Pixel Art 101: The Charm of Digital Nostalgia

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. From its early days in video games to its current presence in digital art galleries and NFT marketplaces, pixel art has evolved remarkably while staying true to its origins.

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.

The constraints of working with tiny squares challenge artists to distill their ideas into something both visually striking and emotionally resonant. As technology advances and the possibilities of digital creation expand, pixel art remains a powerful reminder that sometimes less is more — where a few well-placed pixels can spark entire worlds of imagination.

Here’s an introduction to the history of pixelated art, its modern-day appeal, and how to create your own pixel artwork online.

Origins of Pixel Art

Pixel art dates back to the early days of computer and video game design in the late 1970s and 1980s. Limited by the technology of the time, designers had to work with a finite number of pixels to create images, which led to the blocky, low-resolution style now synonymous with pixel art.

Iconic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and later, Super Mario Bros helped define the visual style that millions came to associate with early digital media. The pixel was both a limitation and an opportunity for creativity, as artists cleverly used grids of tiny squares to create recognizable characters, landscapes, and entire worlds.

Moreover, some traditional art forms, such as counted-thread embroidery (like cross-stitch), certain types of mosaic, and beadwork, closely resemble pixel art. These techniques involve creating images using small, colored units, much like the pixels used in modern digital artwork. In this way, they can be seen as non-digital counterparts or predecessors to pixel art.

Pixel Art in the Digital Age

In recent years, pixel art has experienced a renaissance. The rise of indie game development, combined with a nostalgic yearning for the aesthetics of the past, has given pixel art a second life. Games like Celeste, Undertale, and Hyper Light Drifter not only embrace pixel art but also use it to tell deeply emotional stories.

This revival of pixel art isn’t just confined to video games — it has entered the world of NFTs and digital art markets, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon. A prime example of pixel art’s impact in the digital economy is the famous Nyan Cat NFT, which sold for nearly $600,000 in 2021. Its sale marked a pivotal moment in the history of NFTs and underscored the value that people place on digital nostalgia.

Nyan Cat Collection features hand-drawn pixel artwork by Chris Torres, and became a viral internet sensation with over a billion views worldwide. Torres designed the iconic GIF in 2011 and remastered the global internet phenomenon for its 10 year anniversary as an NFT. Making it available for people to own a piece of internet meme history, this GIF of a pixelated cat flying through space with a rainbow trail perfectly encapsulated the whimsical, nostalgic, and inherently digital nature of pixel art.

Why Pixel Art Appeals to Many

Part of pixel art’s appeal lies in its simplicity. In a world saturated with hyper-realistic 3D graphics, pixel art stands out as a minimalistic alternative that allows viewers and creators to focus on essential details. It brings a sense of charm and warmth, partly because it reminds us of the early days of digital interaction.

It’s art that invites us to fill in the gaps, much like how our minds would interpret early video game visuals. This sense of imagination and nostalgia creates a connection between the art and the viewer.

Moreover, the pixelated aesthetic taps into a broader cultural yearning for the past. As we advance into increasingly complex technological landscapes, there’s a longing for the simpler, more straightforward experiences of earlier digital eras.

This phenomenon, often referred to as “digital nostalgia,” explains why so many people are drawn to pixel art—it reminds them of their first interactions with computers, games, and digital worlds.

Pixel art also draws an interesting parallel with the architectural trends of the 20th century. During this period, modernist architects began embracing the raw, structural elements of buildings; particularly steel and concrete. The rise of industrial architecture exposed the inner workings of buildings, making the skeleton of the structure part of the aesthetic. This honest, functional approach to design mirrors pixel art’s focus on the basic building blocks of digital imagery — the pixel.

Just as modernist architects celebrated the bones of a building, pixel artists celebrate the pixel as the fundamental unit of digital creation. This appreciation for the underlying structure, whether in a physical building or a digital canvas, speaks to a shared desire for transparency and simplicity in art. Both trends redefine what can be considered beautiful by highlighting the core components, whether steel or pixels, rather than hiding them.

