Learn Any Pixel Art Style like a Professional Artist - Tips & Tricks

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/goodgis07211
Here are my top tips for learning and improving any pixel art styles fast.
┈ Who is Goodgis? ┈
I’m a full time Graphic Designer, Game Dev, & KZbinr. I specialize in making cute, colorful games in Godot and telling my story through my videos. I also run my own little game studio called Firith. My dream is to hire my friends and make Firith a full-time job. I’m known for games such as The Keeyp, Wizbirds, Snomes, and Dewdrop Dynasty.
┈ Ways to Support ┈
💖 Patreon: / goodgis
┈ Join the Community ┈
💬 Discord: / discord
🦆 TWITTER: / gooodgis
┈ My Game Studio ┈
🍁 Website: firith.studio/
🕹️ Itch.io: firith.itch.io/
🐦 Twitter: / firithstudio
┈ Check Out The Other Awesome Videos ┈
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#pixelart #gamedev #indiedev​ #indiedev​ #goodgis​ #gamedev​ #indiegame

[@ISuperI]

"good artist borrow, great artist steal"

[@Goodgis]

Heck yeah!

[@BumpDev]

@@Goodgis no no no, we don't use that term here, the correct term is "borrowing permanently"

[@mimivrc4148]

@@BumpDev long-term loan

[@BumpDev]

@@mimivrc4148 an eternity-long one

[@mr.walters7864]

@@BumpDev everlasting borrowing 24/7

[@DevNugget]

I really liked the art you had with dewdrop dynasty.. so I followed the same steps you mentioned in this video back in the day.. and now, i mostly use a style some what like that! Great video and keep it up!

[@Goodgis]

That’s awesome!

[@Neutronized]

this video is gold, wish I had known these tips 10 years ago when I started. Thanks for the mention too x3

[@Goodgis]

I was playing Little Fin the other day, and just had to mention you! :D

[@maonggames45]

You made a really good game!

[@notadenx]

YO! its neutronized!

[@Gonnrrr]

@@Goodgis Hey that game has me !

[@yeahitsscott]

Super Cat Tales is a wonderful game! One of my favorite games to play on mobile. Very underrated. Your art style rocks and I study it for my own pixel art often!

[@babasheep2828]

This is funny, thats exactly how I got my style!

[@Goodgis]

That’s awesome!

[@nautilus8789]

Bro im literally about to go to sleep this is gonna be here when i wake up lets goo

[@Goodgis]

Perfect!

[@christinawall3678]

Same

[@Canale064]

So I'm not the only one who's watching this at night...

[@reubendaniel5691]

Thank you for all the videos, I found your channel yesterday but I’ve already learned so much!

[@Goodgis]

So glad to hear that! Best of luck to you! :D

[@thattwisteddream6048]

this is a amazing bit of advice. as i started learning the first thing i did was recreate pixel by pixel the art i enjoyed this helped me to understand how it was MADE. and then apply this to my work. but always start simple. i love these videos

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much! :D

[@yitebluebug3346]

Recently found this channel, and I've been wanting to get into game dev... and you've inspired me to install Core. Gonna be working on my first game, the second it's finished installing!

[@Goodgis]

Best of luck to you! :D

[@Kooziegaming]

Awesome tips in here! I'm just getting started on my pixel art journey. Time for me to focus on color theory.

[@sherlock_homie]

Me trying to steal the free skillshare link: *You need a credit card* >:(

[@Goodgis]

;(

[@JamesTDG]

*steals dad's credit card*

[@olek0]

(:

[@maxrdev703]

Yyyyyyes I can’t wait, this video looks so useful!

[@Goodgis]

:D

[@DudeTheMighty]

I've been trying to just blunder my way through learning to do pixel art, and this is something I needed to hear. I've always been more of a code guy than an artist, and I guess I hadn't considered that I need a different approach to learning this. 😅 This video really helped.

[@tauheedgamedev2388]

This video is very insightful, I normally just mash colors together but never thought about Saturation or temperature.

[@Goodgis]

Glad to hear it! :D

[@_sharkdev_]

Pretty cool! Glad to see an upload, seems like it’s been forever since the last one!

[@FirithStudio]

There's gonna be more frequent Goodgis uploads!

[@rjrudragaming8736]

@@FirithStudio yoooo

[@rjrudragaming8736]

@@FirithStudio can you suggest me some pixel art apps?

[@FirithStudio]

@@rjrudragaming8736 orama-interactive.itch.io/pixelorama ;)

[@Goodgis]

It honestly has been. Get ready though, we gotta a bunch of videos coming down the pipeline.

