My Character Sprite Workflow (and Pose Study Timelapse!)

[@PixelOverloadChannel]

Not to flex or anything, but I can make a pretty sweet 1 by 1 pixel drawing every time I take a photo with my phone.

[@socialistrepublicofvietnam1500]

Honestly, my 1×1 pixel drawings are much better than your 1×1 pixel drawings.

[@zentoa]

​@@socialistrepublicofvietnam1500 you've obviously not seen my 1x1 pixel drawings

[@cheatcode436]

“Avengers Endgame was the biggest crossover in histo-“

[@thefools4047]

ha same

[@KG-rr4so]

No one can beat the ball from pong

[@psychic_digit]

This is not only good for pixel art, but I also think it’s pretty good for pencil and paper art too. Thank you!

[@blakealanfoster]

For real. The two tone value distillation is a big step in learning how to digital paint for sure. Gotta be able to make it read with just the bare minimum before you can go on to refine it.

[@andrewsprojectsinnovations6352]

13:51 This describes my own experience perfectly. I couldn't draw human figures beyond the "outlined stick figure" level if my life depended on it, but one day I decide to design some assets for a game styled within the graphical limits of the classic Super Nintendo. The character spritework was surprisingly natural given my aforementioned drawing ability. Sure it was still challenging and I have plenty of room to improve, but it wasn't the same futile struggle as more standard drawing. I'm still trying to decide whether that's just how my brain works or a result of pixel art's "easy to learn, hard to master" nature? I found your videos while specifically seeking out advice regarding pixel art and sprite design, and I can't deny their quality. Your advice transcends stylistic differences and has greatly improved my pixel art in the mere days since I discovered your channel. Keep up the incredible work!

[@Selrisitai]

I think it's because a lot of sprite-work is implication, so as long as you get "kind of close," the vagueness does the rest of the work for you. That said, it probably is still a solid way to build up your fundamentals or, if nothing else, encourage yourself to improve by actually _enjoying_ art instead of being frustrated by it.

[@mohammadislam2516]

This channel is criminally underrated! We need to show more support to brandon

[@chill9546]

Criminal????

[@El_tortugoDEV]

He got 294K people supporting him

[@El_tortugoDEV]

I'm a pixel artist too and i have only 100 subs and only 1 watches my videos

[@OR3tr0]

"If you're beginning, start with something small" Me, trying a 256x256 for like my third drawing: what?

[@amna3682]

I can relate...

[@nelsonmatias349]

i know Im asking randomly but does someone know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me

[@milomaxim9038]

@Nelson Matias instablaster ;)

[@realchezboi]

@@nelsonmatias349 Uh press Forgot Password and reset it through the link sent to your email

[@mistery8363]

I heard it's better to start with bigger sprites but 256x256 seems like a bit much, unless you're going for something with background and all

[@kosnk]

"Wait, how do legs work again?" 9:50 :D Love your videos: funny, humble and very useful!

[@issimc158]

after binging your entire catalogue of videos in under a few days it feels like I've waited aaaaages for your next upload. This did not disappoint in the slightest, thank you so much dude

[@fruitspunch]

Did you study something art related? You seem to be very knowledgeable about anatomy, shapes, color composition, and so I really enjoy your videos, but I have to say that I really applaud the way you convey your message. Exceptional content Keep it up! :)

[@mangoidk3248]

Of course he does

[@frutfly]

@@mangoidk3248 not necessarily man

[@nursegilbey]

@@frutfly more than likely, unless he uses an art mannequin. It takes practice to even make believable poses.

[@frutfly]

@@nursegilbey im saying he could very well be self taught too. theres a million and one resources nowadays for artists. you dont need to go to college to be a professional!

[@Thor-Orion]

@@frutfly yeah, I’m pretty good and I never went to school for it.

[@noiJadisCailleach]

I love the way you work. It's solidly systematic and orderly. Whether it's pixelart, scripting or video editing. I'm guessing you're the type of guy who isn't satisfied and/or happy without giving his everything in anything you do. XD I'm pretty sure you're someone everyone loves working with. Compared to everyone else, in my book, your vids are like the gold standard for entertaining + informative rn.

