10 Digital Artists: The Best of Pixel Art
Pixel art has started as a necessity in the early days of digital gaming and evolved into a thriving art form that continues to charm audiences in today’s digital world.
What was once a constraint of early computer graphics — where images were limited by the number of pixels available on a screen — has now become a conscious choice for artists who seek to evoke nostalgia while also exploring new creative possibilities.
In the hands of contemporary digital artists, pixel art is no longer confined to retro aesthetics alone. Today’s pixel artists use this style to express everything from fantastical landscapes and playful animations to social commentary and personal narratives.
We’ve gathered a list of ten digital artists who create pixellated art that pushes the style in innovative directions. Whether they’re reviving the look of classic video games or experimenting with abstract designs that challenge our expectations of what pixel art can be, these artists represent the diversity and depth within the pixel art community.
Whether you are an artist looking for inspiration, a curator working on an exhibition, or a digital arts fan looking to discover digital artists, this list is for you.
Here is 10 of the digital artists who will open your eyes to the incredible possibilities of a pixelated world.
Scroll the learn more about them! Here’s the featured artists:Gutty KreumNaime PakniyatnonamenosocksMaeFrenchpixelWoostar’s PixelsArts Of WinRachel HamPixel HooGustavo ViselnerLet's be friends on Instagram!
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Let's be friends on Instagram! 〰️
Gutty Kreum is a pixel artist known for creating artwork that evokes nostalgia and memories of simpler times. Drawing inspiration from both the bustling energy of urban Japan and the peaceful serenity of its rural landscapes, Kreum's work beautifully captures a balance between vibrancy and calm. His art, often described as soothing and captivating, uses pixelated forms and thoughtful compositions to transport viewers to a place of tranquility and reflection.
Kreum’s work has gained significant recognition in both the physical and digital art worlds. He has been featured in the book titled The Masters of Pixel Art, the SuperRare exhibition Invisible Cities, and Milan Art Week’s Digital Art Exhibition with Art Innovation Gallery in 2022. His creations have also been auctioned through Sotheby’s Contemporary Discoveries in 2023, making him a key figure in today’s digital art scene.
“Pixel artist creating nostalgia and memories of good days.”
Naime Pakniyat is an Iranian artist who skillfully merges the worlds of traditional art and modern pixel animation. With a Master’s degree in Animation and a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from the University of Tehran, Pakniyat has been blending pixel art with the rich painting traditions of her homeland since 2016. Her unique style brings together ancient Persian miniatures and the retro, nostalgic feel of 8-bit art, creating a fascinating visual language that appeals to both traditional and modern audiences.
In 2022, Pakniyat released her first short animated film, Gambit, which tells the story of a village turned upside down by the death of a pigeon. The film was celebrated in international animation festivals and later, parts of it were turned into NFTs, introducing her work to the crypto art community. By combining cultural elements from Persia’s artistic history with the aesthetics of pixel art, Pakniyat aims to preserve tradition while embracing modernity, ensuring that her cultural heritage stays relevant in the digital age.
“𝑊𝘦𝑎𝘷𝑖𝘯𝑔 𝑝𝘪𝑥𝘦𝑙𝘢𝑡𝘦𝑑 𝑡𝘢𝑙𝘦𝑠 𝑡𝘰 𝘢𝑤𝘢𝑘𝘦𝑛 𝑦𝘰𝑢𝘳 𝘴𝑒𝘯𝑠𝘦 𝘰𝑓 𝑛𝘰𝑠𝘵𝑎𝘭𝑔𝘪𝑎”
Robin is a pixel artist who creates under @nonamenosocks. He is also a musician who loves creating animated loops paired with his own tracks. His unique combination of pixel art and music has resonated deeply with his audience, evoking a sense of calm and nostalgia, offering viewers a soothing experience both visually and aurally. Fans describe his art as beautiful, and his music as the perfect complement — adding layers of atmosphere to his pixel animations.
In his free time, Robin enjoys composing electronic tracks that often accompany his pixel creations. His music, though not traditionally produced, has garnered a loyal following. From shower timers to ambient mood setters, listeners have found unexpected ways to connect with his work. Robin’s supporters regularly praise the calming and uplifting qualities of both his pixel art and music, often citing how his creations help them through difficult times.
“i draw i music”
Mae is an award-winning Japanese pixel artist, animator, and sound designer known for her intricate, emotionally resonant pixel art. Winner of the Grand Prize at the Shibuya Pixel Art Contest in 2020, Mae’s work is often compared to impressionism, with a focus on capturing the inner landscapes of the human mind. Through her art, Mae believes in the power of creativity to bring love, peace, and liberation to those who experience it. Whether crafting nostalgic, emotional landscapes or playful and cute characters, Mae’s meticulous pixel work resonates with viewers, offering a sense of comfort and connection.
With a background as an elementary school teacher, Mae carries a deep sense of empathy and a desire to be an ally to children and those who feel out of place. Their art reflects this nurturing spirit, providing a kind of "secret base" where viewers can feel understood and at peace. From television appearances to collaborations with renowned Japanese artists, Mae’s career highlights her unique ability to bridge the gap between nostalgia and modern digital art, creating a space where everyone can find a little solace.
