Pixel art is a type of digital art where each pixel is colored and shaded to create a larger image. Pixel artists use specialized software to work one pixel at a time. Most 2D pixel artist jobs are for low-resolution graphic creations, and a graphic designer proficient in basic pixel art can expand into other forms of digital imaging.
A pixel is a point that is the smallest part of any digital image. Digital images can be composed of a few pixels or millions, depending on the size of the images and their resolutions. Early video graphics and computer games were typically created using pixel art, which is a type of digital art in which each pixel is colored and shaded to create a larger image. Pixel artists work in this digital medium, often with specialized raster software that allows them to easily work one pixel at a time.
These days, most 2D pixel artist jobs are for those who want to create graphics for products like cell phones and other devices that use lower resolution images. These are two-dimensional images, rather than the three-dimensional images that have become more common in video games these days. There are also pixel art jobs for those who prefer to work with vector software over raster graphics programs. Vector programs also use pixels, but they create artwork in a different way.
A freelance pixel artist who creates icons, images, or motion graphics for a game, for example, might create the images one pixel at a time with raster software. Vector software uses mathematical formulas representing points, shapes, lines and angles to create the image. A photograph can be used as a reference to create images in this type of software. Both types of graphic rendering have their uses and can even be used to create parts of the same image. A pixel artist who works only with raster software often creates more primitive designs rather than images that look realistic.
The pixels are square, so without the dithering and anti-aliasing of the colors, many lines show jagged edges and corners. This effect can be seen in early video game graphics, where smooth curves were rare. A pixel artist can use dithering, which is the gradual change of hue in lines of pixels, to create a smoother look. The anti-aliasing features in the software also do this by blending the color outward to minimize harsh lines and give lines in the image a more natural look.
Since most 2D pixel artist jobs are for low-resolution graphic creations, someone who can create line art might be a good candidate for this medium. Most of these graphics start with basic computer drawings. Each pixel is filled in to create the overall effect. All digital images require the use of pixels; therefore, a graphic designer proficient in basic pixel art can learn other rendering methods and expand into 3D modeling and other forms of digital imaging.
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