Pixel Joint Forum: What is Pixel Art?

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RobFarley
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Topic: What is Pixel Art?
Posted: 29 December 2005 at 4:40pm

I think this is a fair question...

It seems that if you go over 16 colours you get told you're not doing pixel art. If you use a tool more advanced than MS Paint it's a "non-pixel art tool", it seems using layers to create shading is some kind of sin. Is it forbidden to use 24 bit colour? Is flood fill banned? And using more than two shades of a particular colour is worthy of a public flogging. Using a tool that helps you create good art should be embraced than rejected surely?

Now, my impression of pixel art was creating graphics by hand rather than using photo sources etc.

How far do you go? I remember drawing up graphics on square paper, working out the binary values of it and entering it into the computer in data statements (anyone remember the old favourite of 85,170,85,170,85,170... ?). So surely using any tool to make your life easier is bad?

Discuss...

Edited by RobFarley

Cheers,
Rob

http://www.mentalillusion.co.uk

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Pixel_Outlaw
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Posted: 29 December 2005 at 5:01pm

Really there is no set definition of pixel art. nI hate the limited color thing people try to set. Really the problem with many colors is that they tend to be overused. From a game making standpoint there is really no need to limit color for today's computers. The color limiting arose from the old nes type days. If people choose to limit colors that's their parogative. I'm not a huge advocate of using an absurd amount of colors though.

Now another part Pixel art is that many feel that you must be in controll of every pixel you place. This means no spray tool. Also blurring tecniques are considered taboo.(Mainly because of high color count, and also because of transparency and loss of controll as described earlier.)

Tools are limited to Color Fill, Line Tool, Circle and Rectangle tools, and maybe a layer or two.(Depending on the pixeler, again some consider this taboo.) Also some consider alpha transparency taboo. (Personally I don't because I could do it with math.)

So basically it is art with minimal automated calculations. The level of accepatability of automated tasks changes with the user. nYou might consider the fill tool an automated task, and it is. But, all the calculations could be done by you, automation just saves time.

And this is the first thing I've writen this long since I graduated 7 months ago. :)

My personal thought about automation:
If you are not willing to do the math involved you are not allowed to use an automation tool.

Pixel_Outlaw

Edited by Pixel_Outlaw

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Aleiav
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Posted: 30 December 2005 at 12:37am

I'd say if something is Pixel Art is it laid down pixel by pixel. Every pixel has a purpose. If something isn't drawn in that way, it's not really pixel art by nature even if it was made by hand (hence, Oekaki).

As far as how color count is portrayed in that, I can understand how low color counts would be seen as more creative due to difficulty, but just because something has a high color count, doesn't mean it's not pixel art. The trouble is, when tools are used the color count is higher than normal so it's hard to differentiate between tools being used and every pixel being laid by hand when colors are high, which might be the reason people go for lower colors. Plus, it puts more emphasis on pixel pushing talents like dithering, antialias, etc. I wouldn't say it's a requirement, but it IS more impressive and more of the standard.

There are debates about the use of a line tool, flood tool, etc. and whether that constitutes non-pixel art. But so far, I think, it's been agreed upon that those are generally acceptable for use. But filters, blurring, etc. without using the pencil tool or a drawing tool is not pixel art because they come with automatic antialiases, generally, and are also considered cheating. Not every pixel has been laid down, thus, it's not pixel art.

Photo refs are used a lot in pixel art so... I don't see how using them wouldn't make something not pixel art.

That's how I understand it.

Edited by Aleiav

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0xDB
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Posted: 30 December 2005 at 5:49am

Originally posted by RobFarley

I remember drawing up graphics on square paper, working out the binary values of it and entering it into the computer in data statements (anyone remember the old favourite of 85,170,85,170,85,170... ?)

0#0#0#0# #0#0#0#0 0#0#0#0#
#0#0#0#0 0#0#0#0# #0#0#0#0
...What strange figure is going to come out of that(assuming three bytes per row, monocoloured)?

My opinion:
Flood fill, straight lines and simple geometric shapes like rectangles and circles are ok for automation.
Things like anti-aliasing, dithering and curved lines are not ok for automation.

0xDB | twitter

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Pixel_Outlaw
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Posted: 30 December 2005 at 6:51am

What dfo you think about circles?

The formula for finding dots around the center is

round(x+cos(degree_to_radians(angle))*radius)
round(y-sin(degree_to_radians(angle))*radius)

That will give you the pixel at a given angle and radius away from a center point.

