Many thanks go out to this month's top pixel artists and all the members who took time to rate.

Sanguo Mockup by llshadow

Three Heads Are Better Than Two by Delicious

Mausoleum Melody by TheInquisitor

silence by Dex

Creep this ! by Riva

Sneaky Cat by Super17

Borstl's Battle - Mockup by Cyangmou

Numb3r5 by Jinn

Ye Olde Tree [EDIT 3] by ThePixelKnight

Vampires vs Werewolves Mock-ups by Badassbill

Posted by jalonso @ 1/18/2012 18:59 | 15

Liberated Pixel Cup

Liberated Pixel Cup is a two-part competition: make a bunch of awesome free culture licensed artwork, and then program a bunch of free software games that use it. Liberated Pixel Cup brings together some powerful allies: Creative Commons, OpenGameArt, the Free Software Foundation, and you.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 5/1/2012 08:19 | 10

REMINDER Liberated Pixel Cup

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 6/6/2012 14:52 | 2

OffBook: The Evolution of 8-Bit Art

The newest episode of Off Book: "The Evolution of 8-Bit Art". Off Book is a web series from PBS that explores cutting edge art, the artists that make it and the people that share it online.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 6/15/2012 07:59 | 17

500 Errors?

If you are getting 500 errors in the gallery please post your specs HERE

List anything at all that will help us determine the problem.

i.e., Browser, version, platform, details, etc.

Posted by jalonso @ 11/24/2012 18:15 | 8

NEATO PIXILS

THERE IS LIKE THIS COOL GAME. I HTINK ITS JAPENESE AND IT HAS NEAT PIXILS

LINK.

Posted by jalonso @ 12/27/2012 08:38 | 34

Short Pixel Video

See PJer raynoa's fun Russian pop-artist video made in 2 days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBgvqVV3D2E

Posted by jalonso @ 7/13/2013 07:05 | 5

13 Color Palette Winners

Announcing the winners of the 13 Color Palette Comp.
First Place - Erstus
Second Place - Night
Third Place - DawnBringer
Honorable Mentions - FlyGuy + [thUg] + a3um

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 9/24/2013 06:59 | 15

I SO dead people

PJs next isometric collaboration has begun in the forum.
The theme for this isometric collaboration is horror. Exteriors and Interiors rooms, halls, catacombs, labyrinths, sewers, tombs, sacrificial altars and anything that fits within the horror theme is OK. As for characters, vampires, mummies, zombies, ghosts, murderers, spiders, even aliens and OTT fantasy are OK as long as its scary!

Featuring Erstus' award winning 13 color palette.

Read all the details and the project rules HERE

Posted by jalonso @ 9/27/2013 05:44 | 19

Beam Team Release

PJer Stickman (pixelart) in collaboration with FUNBAG-GAMES (programmer) has just released a project under his Funbag games label.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 10/25/2013 06:57 | 1

Pixel Artist - a3um

I'm sure everyone has been expecting this interview to happen... He is Marat Khazarzhan, but we know him by the name a3um.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 11/1/2013 09:58 | 29

Pixelation Secret Santa

It's this time of the year again.

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 11/23/2013 18:39 | 6

Get It On The Radio

PJer raynoa's new music video for radio station TV spot in Belgium.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOhWOn7Lxds

Posted by jalonso @ 12/5/2013 10:45 | 3

PJ Image Specs Tool

Announcing PJs Image Spec Tool created by Blueberry_pie

Read the full post...

Posted by jalonso @ 3/25/2014 06:11 | 24

Forum Highlights: Tower Shields

For this forum highlight we'd like to showcase the dedication and commitment displayed by AshCrimson while working on his Tower Shields (and possibly other types as well).

Before

After

Big kudos to everyone who helped AshCrimson with feedback, tips and help.

See final art page HERE

Posted by jalonso @ 4/15/2014 20:12 | 20

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