[@buddygamesdev]

Really well said and made vid as usual Goodgis! I did exactly this to start off, and I think I'm doing pretty decent. I know I keep saying it but it's soon time for me to return to gamedev

[@Goodgis]

You MUST....It's calling you. XD

[@maxrdev703]

Wow this video was amazing I can see this being super useful and improving my art :)

[@Goodgis]

Glad it was helpful! :D

[@JamesTDG]

Huh, this video is a good explanation as to how I can jump styles really fast. I draw a lot of my design from what I see from the Genesis/game gear titles. If you look at my PFP, you can see how I adapted concepts from different games.

[@Goodgis]

Thanks! :D

[@mambin0880]

I just started pixel art and started watching your videos and I could just listen to you talk your a very good communicator

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much! :D

[@jellyfishneo]

this is very helpful! i'm working on a minecraft mod, so i actually *am* trying to copy someone else's style so it looks right--but i hope to develop my own style for whatever i end up creating someday!

[@calmguitar8530]

Im a person who aspires being a game dev, and i really love the pixel art style on the MMO rpg your working on.

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much!

[@kingdratonix1926]

This is exactly what I needed for journey thx

[@Goodgis]

Glad to hear it! :D

[@IshdaFish827]

Thank you Mr. Gis

[@AmyTheMeower]

I didn't expect you to mention Neutronized haha, I was surprised when I saw it. Nice video btw, very helpful.

[@Goodgis]

You kidding me? I think he's one of the best game devs on KZbin. :D

[@atssen]

(Also your videos are great. Thanks for good quality videos)

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much! :D

[@TheDiamondCore]

I’ve spent a BUNCH of time learning pixel art and I’m only now getting consistent with my style after 9 months (which is kind of like Celeste but with my own spins on it to make it my own) so I don’t think this will come quick to a lot of people It was a bit hard to get consistent, but now I am, and I know it’ll be worth it in the long-run because my first commercial game will look so much better

[@mr.walters7864]

I like the dewdrop dynasty series I can't wait for the next devlog

[@Goodgis]

It definitely might be a little bit for the next devlog. ;(

[@AfroYT492]

Great tutorial and my favorite was good artists borrow great artists steal

[@personguyguy]

no but seriously dude how do you keep chugging these videos out of this high quality??/1//1/?!/1/?!?/1/11/1/1/1/1/1

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much! :D

[@maonggames45]

Thank you!

[@Goodgis]

You're welcome!

[@Wimpiethe3]

I'm a total beginner going for like a month and a half proper. I've been rebuilding some works of artists I like. Trying to analyse them beforehand but usually only understanding them half way through the rebuild. Haha Guess i'm on the right track then. Pixel art is great for this since every pixel can be placed perfectly to recreate the image 'pixel perfectly'.

[@Goodgis]

Best of luck to you! :D

[@dominicballinger6536]

I like the remix of roundabout in the intro, considering that I am a jono fan and it's a nice song!

[@Goodgis]

Thanks! haha

[@ninten_draws]

thank you youtube for recommending this to me while i was thinking about making pixel art in sonic mania style

[@Goodgis]

Glad I could help! :D

[@NotNomix]

A very interesting video

[@cake5627]

Hi I’m starting pixel art and I wouldn’t say I’m too good or too bad. The thing I want to know how to do most in colouring, because if u take the example of ur sprite from 6:20 the you can see it has lots of variants of green, same with other drawings, so I just wanna know how to use different variants of copies for shading and what ones to use to make it look good:)

[@jackwelch4750]

Those Anubis GB palettes are soooo nice

[@Goodgis]

:D Thanks!

[@potadosm]

thanks that was real helpful i like you

[@Goodgis]

I'm glad! :D

[@potadosm]

@@Goodgis :)

[@kendongamez3592]

Thanks

[@Goodgis]

You're welcome!

[@TylerGreen]

As someone who isn't the best artist, I really found this video very helpful!

[@Goodgis]

Glad to hear it! :D

[@zeroesssssw]

well made video

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much!

[@smorelove4017]

Can you make a tips and tricks video on pixel art shading? I struggle really hard trying to practice pixel art because of shading!

[@Goodgis]

Sure!

[@nohibbaiju2623]

Nice video! Btw, what pixel art tool do u use? I'm starting to make games but I don't know which pixel art tool to use.

[@Goodgis]

Personally I use Pyxel Edit.

[@NahiyanTaswarReehan]

I liked it :)

[@Goodgis]

Thanks!

[@davidrainder6620]

Nice videos uwu

[@Goodgis]

:D

[@Druid_Ignacy]

When training via copyart, would you rather put semitransparent original artwork on bottom layer and create on top of that, or only have it in separate window or monitor? Or maybe both ways are good, but the first (on bottom layer) is much easier, maybe good for start?