Yes I would calculate that if need be.

My policy on automation is do the manual math once or twice so you can fully appreciate the automation.

NEVER antialiasing and other bluring tools though.(not for pixelart atleast.)

Edited by Pixel_Outlaw

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inkspot
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Posted: 30 December 2005 at 8:50am

Using opacy is not pixel art too (yea, most of you fake pixelartists use it!), it is practically the same as automated dithering or anti-aliasing. But well, I don't care anymore if its pure or not, I am making most of my images by hand using MS Paints basic tools just because Paint takes less time opening and manageing than Photoshop etc. If there is a straight deadline and it is the final product that counts, then I shure would use automations also if really needed.

Shure color picking is easier in photoshop, but I prefer paint because in that way, I can make my colour sence better. Real artist doesn't need all kinds of palettes sorted out and special plugins etc for picking colour etc, it must come from your mind.

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RobFarley
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Posted: 30 December 2005 at 8:59am

Dennis, the 85,170 is the simple checkerboard pattern you used on the spectrum to get colours between colours.

Outlaw, I know the formula for a bezier curve, I have written functions within games that make use of this to allow things to move in smooth curves

pointx# = x1*(1-t)^3 + 3*vx1*(1-t)^2*t + 3*vx2*(1-t)*t^2 + x2*t^3
pointy# = y1*(1-t)^3 + 3*vy1*(1-t)^2*t + 3*vy2*(1-t)*t^2 + y2*t^3

Does this mean I can use a bezier in an art application?

Likewise I have written flood fills for editors so you can fill an area with a floor tile for example.

I have written a texture editor which involved add blend, multiply blend, multiplyx2 blend and blurring... Because I know how these work can I use these in an art application?

An example of using layers and blend modes would be:
Create a very simple house (4 colours):

Create a new layer, set it to 50% darken and use black to draw on all the shadowing

Damn... Actually I wanted to change the colour of the house:

Colours are changed without touching the shading.

Likewise I could change the harshness of shading done by simply moving a sliding bar...

I don't see how this is "cheating" surely being able to use tools well is something that should be applauded rather than an hanging offence?!

Cheers,
Rob

http://www.mentalillusion.co.uk

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me7356
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Posted: 30 December 2005 at 9:05am

Pixel art, in my opinion, is when you lay every pixel by hand, like Aleiav said, but the line tool and fill tool are accepted. I think any tool in Paint can be considered pixel art if used, unless its just a filled in square of something. Paint is the most useful tool to atart with, and I continue to use it. No complicated Pallette makers, no Anti-Aliasing, gradient, or automated dithering tools, just a set of simple tools and you're set to go. Plus, there are more options than you think, most people haven't used all the tools in paint, but here are a list of generally accepted tools:
-Line tool
-Cut/Paste tool (Just for moving stuff to a different part of the screen on limited occasions, like if you were drawing something, and soom out, and figure it was in the wrong place, then it's generally accepted.)
-Square Tool
-Circle Tool (Sometimes)
-Eraser Tool (Not that it's really needed...)
-Eyedropper Tool
-Thumbnail Tool (Most probably don't know how to use this; View > Zoom > Show Thumbnail; very useful)
-And ultimately, the Pencil Tool.

The text, spray can, and polygon tools are outlawed in pixel art. You can pixelize text and polygons with ease, and the spray can tool is really just useless.

Hope that helps.

The reader of this has no life.

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PandaPlanet
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Posted: 05 January 2006 at 3:23pm

This was quite interestting to read. But in my little, beady Panda eyes, Pixel art is:
- No fancy programs unless they're used to get your image transperent.
I use MS Paint to create my work and save the picture in Fireworks 8 as a .GIF with Alpha Transperency ^^
I've gotted the comment for my massive palletes aswell.
I just take 256 as color limit., as that's the limit for .GIFs
(Everone loves .GIF, it loads quickly and is ideal for Pixel art)
'rounding up all posts: everyone has his own view of Pixel Art..

Edited by PandaPlanet

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jalonso
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Posted: 05 January 2006 at 7:08pm

I fully agree with PandaPlanet. Sometimes I'm lazy or in a hurry and will use the fill tool, other times I do it OPAAT. Go crazy, be creative and when it comes time to save minimize the palette to the fewest possible colors while retaining the look you're going for. Actually I find that file size is more important than color count. If you're a newbie to pixelart learn as you go, but don't stop pixelling (its good for you) and ignore the pixelnazis.

