I don’t have much artistic experience to speak of. Doing even pixel-art sprites are very difficult for me because I lack a history of drawing. My only sprite experience has been with extremely limited sprites on the Atari 2600, which are practically colored outlines more than full-on sprites.

Tonight, I’ve experimented with a style similar to Superbrothers: Sword ‘n Sworcery, which I absolutely adore. Since it’s very pixel-by-pixel, the level of detail and accuracy in sprites like Shovel Knight isn’t necessary, and I appreciate its use of implied detail and the focus on animation while letting the viewer use their imaginations to some degree. I’ll probably be shooting for a style similar to this for the upcoming Ludum Dare, unless my idea (whatever it is) just isn’t appropriate for it. I suppose I have to start somewhere.

If anyone knows of any good tutorials for newbies to learn drawing/pixel art, I’d love it if you’d share them!

Tags: journal