[@sealburger]

good video

[@teltowfamily2223]

Thank you! i am trying to code a game but i absolutly suck at art.

[@inqurity]

2:28 I remember that I hated stealing art (even tho some of it is free), so I just found some graphics, and readrawed it by myself, so all sprites in my game would have same style

[@Goodgis]

Yeah, that's rough haha

[@jaysol191]

Awesome

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much!

[@MalaikaESC]

The cat bros isa game i have on my tablet i'm using right now ❤😮

[@stebynebby6240]

I have been waiting 12 hours for the premier to start, but I couldn’t make it 😞 (Edit) Congrats on 40k!

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much! :D

[@13egeria]

8 months late but just wanna say, such a great video! :)

[@Goodgis]

Thanks so much! :D

[@justinr1094]

Hey, @Goodgis. Quick question for you. I know from this video and other videos that you want to trace the artists you want to be able to draw like to develop your own art style, but for me, I feel like my drawing foundations aren't quite at the point to where I can even think about forming my own art style or unique identity in my art yet. That leads to my question, for drawing basics and foundational stuff, do you have any recommendations for art programs, books, videos or whatever that I could follow? I hope the way I worded my question and my lack of experience was in a way that makes sense, haha. I really appreciate your videos, and how much you've been able to guide and advice me and others like me through them. You've been a bit of a role model for me, in terms of where I'd love to be in five years in my game development career. You're awesome. I hope to hear back from you soon!

[@Goodgis]

Hey Justin, that's a great question. This is where my degree in graphic design has helped me. I had to take a bunch of foundational art classes and life drawing. To be honest, I can't think of any courses specifically. What I would recommend is trying to learn about these topics. "Gestalt Theory, Lighting/Shading, Color Theory, and finally Human Body Proportions." If you look up these terms online you should be able to find a couple great videos which will help you get well on your way. It's always exciting for me when others get inspired! I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

[@justinr1094]

@@Goodgis Something that's hard about searching for something so broad as "what to follow to learn how to draw", or "foundational art tutorials", is that some of these topics you've mentioned haven't even come up once for me. That makes really difficult for someone who's ready to learn, but they don't know the specific search terms for what they don't know, because they don't know about it yet, you know? All that to say, pointing me in the right direction with search terms like this is an enormous help! Like, a huge help. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me and help me!

[@hunted_games]

sure love how nearly half the video is an ad

[@alexanderarana7021]

Dang i missed the premier by an hour lol

[@alexanderarana7021]

@@paypercutts lol

[@Goodgis]

;(

[@MocaHere]

alright wich one of you disliked the video before it even started?

[@Goodgis]

They love me. :p

[@quista5896]

@@Goodgis thyre probably jealous that you have a style and they dont lmao

[@gmdrandom6287]

They live in Australia

[@Javier-vi6db]

Cool

[@Goodgis]

Thanks!

[@freakymundo]

4:50 that's literally the hue slider xd wouldn't value be moving the white circle within the color picker up/down?

[@apo11ocat]

"dont steal, permanently borrow" -probably some smart guy

[@Goodgis]

I like that haha

[@apo11ocat]

@@Goodgis thanks :)

[@Xograch]

I have been at war with color for years, dang you color deficiency I will prevail!

[@Goodgis]

Yeah, that's rough. ;/

[@alenaoravcova3976]

came back at the rigth second :)

[@Goodgis]

Nice!

[@tov5575]

what software do you use for pixel art

[@itsME-dc4vm]

nice ;D

[@Goodgis]

Thanks!

[@moadot720]

Excuse me, is that first song aN ALTERNATE VERSION OF YES - ROUNDABOUT?!?! Artist name? And if it's NOT Roundabout, then song name, too?

[@aaaaanas9818]

yo! whats the font you use in your thumbnails? i really want to know!

[@Goodgis]

Rubik!

[@MineSlimeTV]

Welp I suddenly found this Channel and already seems charmingly special for what it attempts and does so thank you in advance friend!

[@Goodgis]

Welcome aboard! :D

[@maipuwu9506]

Goodgis , What Video Editing Software Do You Use ?

[@Goodgis]

Adobe Premiere but also Kden live sometimes. :D

[@P_ckneck]

Oh yeah more pixel art tips

[@Goodgis]

;)

[@P_ckneck]

oh no i missed it cause i was sleeping

[@DinoDevOfficial]

This is so accurate lol.

[@Goodgis]

XD

[@harounjaafar6918]

can i use gimp for make pixel art as yours?

[@josegalvis171]

I speak spanish, I discover this channel today and SkrillShare looks so good, but my english isn´t good

[@whyDude123]

Just watch english movies or watch your regional movies with english subtitle it will help a lot.