Edited by jalonso

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Shark
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a.k.a. Feron

Joined: 02 July 2005
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Posted: 05 January 2006 at 11:29pm

[QUOTE=me7356]-Eraser Tool (Not that it's really needed...)[/
QUOTE]

The eraser can be quite useful, if want to erase one color, set that
colour to the foreground and right-click erase. This is also good for
changing 1 colour, buy setting a new colour to the background. I
havent used paint in a while but i think this still works.

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acrylicana
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Posted: 07 January 2006 at 11:58am

Seeing that I use PS when creating pixels art, layers are such a must for me. I mess up allthe time and lik to afeguard previous pixels rom being messedup by whatever I'm trying out next. Also, the use of multiple files at once allow me to save my own palettes (along with PS palettes of which can be really great).

Opacity, automatic dithering, smudging, burn, dodge, noise, ect..are not pixel art, so I definately agree with most here.

line tool, circle, square, eraser, fill, eyedropper, ect that me7356 mentioned as being acceptable i definately agree with as well.

as for those who feel that mspaint is the definative program for true pixel art, so long as folks like me who're using PS aren't using smudge, blur, shapes, monkeys, dodge, burn, ect., it's dandy and fine. I'm just so mega reliant and used to the magic of layers. They're my safeguard.

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E-Magination
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Posted: 13 January 2006 at 8:08am

In my opinion,color matters on the subject,size and different colors of the picture,and skill of the pixel artist. I, altough prefer it with 16. I think that all tools you may use are included in paint, except and somewhat different controlling line tool (GraphicsGale like) and layers to keep everything without a big mess.

(But I did manage to do stuff what I use layers for now in MS paint. Just being patient and using loads of different Ms Paint copies at the same time. (mostly 2-4,But I managed to use 8 of 'em a few times.

Also, every program is allowed to convert formats.

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Diversions
Pixel Joint Forum : The Lounge : Diversions

Author	Message
RobFarley Seaman Joined: 04 November 2005 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Topic: What is Pixel Art? Posted: 29 December 2005 at 4:40pm
	I think this is a fair question... It seems that if you go over 16 colours you get told you're not doing pixel art. If you use a tool more advanced than MS Paint it's a "non-pixel art tool", it seems using layers to create shading is some kind of sin. Is it forbidden to use 24 bit colour? Is flood fill banned? And using more than two shades of a particular colour is worthy of a public flogging. Using a tool that helps you create good art should be embraced than rejected surely? Now, my impression of pixel art was creating graphics by hand rather than using photo sources etc. How far do you go? I remember drawing up graphics on square paper, working out the binary values of it and entering it into the computer in data statements (anyone remember the old favourite of 85,170,85,170,85,170... ?). So surely using any tool to make your life easier is bad? Discuss... Edited by RobFarley
	Cheers, Rob http://www.mentalillusion.co.uk
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Pixel_Outlaw Commander Joined: 01 September 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3829	Posted: 29 December 2005 at 5:01pm
	Really there is no set definition of pixel art. nI hate the limited color thing people try to set. Really the problem with many colors is that they tend to be overused. From a game making standpoint there is really no need to limit color for today's computers. The color limiting arose from the old nes type days. If people choose to limit colors that's their parogative. I'm not a huge advocate of using an absurd amount of colors though. Now another part Pixel art is that many feel that you must be in controll of every pixel you place. This means no spray tool. Also blurring tecniques are considered taboo.(Mainly because of high color count, and also because of transparency and loss of controll as described earlier.) Tools are limited to Color Fill, Line Tool, Circle and Rectangle tools, and maybe a layer or two.(Depending on the pixeler, again some consider this taboo.) Also some consider alpha transparency taboo. (Personally I don't because I could do it with math.) So basically it is art with minimal automated calculations. The level of accepatability of automated tasks changes with the user. nYou might consider the fill tool an automated task, and it is. But, all the calculations could be done by you, automation just saves time. And this is the first thing I've writen this long since I graduated 7 months ago. :) My personal thought about automation: If you are not willing to do the math involved you are not allowed to use an automation tool. Pixel_Outlaw Edited by Pixel_Outlaw