How do I make my own pixel art?

You’ll need a pixel art program that offers grid views and allows you to edit each pixel individually. Here’s a few of the most popular tools:

Piskel: Piskel is a free, easy-to-use online editor designed for creating animated sprites and pixel art. It’s perfect for beginners who want to start drawing pixel art without downloading software.

Pixilart: Pixilart is a pixel art editor as well as a community of over 2 million users who create, share, and collaborate on pixel art. It's ideal for both creating art and connecting with other artists.

Aseprite: Aseprite is a professional pixel art and animation tool that offers powerful features like layering, shading, and frame-by-frame animation, making it a favorite among experienced pixel artists.

Photoshop: Though primarily known for photo editing, Photoshop is also a great tool for pixel art. With its detailed grid system and customizable brushes, it's versatile for both pixel and digital artwork.

Procreate: Procreate is a popular drawing app for iPad, and while it’s known for digital painting, its pixel brush feature allows artists to create pixel art with precision, making it a great tool.

A fun and interactive gadget perfect for pixel art lovers is the Divoom Pixel Art Bluetooth Speaker – through the Divoom app, you can create your own pixel art designs to be synced with the speaker. It also features a playful mechanical design with tactile keys, built-in games, weather updates, alarms, and even a magic 8-ball feature.

For those looking for a simpler design, Divoom TimeBox Evo also lets you customize the design on the speaker screen to whatever pixel art you like. You can create your own art using your fingers which are displaying on the device in real-time.

Who is the most famous pixel artist?

Warren David Clark is one of the most well-known pixel artists today. Also known as Woostar’s Pixels, Clark 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.

Clark 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.

What is the coolest pixel art?

Check out this article where we introduce you to 10 talented pixel artists who are making the coolest pixelated art. Each of them brings a unique perspective, whether it's Gustavo Viselner's pixel interpretations of iconic movie scenes, Mae's emotionally resonant landscapes, or Winielyn Marquez's vibrant three-color illustrations.

Is pixel art still a thing?

Yes, pixel art is still very much a thing! In fact, it's experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to indie games, retro aesthetics, and the nostalgia many people feel for the early days of digital art and video games. While pixel art originated from technical limitations in older video game consoles and computers, it has since evolved into a deliberate and respected art form.

Today, it's widely appreciated for its simplicity, charm, and the skill required to create detailed and expressive visuals with such a limited grid of pixels. The nostalgic and handcrafted feel of pixel art makes it appealing to artists and audiences alike, especially in an era where hyperrealistic graphics dominate mainstream digital spaces.

Is there money in pixel art?

Yes, there’s definitely money in pixel art! Pixel artists can earn income in a variety of ways, and the market for pixel art has expanded, especially with the rise of indie games, NFTs, and custom digital artwork. Here are some key ways pixel artists make money:

Commissions: Many pixel artists take on freelance work, creating custom art for clients. This can range from individual commissions for personal use to larger projects for game developers, musicians, or companies. Artists offer commissioned pixel art for character designs, animations, emotes, and more.

Game Art: Pixel art is especially in demand in the indie game development community. Many indie game developers look for pixel artists to create sprites, backgrounds, and animations for their projects. There are always new games needing pixel artists to design characters, environments, and UI elements.

NFTs: The rising popularity of NFTs has created a lucrative market for digital art, and pixel art is no exception. Iconic examples like CryptoPunks and the pixelated Nyan Cat have sold for millions, highlighting the value some collectors place on pixel art within the crypto space. Pixel artists can mint their own NFTs and sell them on platforms like OpenSea, SuperRare, and Foundation.

Prints and Merch: Many pixel artists, like Gustavo Viselner, turn their work into physical products such as prints, posters, clothing, and accessories. Etsy shops and online marketplaces allow artists to sell high-quality prints or designs on items like mousepads, t-shirts, phone cases, and more.