[@liamduguid]

I think with the kick pose it looks like a static pose that he could hold his leg there and balance, but then it has the smear that says it's a dynamic pose and his leg is still moving. I think it would help to commit to the dynamic part and make him half way through the motion in a way that wouldn't be balanced if he was standing still. That's my beginner criticism, idk what I'm doing I could be way wrong. These videos are great btw, learning so much. Your advice of putting hands and feet in place before elbows end knees has helped me a ton with getting poses right.

[@mikeyjnz]

Only pose I wasn't completely sold on as well - probably would be improved with the standing leg to be slightly bent still, and/or with the heel turned inwards like a martial artist would to indicate the transfer of weight/motion through the hips

[@aaronbarrantes1089]

I can’t express how thankful I’m with your content, it have helped me a lot to grow in this pixel art journey that I love

[@atichii]

this is definitely the best character design tutorial ive seen so far. its so detail and you explain everything from the beginning to the end. im so gonna practice this and see how well this works for me.

[@underlock8038]

I thought no one was interested in pixel art until i found your channel i am so glad that there is a community and in that community there is a great artist like you. Keep up the great work!

[@Moonlitfr]

+1 and i'll say it once again, I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!!!! this is exactly what I needed a breakdown of sprite workflow from the perspective of someone who's been doing it way longer than I have. This video is incredible resourceful and I'm beyond psyched to see your next pixel art videos. I can see my sprites, coloring, workflow, and more improving all thanks to you! PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING

[@rogeriosilva8666]

Hey man you truly are an inspiration. You nailed that sitting position!!! Hope your channel gets bigger :)

[@anfi8673]

i've been waiting this video for a lot, keep up eith your content.

[@panskii3632]

His vids are so good!!! Keep up the good work

[@lady_kuribo]

I learned pixel art in one week thanks to your videos

[@israelosilva]

I want to be good in one week too. I have just watched the first videos, I will be back in a week's time and tell you how it has been my experience.

[@myfuelisramen2890]

Its been 4 weeks I still suck

[@myfuelisramen2890]

@@israelosilva So how was it?

[@sleepnaught]

You learned all there is to know of pixel art in one week?...

[@ilovecake-zx1fb]

@@israelosilva It's been 3 months, I expect you to be a pixel art master. how'd it go?

[@macabrerapkz]

I wish you to grow exponentially, this is highly educational and soothing at the same time! Plus the fact that you use only standard mac trackpad is awesome!

[@djlclopez128]

This video is wonderfully helpful for someone who is just starting to learn! Your videos offer a wealth of information!

[@dropit7694]

I can see how much more difficult this gets the further up the pixel count goes! Keeping it simple is definitely the way to go when you're both the programmer and artist.

[@Pingoinnn]

Just found this channel and OH MY PIXEL !!!!! THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE G O L D M I N E !!!! Seriously man, your content is awersome ! Keep going !

[@Thor-Orion]

Just found him two years later and his videos are still applicable and super useful!

[@bryanpritchard4709]

This is great, thanks for sharing. I know there's a lot of 'pixel art' out there but its great to see people sharing their workflows and helping people get into the process!

[@ClaramayNivetta]

This helps a lot, thanks for the sketching tips!

[@Gidaio]

Very nice. I enjoy how this video is sort of an example of a lot of the concepts you've discussed in previous videos. Well done!

[@gracelandtoo6240]

Jace's Ramen pose reminded me so much of Sokka, especially with those eyes! Incredible how a few pixels in the right shape can convey so much emotion.

[@kotik5762]

Woah, talk about a convenient video recommendation. In the process of developing an indie game and I know nothing about pixel art, glad to see this here!

[@dynameer3337]

I used to complain about how I can never make good pixel art with a mouse. But when you showed in this video that even with a trackpad you can still make a pixel masterpiece, it really motivated me to keep on practicing. Thank you!