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Aleiav Commander Joined: 08 April 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2380	Posted: 30 December 2005 at 12:37am
	I'd say if something is Pixel Art is it laid down pixel by pixel. Every pixel has a purpose. If something isn't drawn in that way, it's not really pixel art by nature even if it was made by hand (hence, Oekaki). As far as how color count is portrayed in that, I can understand how low color counts would be seen as more creative due to difficulty, but just because something has a high color count, doesn't mean it's not pixel art. The trouble is, when tools are used the color count is higher than normal so it's hard to differentiate between tools being used and every pixel being laid by hand when colors are high, which might be the reason people go for lower colors. Plus, it puts more emphasis on pixel pushing talents like dithering, antialias, etc. I wouldn't say it's a requirement, but it IS more impressive and more of the standard. There are debates about the use of a line tool, flood tool, etc. and whether that constitutes non-pixel art. But so far, I think, it's been agreed upon that those are generally acceptable for use. But filters, blurring, etc. without using the pencil tool or a drawing tool is not pixel art because they come with automatic antialiases, generally, and are also considered cheating. Not every pixel has been laid down, thus, it's not pixel art. Photo refs are used a lot in pixel art so... I don't see how using them wouldn't make something not pixel art. That's how I understand it. Edited by Aleiav
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0xDB Commander Joined: 15 March 2025 Online Status: Offline Posts: 209	Posted: 30 December 2005 at 5:49am
	*Originally posted by RobFarley* I remember drawing up graphics on square paper, working out the binary values of it and entering it into the computer in data statements (anyone remember the old favourite of 85,170,85,170,85,170... ?) 0#0#0#0# #0#0#0#0 0#0#0#0# #0#0#0#0 0#0#0#0# #0#0#0#0 ...What strange figure is going to come out of that(assuming three bytes per row, monocoloured)? My opinion: Flood fill, straight lines and simple geometric shapes like rectangles and circles are ok for automation. Things like anti-aliasing, dithering and curved lines are not ok for automation.
	0xDB \| twitter
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Pixel_Outlaw Commander Joined: 01 September 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3829	Posted: 30 December 2005 at 6:51am
	What dfo you think about circles? The formula for finding dots around the center is round(x+cos(degree_to_radians(angle))radius) round(y-sin(degree_to_radians(angle))radius) That will give you the pixel at a given angle and radius away from a center point. Yes I would calculate that if need be. My policy on automation is do the manual math once or twice so you can fully appreciate the automation. NEVER antialiasing and other bluring tools though.(not for pixelart atleast.) Edited by Pixel_Outlaw

