Pixel art shading tutorial!

Hi, this is a small shading tutorial.

It's not particualrly in-depth, however, I hope that it offers some help to somebody ^^





Dithering

[the grey rectangles are used for this example]

In pixel art if you just have colours next to each other the difference in shade is really obvious. However you can add dithering. Dithering is a technique of making an area that has pixels of both shades. This helps to create a smooth transition between colours and make your shading look much nicer.

I hope that you can see how dithering is added by looking at the x2 version. The more shades of colours you add and then add dithering you can create a really nice pixel gradient

If you look at the red circles you can see how much better dithering can make an object look

Lighting

[we are using the red circles for this example]

As you can see from the circles that the lightest colour isn't around the edge. If it was the sphere would look flat. If you are not sure how lighting should be. Think about where you light source is coming from and what would it hit most? What would create shadows? By actaully thniking about the light source you are much more likely to get it accurate then if you just make it up.

Pixel art, is a simplified version of real life! Look around how to the light effect the objects around you. How is lighting different on a shiney object to cloth for example. By paying more attention to the real work you will be able to see where you might be going wrong.

Most importantly!

Don't expect to become a pixel master over night. Pixel art like anything takes practice! Try to compare your old pixel art to your newer work for inspiration and to see how far you have progress. Always accept help and critique from others, they are trying to help you after all.


Best of luck to you all!! I'm sure you'll all become amazing pixel artist with just a lil practice!

Dave

Thanks im gonna use that tutorial now to help improve some of my work ill post some later. Well done +rep

Nice tutorial, i need someone who can tell me who's sprite i have on my PC lol someone tried to sell it to me so i took it off his computer to see if it was actually his and i saw it was soo good so i didnt believe him.

But great Tut!

I like the fact that you mentioned that one needs to practice to have better looking pixels. Many people just think that it's going to come so easily which isn't true.

Its good, but i prefer doing smoother blends ^^