Embedded Files
Week 6 (GAED1)
Unit 1: Introduction to media processes and technical skills
Unit 2: Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production
Unit 3: Introduction to professional practice in creative media production
Unit 4: Critical and contextual awareness in creative media production
What we're doing, how we're doing it and why we're doing it
What we're doing, how we're doing it and why we're doing it
Intent: To familiarise yourself with pixel art and character design principles in the creation of a visually appealing and recognisable pixel art character.
Implementation: Through discussion and practical tasks.
Impact: Creation of your character, demonstrating your pixel art skills and creativity. Confidence with pixel art limitations.
Soft skills: Creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, problem-solving, patience.
Industry: The ability to create pixel art characters is directly relevant to future careers in the game art industry, especially in roles related to character design, sprite creation, and pixel art animation.
SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural): Encouraging learners to express their creativity, appreciate the importance of attention to detail, and engage in social interactions by sharing and discussing their pixel art creations with peers. It also supports cultural development as students learn to adapt pixel art styles to fit various game themes and settings.
Task 1 - Context
Task 1 - Context
Pros
Cons
What do I do?
Discuss the pros and cons of pixel art
On your google sites:
Pros and cons of pixel art as a style
Links and embedded research
Task 2 - Investigation
Task 2 - Investigation
What do I do?
Analyse pixel art in a game. Tip! Consider use of colour, size of characters and screen, how they've chosen to represent certain elements etc.
On your google sites:
Footage of pixel art game
Analysis
Going further:
Analysing multiple games, assessing not just the style but why decisions have been made. Additional research into the making of your game.
Task 3 - Making Your Own
Task 3 - Making Your Own
Task 3 - Part A: Choosing a Size and Palette
Task 3 - Part A: Choosing a Size and Palette
Tip! I would recommend starting at 32x32 it's a manageable size, gives you enough to play with and you'll get a feel for if you want to go smaller or bigger in the future.
8x8
8x8
16x16
16x16
32x32
32x32
What do I do?
Choose a palette from Lospec
Make sure your group agrees on the same one
This is a great of making your game look professional and taking advantage of someone else doing the colour theory for you!
What do I do?
Choose a size and a palette
On your google sites:
Chosen size and justification
Palette chosen and justification
Going further:
Show that you have looked at multiple options!
Task 3 - Part B: Development
Task 3 - Part B: Development
What do I do?
Get Aseprite, get my tutorials up. Let's start making a character! Document everything. Take regular screenshots so we can see your character evolve.
On your google sites:
Development of your character
Reflection
Tip!
If it helps sketch an idea first. Remember this is your character for your game, you can decide the theme/tone.
Going further:
Create more elements! UI, enemies, environments, items, keep going!
Task 4 - Peer Reflection
Task 4 - Peer Reflection
What do I do?
Show your pixel art work to your peers.
Listen while they talk about theirs.
Give feedback.
When giving feedback remember to THINK before you speak:
T - Is it True?
H - Is it Helpful?
I - Is it Inspiring?
N - Is it Necessary?
K - Is it Kind?
On your google sites:
Evidence of this
Reflection on feedback given and received
Going Further
Want to develop your pixel art skills further? Excellent! There's a wealth of resources available. The best way to improve is through a combination of practice and study. Try tutorials, look at artists work you admire and try making pixel art using all manner of sprite sizes and palettes. Good luck!
Tutorials
Derek Yu's (Spelunky) has a fantastic pixel art tutorial, I've pinched some of it wholesale for this.
There's loads of tutorials on places like YouTube and twitch. Take everything taught with a pinch of salt, there's always exceptions to rules and not everyone making tutorials always has the experience or knowledge they claim but it's worth exploring and experimenting. Below are a couple I'd recommend:
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