Snakes and Pixels!

[snakepixel]

The angry heap of metal that despises the funny man.

[snakepixel]

Hold on... to good things.

[snakepixel]

Exploring the great outdoors Wanted to paint some plantlife again. Small plants are a big world for the Snifes.

[dpadstudio]

Making a new enemy for Vikings on Trampolines. The Chapfish will definitely… be something!

[snakepixel]

2022's start of year animal zodiac painting: Tiger.

I started off with something vague surrounding 'Water Tiger' and it ended up becoming pretty elaborate by the end. Probably the most detailed cat I've ever made, which is saying something.

[snakepixel]

2021: Year of the Ox. "Break the barrier"

The intention that year was to start off the art-year with something impactful. I took that pretty literally.

[snakepixel]

2026: Year of the Fire Horse

Oh I'll make a fire horse alright. Next up: colors.

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2020: Year of the rat. "For the rat king"

I make a new painting for this series every year, though year of the rat is probably one of my favorites.

[snakepixel]

Sorry to send another ask, I meant to put this in my first ask but forgor

Got any tips for pixel artists? Especially in terms of making good looking characters

This may be a bit too broad for me to give an appropriate answer, though I suppose it comes down to what it is that you're hoping to achieve.

I define the most fundamental principle in pixel art as getting a lot out of very little. Its also an artform that's fundamentally about abstraction and letting your mind fill in the gaps.

While free experimentation and trying new things you feel up to is always reccomended, a good practice for pixel art is to challenge yourself to use less.

Smaller sizes and less colors aren't just for bragging rights. Its a way to learn how to break down what you're trying to depict, and how you can imply things, rather than draw them outright.

This can also answer your second question. Often people get too caught up in detail and over-designing, and simplifying can also let you get to the core of what you want to depict.

Most of my favorite designs got a lot better when I scaled them down, then used that as a way to inform larger illustrations.

Pixel art is, in the end, an artform. So there isn't one set answer for what "good" art is. But this might be as decent place to start.

[snakepixel]

If you're celebrating or just relaxing a bit, hope you have a good rest of your winter!

~The D-Pad Studio team

[snakepixel]

If someone you know hasn't had the chance to play Owlboy yet, it's currently 80% off on Steam, along with our other games. It directly helps fund our next game, Vikings on Trampolines, so thank you if you decide to check it out!

Save 80% on Owlboy on Steam

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and b

[snakepixel]

Are we still doing the elf angle thing? I've got an elf. She can be at angles.

[snakepixel]

Hold on... to good things.

[snakepixel]

Fixed the old elf to match the new elf for fun. Ears have been significantly upgraded.

[snakepixel]

This was my first painting of 2019. I had an image in my head. A scene of twisting roots and stone from an animated movie that never existed.

This eventually kicked off the entire explorer series I've been doing since then. The idea was to never plan anything, so the character here looks vastly different than what would eventually evolve into Mira.

(I should note, this is available as a print, I just don't mention it much.)

[snakepixel]

Exploring the great outdoors Wanted to paint some plantlife again. Small plants are a big world for the Snifes.

[snakepixel]

Fixed the old elf to match the new elf for fun. Ears have been significantly upgraded.