Same Sprite Remade Every Year | 2022 Edition!

It's time for my yearly tradition of making a new Jedi Luke Skywalker sprite! This year I've got an idea for something that should stand out quite a bit among the growing set of sprites!
----
0:00 Intro
0:32 Sprite Build and Style
1:36 Simple Walk Cycle
2:26 Color Restrictions
4:05 Animation
5:26 Thoughts on low-resolution pixel art
6:49 FINAL ARTWORK
7:19 Full Lineup
7:51 VID OVER
----
Check out my art here:
/ brandonjamesgreer
/ bjgpixel
INPRNT Shop: www.inprnt.com/gallery/bjgpixel/
Redbubble Shop: rdbl.co/bjgpixel
----
Software used: Adobe Photoshop 2022
Need help picking a pixel art program? Watch this: • What Program to use fo...
----
Title sequence theme music by Failpositive:
www.failpositive.bandcamp.com/
/ failpositive

[@StupidEdits]

How are we already on the new Luke 😭

[@AnimaKon]

I have the same question

[@BUBBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]

Time flys

[@Josuh]

fr fr i still remember the 2020 one like it was yesterday 😭😭

[@gustavocesargodoi]

YEAH the year passed so fast!!!

[@jimisv5215]

dude i knowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[@Kiwi-fl8te]

More and more I've been arriving to this term of "tightness" when describing pixel art I like. A sprite or piece feels tight when the space feels properly utilized. When each pixel has been placed with intent to define shape. I think that's also why I like lower resolutions. It forces you to be greedy and careful with your use of each pixel, and that can only be beneficial, even when working at a larger scale. My worst works are probably those where I try to make a piece as big as possible and end up with a lot of empty, misused space, with an inappropriate level of detail.

[@MetroidJr1220]

100% agree. Not many appreciate low-resolution sprites, maybe because they're small and don't have a lot of "details", but i enjoy the challenge of making a sprite as tiny as possible and still be readable.

[@BJGpixel]

Thats a great way to put it; I completely agree! Always neat to see clever placements that can make-or-break the readability :D

[@gatex33d74]

this is why i dont really like big pixelated art, its just not the same as pixel art

[@tbhandrew5857]

This. It's exactly why I find higher res pixel art to usually be worse than lower res. It's why zelda cdi looks like garbage.

[@Yuti640]

That’s why it feels so impressive to see sprites that use a lot of space but still have that amazing intricate detail Like that one Jojo game, random example but those sprites are great despite being pretty bigv

[@CKTDanny]

I love the hooded face reveal animation, the little bounce is a great touch!! 🤩 I agree with what you said about how it's easy to feel pressured to outdo yourself. When I come to think of it, some of my proudest works are the little things that come up spontaneously and were just fun to work on. These opportunities are definitely harder to come by with a mindset like that. At the end of the day, the artist's journey can be as profound as the resulting piece itself 😁✨

[@BJGpixel]

Thanks dude! ☺️ And yeah you're absolutely right; it's sometimes way more impactful to just go with something in the moment than to manufacture too much effort. For the Skywalker sprites, I used to enjoy seeing the objective progress (and that's naturally an important part of investing and improving in a hobby), but these days I'm excited to just see a growing collection of different types of sprite work ☺️✨

[@puffcap_]

youre so right about low res work. Its both a good place to start but also still a good place to show your mastery. Its such a fascinating puzzle to work with things as small as, for example, gameboy color sprites

[@1BitStudio]

Low resolution pixel art sprites will always hold a special place in my heart. It's wonderful to see this journey from simple sprites with flat shading, to increasing resolution and style exploration, then going back to the roots of small resolution where each pixel's significant is higher. Awesome work, Brandon! :)

[@Ryan_Thompson]

Always nice to see your artistry evolve.

[@midshipman8654]

I totally get what you mean by pixel art feeling like a puzzle and the satisfaction of making just a few pixel changes to imply something different. it really does feel like a riddle you are teasing out. its kind of cathartic to find the near minimum of “meaning”. or chizzling out a statue that already in the marble.

[@PowerOf47]

I love how without fail the newest installment of this series has made its way to my recommended every year since 2019.

[@maxrdev703]

Gosh this year went by fast. This years Luke has to be my favourite yet.

[@mikebillau8305]

haha please dont loose your mind brandon! this was a treat, as always. have a good Christmas and New Years man! Thanks for all the great content this year!

[@dansanga]

Your videos are always a joy to watch. Thank you for keeping them up. Your work is highly appreciated.

[@hyperfreezegames]

I always found it fascinating how skilled artists like you can work in such small canvases and still get so many details in!

[@ZedEdge]

I love how the final reveal always has some surprising new additions. 🤓

[@JayFolipurba]

That's just so great! I love the minimalistic approach, in a way it requires a different type of (I don't want to say more) talent to convey as much complexity as possible in as few pixels as possible. And a gameboy style RPG with these sprites would be amazing

[@SansDiamond]

i completely forgot about this, thank goodness this was in my recommended page i remember watching the 2021 version, also you are improving really fast, great job

[@yourMoonstone]

These are incredible!! I find this angle the most appealing about pixel art too. Love seeing you explore the boundaries of these limitations!!