[@elmonodesusy]

How come I’ve never seen your channel / insta before?! Dude you’re amazing! Terrific work, I just binge-watched your entire channel!

[@techstacker5361]

Great tutorial, Brandon! I started learning pixel art less than a month ago, but I still found it pretty easy to follow your video and I extracted a ton of knowledge from it. Very inspiring!

[@augustusbrown1061]

Thanks for the tips and congrats on 30k subscribers!

[@BJGpixel]

Thanks augustus, always appreciate your support! :D

[@danielmattos2813]

My boy, your a genius in my eyes. I really treasure the ability to bear witness to your creative process, keep up the great work

[@madpanger7257]

i struggled so much giving my characters different poses, especially because i want to make a sprite sheet from scratch, so this helped ALOT thank you so much

[@player6769]

your methodicalness really makes me feel like i could do art. thanks for being inspiring!

[@punkysuen]

Thanks for pointing out the concept of outline in pixel art. Now I know why I like the art style of Metal Slug so much.

[@dannymoore6635]

just wanna say, this channel is a literal goldmine

[@espacemaxim]

You're a fantastic artist, really like your stuff! Great channel!!!

[@michaeldunleavy3868]

Love your videos. I recently started pixel art and honestly never realised how intricate it could be. I used to think it was kinda lazy, boy was I wrong 😃 your videos are really helpful

[@braydenb1581]

I dont even know if I'll ever have use for any pixel art videos but yours showed up randomly on my feed, so i clicked out of curiosity. I subbed because you spell colour correctly. Keep up the good work

[@rogeriocruz658]

Just wow. This is probably the best tutorial I've seen on Pixel Art. Thanks for that

[@juanbarbalace164]

THANK YOU! Im having trouble with sprites this really comes in handy!

[@Sylphritz]

I am so glad I found you! I've just gotten into pixel art drawing recently and you videos have helped me a lot!

[@Godigentil97]

Using the mouse pad is such a huge flex. You never cease to amaze me! Amazing video, as always, tiny square master ;)

[@LRatio69]

the way you explain the vid is so unique

[@no_hay_valentim]

Your channel is awesome! You have great techniques and you share them in a very clear and instructive way. You can't imagine how helpful your videos are!

[@pixelperfect8219]

This channel is an absolut gem for anything pixel art related! 💎

[@Chironyx]

Just discovered your channel while starting work on a new game project and researching, you're absolutely brilliant! I consider myself a rather based pixel-artist (1,000+ registered hours of pixel work + learned how to actually draw) so I'm familiar with some of the methods in your work flow, But seeing the slight variations and extra techniques you use is extremely helpful, I'm so glad whenever I find a proper pixel artist creating such quality content, and uploading so frequently too, this is extremely rare, thank you so much for creating educational content!~♪

[@israelosilva]

You make those pixels look so cool that it becomes an art form

[@poucobit]

Thannk yooou , i started learning about pixel art recently and this tutorial helped me a lot cause i want to draw not only landscapes in pixel art but people too, manny hugs from brazil! thank you

[@ZackFairSOLDIER1stCl]

I LOVE your Cowboy Bebop sprites! Also, these process/sketching tips are super useful coming from someone who has a background in more typical pencil and paper methods. What a nice overview.

[@dhruvachayapathy3644]

sdjfhkdsjhfsda

[@br0kerr]

this is actually insanely useful, even for beginners like myself considering how i find it kinda hard to create a full body sprite and not just a headshot.

[@londalecarter3482]

My guy.....anyone that teaches sprite character creation is a demi god.

[@TheYawner]

honestly really needed this video, been needing some help with trying to make a character and this helps alot! thanks :)

[@SeviiDevii]

I've been doing lot of mistakes when I trying to create pixel character, so I guess I need to start from smaller character to practice and master it before going to more big projects, Btw your videos helps me to understand more and learn more technique so I'm thankful to you 😃

[@Vorundor]

Great video! I like that you showed more of the process, speed drawing videos are always to watch. More so with commentary sprinkled in.