“I am a Japanese pixel artist who paints our inner landscape”
Eléonore, also known as Frenchpixel, is a talented pixel artist and animator from France with five years of experience in the field. Her work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and vibrant, colorful pixel art that spans a wide range of creative projects. From intricate icons and emotes to animated characters and expansive tilesets, Eléonore’s portfolio reflects her technical skill and artistic imagination.
Eléonore values open communication and collaboration, ensuring that her work aligns closely with the vision of those she works with. Her experience as a freelance artist has allowed her to hone not only her technical abilities but also her ability to work flexibly and adapt to the unique needs of every project. Whether through static images or animated sequences, Eléonore’s pixel art invites viewers into a world of creativity, charm, and pixellated storytelling.
Warren David Clark, also known as Woostar’s Pixels, is a talented pixel artist based in Corby, England. As the art director for Cyborg Immortal, a global indie team, he is passionate about creating engaging multiplayer action RPGs for mobile devices. In addition to his artistic creations, Clark enjoys engaging with his audience through fun challenges on Instagram, where he invites followers to guess the movies he illustrates in his unique pixel style.
Warren loves to blend nostalgia with creativity, producing fan art that pays homage to beloved movies and classic games. His playful interpretations include pieces inspired by titles like Mario RPG and Zelda, as well as imaginative RPG mock-ups featuring detailed scenes or whimsical characters. Clark’s work reflects his love for gaming and storytelling, inviting fans to step into the pixelated worlds he brings to life through his art.
“Pixel artist currently working on cyborg immortal and cosmic coop”
Winielyn Marquez is a talented pixel art illustrator and animator from the Philippines. Winie has developed a unique style over the past three years, drawing inspiration from vintage Japanese advertising posters. Fascinated by their minimal color palettes and stylistic illustrations, Winie has crafted her own distinctive approach to pixel art, showcasing the beauty of simplicity through her work. Her art is characterized by a striking combination of black, white, and orange, creating retro illustrations that stand out in the digital world.
Winie collaborates with musicians worldwide, creating pixel art for music albums, and she also partners with indie game developers, including her work with Cyber Cow Studios on an anime drifting game. In addition to her gaming projects, she has designed prints for various fashion brands, including hoodies, shirts, and tote bags. Winie is dedicated to perfecting her style while reminding us of the importance of appreciating the small details in art, inspired by Silvia Cartwright’s quote: “We often plough so much energy into the big picture, we forget the pixels.”
Rachel Cunningham, also known as Rachel Ham, is a passionate pixel artist based in Little Clacton, England. With a love for gaming that blossomed later in life, she creates vibrant illustrations and pixel art inspired by her favorite games. Rachel’s artistic journey began in 2019 when she set up her Etsy shop to share her artwork with fellow pixel art enthusiasts. Since then, her shop has flourished, offering a range of products, including art prints and gaming mousepads, all printed on high-quality materials by professional fine art printers and manufacturers.
Rachel often showcases her creations at various markets and conventions across the UK, connecting with others who share her appreciation for pixel art. She draws inspiration from both retro arcade games and modern indie titles, marveling at how characters and environments can be depicted with such minimal detail. Whether through prints or accessories, her work invites others to celebrate the charm and creativity of the pixelated art style.
Saul Felix, also known as Pixel Hoo, is a freelance pixel artist from Mexico who creates captivating sci-fi and fantasy scenes. Drawing inspiration from video games and fellow artists, Saul has a passion for pixel art's distinctive style. When he's not working, he dedicates his time to improving his craft and sharing his process with others through videos and tutorials on YouTube, encouraging new artists to explore the world of pixel art.
Saul uses tools like Aseprite for drawing and animating and After Effects for video editing, adding nostalgic TV CRT effects to his work. Through platforms like Ko-fi, he offers digital backgrounds and wallpapers, making his art accessible while giving supporters a chance to contribute to his pixel art journey. Whether creating detailed scenes or tutorials, Saul’s work reflects his love for the pixel art medium and his desire to keep growing with each piece.
Gustavo Viselner is a talented game artist, illustrator, and pixel art creator based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Israel, Gustavo's passion for digital art took shape after studying animation at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Since then, he has built a thriving career as a freelance illustrator and art director, specializing in pixel art that captures iconic film scenes and pop culture references. His work often critiques the quality of video games based on films, blending nostalgia with a sharp artistic eye.
Gustavo’s ongoing project, “My Pixel Friends,” showcases original pixel art prints that have gained popularity for their vibrant style and playful interpretations. Through this series, Gustavo offers high-quality prints that bring a touch of geek art to any space. His deeply personal series “Days with Dad” reflects sweet and emotional memories from his childhood, adding a layer of warmth to his portfolio. Gustavo is a prominent artist in the world of pixel art, creating pieces that resonate with audiences around the world.
“I'm a nostalgic guy, and pixel art is how I express myself.”
Read next:
10 Digital Artists: The Best of Glitch Art
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10 Digital Artists: The Best of Surreal and Uncanny Art
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