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inkspot Commander Joined: 05 May 2005 Location: Estonia Online Status: Offline Posts: 452	Posted: 30 December 2005 at 8:50am
	Using opacy is not pixel art too (yea, most of you fake pixelartists use it!), it is practically the same as automated dithering or anti-aliasing. But well, I don't care anymore if its pure or not, I am making most of my images by hand using MS Paints basic tools just because Paint takes less time opening and manageing than Photoshop etc. If there is a straight deadline and it is the final product that counts, then I shure would use automations also if really needed. Shure color picking is easier in photoshop, but I prefer paint because in that way, I can make my colour sence better. Real artist doesn't need all kinds of palettes sorted out and special plugins etc for picking colour etc, it must come from your mind.
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RobFarley Seaman Joined: 04 November 2005 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Posted: 30 December 2005 at 8:59am
	Dennis, the 85,170 is the simple checkerboard pattern you used on the spectrum to get colours between colours. Outlaw, I know the formula for a bezier curve, I have written functions within games that make use of this to allow things to move in smooth curves pointx# = x1(1-t)^3 + 3vx1(1-t)^2t + 3vx2(1-t)t^2 + x2t^3 pointy# = y1(1-t)^3 + 3vy1(1-t)^2t + 3vy2(1-t)t^2 + y2t^3 Does this mean I can use a bezier in an art application? Likewise I have written flood fills for editors so you can fill an area with a floor tile for example. I have written a texture editor which involved add blend, multiply blend, multiplyx2 blend and blurring... Because I know how these work can I use these in an art application? An example of using layers and blend modes would be: Create a very simple house (4 colours): Create a new layer, set it to 50% darken and use black to draw on all the shadowing Damn... Actually I wanted to change the colour of the house: Colours are changed without touching the shading. Likewise I could change the harshness of shading done by simply moving a sliding bar... I don't see how this is "cheating" surely being able to use tools well is something that should be applauded rather than an hanging offence?!
	Cheers, Rob http://www.mentalillusion.co.uk
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me7356 Midshipman Joined: 11 May 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 54	Posted: 30 December 2005 at 9:05am
	Pixel art, in my opinion, is when you lay every pixel by hand, like Aleiav said, but the line tool and fill tool are accepted. I think any tool in Paint can be considered pixel art if used, unless its just a filled in square of something. Paint is the most useful tool to atart with, and I continue to use it. No complicated Pallette makers, no Anti-Aliasing, gradient, or automated dithering tools, just a set of simple tools and you're set to go. Plus, there are more options than you think, most people haven't used all the tools in paint, but here are a list of generally accepted tools: -Line tool -Cut/Paste tool (Just for moving stuff to a different part of the screen on limited occasions, like if you were drawing something, and soom out, and figure it was in the wrong place, then it's generally accepted.) -Square Tool -Circle Tool (Sometimes) -Eraser Tool (Not that it's really needed...) -Eyedropper Tool -Thumbnail Tool (Most probably don't know how to use this; View > Zoom > Show Thumbnail; very useful) -And ultimately, the Pencil Tool. The text, spray can, and polygon tools are outlawed in pixel art. You can pixelize text and polygons with ease, and the spray can tool is really just useless. Hope that helps.
	The reader of this has no life.
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PandaPlanet Commander Joined: 28 June 2005 Location: Belgium Online Status: Offline Posts: 110	Posted: 05 January 2006 at 3:23pm
	This was quite interestting to read. But in my little, beady Panda eyes, Pixel art is: - No fancy programs unless they're used to get your image transperent. I use MS Paint to create my work and save the picture in Fireworks 8 as a .GIF with Alpha Transperency ^^ I've gotted the comment for my massive palletes aswell. I just take 256 as color limit., as that's the limit for .GIFs (Everone loves .GIF, it loads quickly and is ideal for Pixel art) 'rounding up all posts: everyone has his own view of Pixel Art.. Edited by PandaPlanet
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jalonso Admiral Joined: 29 November 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 13537	Posted: 05 January 2006 at 7:08pm
	I fully agree with PandaPlanet. Sometimes I'm lazy or in a hurry and will use the fill tool, other times I do it OPAAT. Go crazy, be creative and when it comes time to save minimize the palette to the fewest possible colors while retaining the look you're going for. Actually I find that file size is more important than color count. If you're a newbie to pixelart learn as you go, but don't stop pixelling (its good for you) and ignore the pixelnazis. Edited by jalonso
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Shark Commander a.k.a. Feron Joined: 02 July 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2136	Posted: 05 January 2006 at 11:29pm
	[QUOTE=me7356]-Eraser Tool (Not that it's really needed...)[/ QUOTE] The eraser can be quite useful, if want to erase one color, set that colour to the foreground and right-click erase. This is also good for changing 1 colour, buy setting a new colour to the background. I havent used paint in a while but i think this still works.
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acrylicana Midshipman Joined: 06 September 2005 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 41	Posted: 07 January 2006 at 11:58am
	Seeing that I use PS when creating pixels art, layers are such a must for me. I mess up allthe time and lik to afeguard previous pixels rom being messedup by whatever I'm trying out next. Also, the use of multiple files at once allow me to save my own palettes (along with PS palettes of which can be really great). Opacity, automatic dithering, smudging, burn, dodge, noise, ect..are not pixel art, so I definately agree with most here. line tool, circle, square, eraser, fill, eyedropper, ect that me7356 mentioned as being acceptable i definately agree with as well. as for those who feel that mspaint is the definative program for true pixel art, so long as folks like me who're using PS aren't using smudge, blur, shapes, monkeys, dodge, burn, ect., it's dandy and fine. I'm just so mega reliant and used to the magic of layers. They're my safeguard.
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E-Magination Midshipman BANNED Joined: 25 December 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 45	Posted: 13 January 2006 at 8:08am
	In my opinion,color matters on the subject,size and different colors of the picture,and skill of the pixel artist. I, altough prefer it with 16. I think that all tools you may use are included in paint, except and somewhat different controlling line tool (GraphicsGale like) and layers to keep everything without a big mess. (But I did manage to do stuff what I use layers for now in MS paint. Just being patient and using loads of different Ms Paint copies at the same time. (mostly 2-4,But I managed to use 8 of 'em a few times. Also, every program is allowed to convert formats.
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