pixelart

Pixel art is a form of digital art where images are created and edited at the pixel level, typically on a grid. It emphasizes small, discrete picture elements and clear, blocky edges. Common characteristics include low resolution, deliberate color selection, and constrained shading.

Historically, pixel art emerged with the early home computer and console era of the late 1970s through the 1980s, with systems such as the Atari, Commodore 64, NES, and Game Boy. It experienced a revival in indie games from the 2000s onward, maintaining its distinctive look.

Techniques and workflow include grid-based composition, upscaling by nearest-neighbor, and the use of limited color palettes—often eight or sixteen colors. Dithering, anti-aliasing is rarely used, and animation is produced frame by frame. Popular tools include Aseprite, GrafX2, and Photoshop.

Applications range from character sprites and tiles used in games to icons and user interfaces. The aesthetic is associated with retro or nostalgic vibes, but developers also use pixel art intentionally to achieve precise control over form, silhouette, and animation timing. Isometric variants add depth.

Pixel art continues to influence contemporary game design and digital art, balancing simplicity with expressive potential. Its accessibility makes it common in independent development, education, and hobbyist communities, where artists often share palettes, sprites, and tutorials to support learning and collaboration.