Vaults

Pixel Art Fundamentals for Beginners

Draw clean, readable sprites and tiles with a limited palette and export them for use in a game. For Beginner artists and indie game makers who want a practical, step-by-step start in pixel art.

00 - Command CenterClaude PlaybookLesson 1.1 - Set up your canvasLesson 1.2 - Draw clean linesLesson 1.3 - Control curvesLesson 1.4 - Block a silhouetteLesson 1.5 - Pick a canvas sizeLesson 2.1 - Limit your paletteLesson 2.2 - Build a hue rampLesson 2.3 - Check value contrastLesson 2.4 - Save and load palettesLesson 2.5 - Recolor a spriteLesson 3.1 - Choose a light directionLesson 3.2 - Shade with rampsLesson 3.3 - Dither with restraintLesson 3.4 - Anti-alias by handLesson 3.5 - Compare outline stylesLesson 3.6 - Clean up stray pixelsLesson 4.1 - Design a readable characterLesson 4.2 - Make a tileable tileLesson 4.3 - Animate a 2-frame idleLesson 4.4 - Draw a walk cycleLesson 4.5 - Export a sprite sheetLesson 4.6 - Compose a mini sceneMOC - Map of ContentModule 1 - Pixel BasicsModule 2 - Color PalettesModule 3 - Shading TechniquesModule 4 - Sprites in GamesPalette Planning TemplateREADME - Start HereResourcesSprite Critique TemplateSprite Sheet Plan TemplateStart Here - WelcomeTemplates OverviewWeekly Practice Template

The real graph view of this vault: 37 notes, every line a link between them.

Obsidian vault (.zip)22 lessons4 templatesClaude prompt in every lessonCourse book: opens in any browser
$7

30-day money-back guarantee: if it isn't useful, email us within 30 days for a full refund.

What's inside

  • Module 1 - Pixel BasicsSet up your canvas; Draw clean lines; Control curves; Block a silhouette; Pick a canvas size
  • Module 2 - Color PalettesLimit your palette; Build a hue ramp; Check value contrast; Save and load palettes; Recolor a sprite
  • Module 3 - Shading TechniquesChoose a light direction; Shade with ramps; Dither with restraint; Anti-alias by hand; Compare outline styles; Clean up stray pixels
  • Module 4 - Sprites in GamesDesign a readable character; Make a tileable tile; Animate a 2-frame idle; Draw a walk cycle; Export a sprite sheet; Compose a mini scene

How it works

  1. Pay; the download link arrives on screen and by email.
  2. Unzip it and open the Course Book in any browser, or open the folder in Obsidian (free) as a vault.
  3. Start at the Command Center and tick off lessons.

This course teaches techniques through practice, but it cannot promise any particular skill level, sales, income or career outcome.