Tutorials and Content Creation: Some pixel artists monetize their skills by creating educational content like tutorials, process videos, or livestreams, on platforms like YouTube, Patreon, and Ko-fi. By teaching others how to create pixel art, artists can build an additional stream of income.

Licensing: Pixel artists can also license their work for use in different media like video games, advertising, or even fashion. Brands or developers might purchase the rights to use specific pixel art designs, or artists can sell their work through stock art sites.

Overall, while it may take time to establish a name or a portfolio, there are definitely financial opportunities for pixel artists today, especially for those willing to explore different platforms and markets.

Also read: 14 Income Stream Ideas Every Digital Artist Should Know About

Is pixel art hard for beginners?

Pixel art can be both easy and challenging for beginners, depending on the approach and complexity of the projects they choose to tackle.

Why Pixel Art is Beginner-Friendly:

Simplicity: Pixel art uses a limited number of pixels, which can make it less overwhelming for beginners compared to more detailed forms of digital art. Starting with simple shapes, objects, or characters is manageable and allows for quick progress.

Small Canvas: Unlike other digital illustrations that require working on large canvases with high resolutions, pixel art usually involves a much smaller canvas. This keeps the focus on fine-tuning individual pixels and simplifies the process.

Tools are Easy to Learn: Many pixel art programs, like Aseprite, Piskel, and Pixilart, have user-friendly interfaces and don't require extensive knowledge of complex software. Beginners can start with simple drawing tools and gradually explore more advanced features.

Low Barrier to Entry: You don't need expensive equipment or advanced technical skills to start pixel art. A basic drawing tablet or even a mouse can work fine, and many free tools are available.

Where Pixel Art Can Be Challenging:

Attention to Detail: While pixel art often starts simple, achieving high-quality work requires a strong sense of detail and precision. Since each pixel matters, shading, lighting, and textures can be hard to master.

Limited Resolution: Working with a limited number of pixels means there's little room for error. It can be challenging to convey details, emotion, or motion with just a few pixels, and beginners may struggle with making objects look recognizable.

Animating Pixel Art: Creating pixel art animations, like walking cycles or more dynamic movements, can be tricky and requires careful planning of each frame. For beginners, animation may be a steep learning curve, but it's a skill that comes with practice.

Mastering Shading and Color: Pixel art often involves working with a limited color palette. Understanding how to shade, highlight, and add depth with minimal colors can be difficult, as each pixel needs to be placed intentionally to create the desired effect.

For beginners, pixel art is a great starting point due to its simplicity and the ability to quickly see results. While the learning curve can become steep when tackling more complex pieces or animations, with practice and patience, it becomes more intuitive. Starting with simple projects, like icons or characters, can help beginners build confidence before moving on to more intricate designs.

Is pixel art a career?

Yes, pixel art can absolutely be a career! While it may not be as mainstream as other forms of digital art, there are industries and opportunities where pixel artists can thrive professionally – namely gaming, commissions, and product design.

As with many creative careers, success in pixel art often depends on self-promotion, building a strong portfolio, and networking. It’s important to note that freelancers may face inconsistent income streams, especially early in their careers.

Moreover, while pixel art is widely appreciated in certain circles (especially in gaming), it is still a niche form of digital art compared to other styles. Artists may need to find the right audience and be open to multiple revenue streams.

Why is pixel art so nostalgic?

Pixel art evokes nostalgia because it reminds us of the early days of video games and digital art, when technology had limitations, and artists had to rely on small, simple, pixelated graphics to convey entire worlds.

For many, it recalls childhood memories of playing classic arcade and console games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Street Fighter. The simplicity and charm of pixel art capture a time when visuals were less about realism and more about imagination. This retro aesthetic, combined with its association with beloved games, makes pixel art feel timeless and comforting.

Pixel art, once a necessity born out of early digital limitations, has evolved into a beloved art form embraced by creators across the world. While it may evoke memories of classic video games and retro aesthetics, pixel art today is a thriving medium that captures both the nostalgia of the past and the possibilities of the future.