[@DarkChaosMC]

Man, you’re really good, crazy to see the huge jumps

[@Badolo]

Couldn't help but think how it'd look using the skin tone for Luke's blonde hair too, so I took a screenshot and made it xD Top-notch work!! ♥

[@Gr8GooseYouTube]

This is a good idea because it shows your progress through the years and shows all the styles you have tried.

[@bustedbricks]

I feel like I've tuned in for the majority of these each year they are released. Like others, it is always a surprise when it is already time for the next Luke sprite, but a welcome one. Watching your progress and how you explain your process is always so fun

[@trooper6627]

Love the animations!

[@Axecon1]

This is such a cool project to check in on every year!

[@zetazimmer4769]

Its very cool seeing your style emerge and see you going back to a GBC aesthetic to express that style.

[@macha-leaf]

I'm new here, just watched 2021 Luke and I'm so hyped. Awesome content Brandon! Love your style, in both art and presentation

[@macha-leaf]

I love how the evolution of your style has come back around to embracing the limitations of the medium after you developed your general artistic abilities over time through pixel art. The shift more detail, better artistic and animation principals to come back to the original hardware limitations, and applying all that, is what gives the feel of true to life/ period authentic pixel art. Outside the hours of study and the fact the sprites would legitimately render on a gameboy, it encapsulates the soul of the medium.

[@motomario4603]

As someone who loves rpg character sprites, i learned a lot with this and it came pretty neatly, cheers!

[@jimisv5215]

Wow time went by so fast since the last time. I am now using each years Luke to count how fast each year ends haha. Can't believe 2022 is almost over. Damn. Keep doing this bro you are awesome

[@JohnMazz]

I love watching these (and the Vader series) every year, please never stop doing these, for your sake and ours!

[@chickkensalad]

Look forward to these each time!

[@Fullsonicsped12]

This channel is the reason why I got into pixel art so thank you Brandon

[@slvrcross]

Good job! This year's sprite is so cute

[@CrunchToom]

Been waiting so long for this

[@Dragon_Fox]

I am exited to see how will it look this year :3

[@bonxd]

I am very new to this style. Thanks for this.

[@reneschumacher9989]

You are so talented. Realy nice

[@DadVader]

That's Cool. It's so good to see you back. I was worried about that 4 weeks break. I hope that other commitments are that you are working on full game we are going to play soon 🤘😁🤘😉

[@BJGpixel]

Thanks dude! Haha yeah just getting a bit busy with some other work, but it's a good problem to have (...aside from not finding time to make videos as often!) 😄

[@DadVader]

@@BJGpixel 😁 Totally understand. I've recently having problems with time to made videos and with creativity in general. Maybe it's that time of the year 😉

[@BJGpixel]

@@DadVader Haha yeah productivity can slide toward the holidays - we'll always have the New Year to get it back on track again 😆

[@DadVader]

@@BJGpixel Haha that's true

[@ElliottGeorgeEdwards]

These are incredible

[@milesparker557]

Omg I can't believe it's already that time of year again. The first one I caught was the 2020 Luke and it feels like it was just yesterday!

[@jpconley5618]

Gosh I love your channel.

[@thomrade]

Nexts years sprite should be limited to two colors on a 8x8 at this rate! Amazing work Brandon, I love your videos and it's a real joy to see the passion and creativity that goes into each one of your pieces! Each Luke is a testament to the dedication practice and skill you've honed over the last 8 years!

[@Draidzeven]

He's rapidly heading towards C64 art. Can't wait to see what happens when he gets there!

[@deluxeedition4639]

I love this!!!

[@Demasx]

Nice yearly tradition!

[@warpwingminis]

My favourite Luke sprite yet!

[@fua6405]

finally 2022 looks great

[@digitalunity]

"The limitation is that these sprites can only have 4 colors, one of which is taken up by transparency" THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN MISSING!!! That makes it so much clearer why my sprites don't look right

[@jeremygreen2883]

I love it!

[@retro3188]

Awesome!

[@shortboypinoy]

I hadn't seem your previous redraws butbI immediately recognized 2020 as the NPGC style

[@sonikkuruzu]

The teeny R2 is adorable!

[@gatex33d74]

man finally became skilled he finally tried following the limits and actually explained colot limit per sprite well huge W

[@AronFigaro]

I used to do this when I was painting, I think I might reprise it when I find something to stick with like that.

[@cubeco]

i’ve been keeping up with this “series” for a few years 😅, can’t believe it’s a been a few years

[@wheeeaty]

so sick

[@longdongsilver3267]

Nothing really to say, but I enjoyed this video. Thanks for making and sharing it.

