Recently, there has been some “confusion” as to what pixel art is here, and what is and isn’t allowed to be submitted into the gallery. Furthermore, once and for all, the staff are going to define what pixel art is defined as here on Pixel Joint. Other sites and even within our community definitions do vary. Because it leads to confusion and because the pixelart artform is what we all should be focused on as a community, we will begin being slightly stricter than we have been in the past.
YOU and ONLY you must be the creator of the art. Lineart from others is generally accepted when clearly stated in the description. However, if you did not create the majority of the piece, it does not belong in your gallery. Tracing in some circumstances is allowed, such as tracing a sketch you made. References are also OK, again with proper description and links. If you are not sure, ask a senior member or a staff member. Better yet, use the forum and get feedback from other members.
Edits are NEVER allowed. Just because you gave Mario a new green hat, or put a smiley face on an apple you found on Google does not make it yours.
Color reductions are not pixel art and are not welcome in the gallery. This includes color reduxes of your own work or work created by others. Color reduxes of work created by others is also considered art theft.
Pixel art must be art with absolute attention paid to the placement of each and every pixel. Additionally, careful consideration should be paid to each and every color used. We are not as strict about this, but optimizing your palettes is highly recommended. If you can not account for the placement for each and every pixel, it is not pixel art.
If you use a program, other than MSPaint, the following tools will render your art as non-pixel art: Brush, blur, smudge, shape tool, sharpen tool, burn tool, sponge tool, or any other tool with anti-aliasing turned on. If you are not sure, ask a senior member or a staff member.
If the staff suspects something to not be pixel art, we may request a WIP (work in progress) steps, reference photos/images, etc. If you are creating something rather big and detailed, it is HIGHLY recommended that you save your steps in the event this happens.
Here on Pixel Joint, you have 2 strikes. The first time you submit non-pixel art (NPA), rip (work stolen from someone else), or color redux (color reductions), you will be warned and told to review the rules. The second time, you will receive a ban of no less than 60 days up to a lifetime ban. In the coming weeks, the staff and a select group of senior members will be doing a gallery audit, in which time all NPA, rips, and redux found will be removed. If you have any, you have two weeks from the date of this announcement to remove them without penalty. Any NPA, rips, and redux found remaining in the gallery after this time will result in your first strike.
Pixel Joint is dedicated to being the #1 pure pixel art gallery on the net. Pixel Joint values and respects each and every member unless given a reason to do otherwise, and the community would prefer you to retain that respect.
If you have art that is not pure pixel art, there are other sites that will accept it, as we will not. Like what was stated several times, if you are not sure, do yourself a favor, and ask someone!