Pixel Art, Oh, Pixel Art

Whoever thought pixel art was easy... It really isn't.

I've recently started on my journey with pixel art in an attempt to make a pixel art visual novel with my buddy. And there are so many things to note when doing pixel art.

Firstly, it starts with the software to be used. I've tried both Photoshop and Aesprite, and I've got to say, I'm really loving Aesprite since it was designed for the purpose of creating pixel art anyways. The tools are simple to learn as well and they are all created for the purpose of aiding pixel art creation. Even the UI is in pixel art which I absolutely adore <3 Compared to using PS for pixel art, I often find myself confused with the vast amount of tools on PS. Though when I'm working on the game, I have both PS and Aesprite open as PS is where I sketch (or at least try to) concept designs that I will later convert to pixel art in Aesprite.

Ok, the next point, is probably the most confusing for any pixel art beginner like myself... what should the canvas size be?? Oh my goodness, this was the bane of my existence when I first started, and it continues to be a problem for me (please send help if anyone has cracked the code). I have yet to find the answer but I just draw everything in proportion to my character - which I found is a really good tip I got from following this pixel artist on YouTube - AdamCYounis. He's really good help :D

I know I said there are many things to note about pixel art (because there really are), but that's all I can think about for now! If ya'll are interested in pixel art and would like to journey with me together and share tips and tricks, please, reach out to me! Let's do our best :> Here's a robot cat I drew.