[@Grant740]

2021 is definitely my favorite 2022 is a close second though, I like how it looks like gameboy Pokémon

[@nuclear-meltdown]

I'd love to see an animation of single pixel characters :P Great work!

[@waitferitlynch8613]

Amazing work, some skill

[@SquirrelKami]

This is the most consistent annual tradition in my life

[@Illuminat-ve5ue]

was there for the last video, now i am back again

[@CT-1118]

I'm early this time! Love your stuff!

[@ModelZGolden]

i love your pixelart

[@MrDitano]

I love the 2020 Luke he is really sick :D

[@Thor-Orion]

I would love to see you involved in a Obi Wan and Anakin fan game based on their adventures in the clone wars in the style of Zelda, that would be so cool!

[@DragoonDyte]

Love how the name of the window is “Becoming_More_Powerful_Than_You_Can_Possibly_Imagine.gif”

[@fileasphogg8320]

You are truly improving... but you don't seem ready to accept the truth: single pixel characters are indeed the ultimate state of this art... Don't worry though, take your time and keep on the great work!

[@thatsagoodone8283]

I really like your videos. I do like the amount of knowledge, like waht the restrictions of a system are, in your videos. However: I would really like a series of "how to draw Gameboy characters" and also for other systems. And building on those, picking like several games, like Zelda, PokéMon, Metroid, etc. Would be really interesting for those of us that fiddle in game development and want to make an homage of the good old times. :)

[@tanagerbirds]

he used to do sprite analysis videos, and i'd LOVE to see more in that series - it seems like exactly what you're mentioning, how pixel art is constructed in various iconic styles

[@necronsplayer]

happy pixel luke day for those that celebrate

[@willowgamesnstuff]

You could totally make a game with these

[@uelssom]

awesome

[@g.eguibar4258]

Glad to see someone who doesn't misunderstand good technique with realism: once you feel comfortable with your style, you try something new. Art must be evolution, not conformism!

[@Sporquill]

How tf have I been subbed for over a year

[@BunnyTPerson]

That's always inspiring

[@joescomics7652]

Hey Brandon, could you make a tutorial on how to make Atari 2600 style pixel art? That includes sprites, And environment, And objects you interact with? Hope that's not too many requests. Keep up the good work!!!

[@linklink3069]

Damn, I remember watching last year's.

[@ToniaGlitched]

it's funny how even tho this Luke looks more detailed than the two first ones, it's actually on a smaller scale

[@XenoPlaysFortnite]

Take care and keep it square I like it

[@kevinmeville2631]

Looking forward to next years 10 minute exploration of how to draw Like with 1 pixel!

[@aaleksiy]

nice!

[@maddit_line]

Hey I think it would be cool to see a Halo pixel art, with like the energy sword.

[@sargentgullible2794]

Luke really just did say "GO BACK I WANNA BE SMOL"

[@vonVile]

If you're looking for style suggestions do the SNK games The King Of Fighters or Metal Slug. KOF from 1994 to 2002 annually used the same sprites with only minor cosmetic updates. Athena is the only character in the series to get a new outfit for each release. You could use K' (pronounced K Dash) as a Luke template for outfit and colors. Metal Slug has a more cartoonish style, but is more detailed than KOF on animation. I say this side scrolling shooter is the best animated game series.

[@Indykathoris]

like the style of the sprite, want to make one myself, if I knew how...

[@mr.meltdown25]

2021 still the best 😅

[@mr.pianoace8143]

Can't believe its already been a year!

[@BUBBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]

Reminds me of the nano park city artwork

[@BluShiGuy]

Ooh yea

[@blazerchocobo]

Why did that part about doing huge scenarios at minuscule resolution sound more like a plea for help than a joke? 😭

[@sourPatchkidHaley]

Hey I love your tutorials for getting started with pixel art but something I am still struggling with is, how to save and export pixel art from clipstudio paint. Scouring the internet I cant seem to find anything easy to follow or understand. If possible do you think you'd be able to make an idiot proof guide on how to save, export, change resolution for pixel art for social media. I find that when I save a work as a png the colors get muted and the pixels end up looking not so crisp and blurry. I'm really struggling here, and if you have any tips or advice Id love to see it in a video form. Thanks for considering Brandon! -Best, H

[@merpgw2603]

You are awesome

[@thatguystar817]

nice

[@ixnoah]

yeeeesss

[@manfredicadelo9604]

omfg are we at the new Luke already?

[@genericuser984]

cool

[@Amieee]

I can’t believe it’s already been a year

[@Jessnorlax]

Take care and keEP IT SQUARE 💀

[@elicenyne]

I’m literally constantly doing this with art of my main character lmao

[@backtodeclan]

are there any art books about pixel art that you like?

[@n8king638]

Have you ever thought about using a game engine such as RPG maker to implement your pixel art?

[@gold571]

“Hello there!” G e n e r a l K e n o b i

[@kaiserfranzjoseph9311]

2019 is still the best one in my opinion

[@Lpwyse]

What is the music during the finale of the final sprite reveal?