[@Goodgis]

Well, thanks for being here! :D

[@kipz]

proceeds to use hue slider during explanation for value

[@xVovex]

Goodgis: *steal good.*

[@Goodgis]

;)

[@slackagent1904]

Others: learn pixel art because they love to Meanwhile me: uses it for my own pfp

[@pnr2736]

✌✌

[@Goodgis]

:D

[@cole715]

What program do you recommend for pixle art?

[@Goodgis]

Pyxel Edit

[@_MINILife]

every video on your channel is 5-7 minutes of content and the rest being the sponsor. :P

[@Goodgis]

Stay tune for tomorrow then. ;)

[@Lauralink100]

I have my own art style but not pixel so how do I take them to a pixel art style?

[@Goodgis]

It just takes time and practice. :D

[@gabrielmedeiros9880]

What exactly do i have to google to understand those color principles?

[@Goodgis]

Color Theory :D

[@gabrielmedeiros9880]

@@Goodgis Thank you so much!!!

[@DonisCL4504]

i use preset color palettes so i don't have to worry about hue shifting and stuff like that

[@Goodgis]

That's smart! :D

[@hundredchaos7831]

Yah

[@Goodgis]

Yahhh!

[@saadahmad5077]

my question is what software do you use for pixel art

[@cringyfox1832]

He uses Pyxel Edit

[@Goodgis]

Pyxel Edit, I did a whole video on it.

[@Blinaka]

0:16 I loved these little characters in one shade of color What's the video?

[@Goodgis]

I just did it on a livestream one night.

[@BumpDev]

***gasps***

[@Goodgis]

:D

[@vanviethieuanh2237]

6:04 I want that meme

[@Goodgis]

I know, isn't it great? haha

[@vanviethieuanh2237]

I'm have been in the same situation when I give my code to a guy and hope he can be interested in coding (I'm kind da love when I make inspired to people). And then he posts it on Facebook and says that "It's quite interested to create this stuff" =))) oh no :v

[@atssen]

So how do I get pixel vision ability by copying?

[@Goodgis]

Yes, if you'll subconsciously pick up new styles by doing it. Just make sure NOT to post it.

[@romi9377]

recommendations for good pixel art apps on mobile? i dont have a pc unfortunately

[@Goodgis]

The only thing I've used it Sprite Pencil.

[@wohao_gaster7434]

5:33 I thought this video's sponsor was skillshare, not coolblue

[@Goodgis]

XD

[@paperbag3897]

What You Need To program :=1Remember hat This Code Means What It Do And How To Spell and How it works

[@Goodgis]

XD

[@sonorousgaming7202]

3:14 What game is it?

[@user-id3fc8qs7y]

2:42 Wow, Lucas! But this won't bring Claus back, so...

[@Goodgis]

;)

[@strandedgeek]

I admit I really struggle with imposter syndrome because I can't help but look at some of stuff and just see the sprites of others that I used as references. It's hard not put the 2 side by side and have my inner critic tell me I just copied it and made a slightly worse version of it. I know, I should give myself a little credit and not let it get to me but ehh... easier said then done.

[@Goodgis]

I get where you're coming from but if you keep working, you style will naturally immerge.

[@dr_noob]

Hey StrandedGeek - We are looking for someone to join next month the Brackeys Gamejam. We are more or less beginners. Would you like to join as an artist?

[@n8dev]

yoooo

[@Goodgis]

Yooooooooo

[@joshuatinyforest1204]

Question: For color choices in artwork, would the effects of colors on the brain be something more advanced to consider?

[@joshuatinyforest1204]

Edit: For instance, the color red; The red light wave is one of the most visible colors, & hence it's usage. Red is used in stop signs & lights, & fire hydrants & trucks, _because_ it can grab people's attention.

[@Goodgis]

Definitely. Especially for locations in your game.

[@joshuatinyforest1204]

@@Goodgis Okay, thank you! For this reply to me, to others, & what the entire Goodgis Team does. May God bless you all!

[@erudoritchi2872]

I wonder why I feel something is missing. it turns out that Goodgis hasn't uploaded a new video in a month

[@Goodgis]

XD

[@onesnake8517]

Premiere gang

[@Goodgis]

:D

[@maxifire32]

Pixel art is as hard as normal art, you need to think about many factors when making pixel art

[@Goodgis]

true!

[@megamentagross9701]

I just looked at yu-gi-oh pokeduel and wanted to make art for it

[@Goodgis]

Nice!

[@swgman]

It's kinda crazy that 4 minutes of this video is just yapping

[@lonelyfloat2582]

googis

[@Goodgis]

XD

[@1W4ntTocH4ng3]

How can i make people say that its my art by just looking at it

[@Goodgis]

Finding your style just takes time. Roughly 2 years if you're practicing all the time.