[@anythingandevery1249]

The Spike sprite at the beginning was super helpful thanks

[@nateg7502]

I'm just now getting into art and digital art. I really like this Sprite size! Great jumping off point. I like your designs

[@boazbrandao7063]

You are a HERO, my friend! Thank you for all the videos!

[@ShoHidari]

Alright, so I just completed every video and holy moly you are amazing at this stuff! Keep up the amazing content!

[@greysonclark322]

i think the circle for the hands and work backwards will really help me, thank you kind sir

[@lucasvmz]

You are my favorite pixel artist! I love so much your design and stile!

[@braedonwatkins967]

Brandon: I'm just going to jump ahead to the finalized kick sprite Me: WOAH NO WAY

[@YesSainpai]

This tutorial helped me TREMENDOUSLY; I wish I could show you a before and after!

[@WaylonFlinn]

Thank you. I feel like I'm getting a top notch education in pixel art.

[@obenohnebohne]

The simple stickfigures with crosses are very helpful. I will try them in my next pixel art.

[@allluckyseven]

Cool process! If I may offer a suggestion for your workflow, you may benefit from adding a shortcut key to flip a selection horizontally instead of hitting transform, then flipping it by hand. You'd just make a selection it, if the drawing is not in its own layer, then hit a function key, and be done with it. It's also useful if you want to flip back and forth to check for something in the drawing (proportions, the pose itself, etc.)

[@Choquetel]

My heart is filled with determination

[@tiger_vii]

Ok I've done pixel art for a while now.... Not sure why I never thought to make my own colour pallet gradient 🤦. This step sped up my process so much!

[@pmmbb3344]

Nice tutorial, the skeleton especially is something I'm gonna try ;)

[@andres154525452]

Made my first sprite today, based on Fire Emblem Secreat Stones character! It was awesome, came out really nice for the "first"! Thanks for all the videos

[@TommyWaaves]

Thank you so much legit learnt so much from this :D aiming to make an animated music video in pixel art so this has been a huge help with the character design.

[@adhochero6619]

i love your outro sounds

[@neuecoldworld7255]

I feel I should have paid for this content. This is way too good. Thank you for sharing your process, Brandon.

[@Lynrowen]

Been messing around with Piskel to get a feeling for the medium, but i gotta say. Pixel art is super addicting to create. Thank you for the tips.

[@johncormier]

This is the video I've been needing. Thank you!!

[@Bumblebreeze]

Great work as always! Simple, fun, and so helpful

[@kittycatgirluwu]

I love watching your tutorial videos, maybe I'll make some pixel art some day.

[@ofuturopolimata6961]

I spent the whole afternoon to copy the heads graphic which appears between 2:16 - 2:32. It will really be useful. Thank you!

[@CuriousScribbles]

One of the most amazing videos I’ve seen. Wow. Thank you.

[@kotrena]

This is the most useful tutorial I've seen! Thank you

[@bulmenisaurus8524]

The amazing like to dislike ratio tells you how helpful and great this channel is!

[@KenjuStorm]

thanks alot. I've been having a hard time trying to structure sprites.

[@tracies19]

I'm loving the vids and they are helping a lot with using this medium. My only criticism is you would only see the heel of his left foot when he is kicking like that. You twist on the ball of your foot when throwing a roundhouse kick for maximum power.

[@auldcrow1461]

Great vid mate! Especially the character pose study at the end. subbed

[@ivanatanassov6542]

Sounds like a solid methodology. Thanks for sharing!

[@lifenote1943]

So cool, finally a good resource for pixel art, I'll watch your other videos. Really good friendly vibes too man.

[@ech0_exe243]

Luv your vids soooo much! This is helping me get better at pixel art

[@santiagojuarez1289]

best videos I have ever seen, pretty good quality, keep up the great work bro 💪

[@adamchalasify]

Very cool to see it. I’ll probably use this method now, thanks.

[@vogelfanger5496]

Once again I would like to say that your videos are a pleasure to watch. Great content!

[@DolphinTillTheEnd]

YOU ARE USING YOUR TRACKPAD? you really are as good of an artist as you are a good teacher

[@kumoblade]

I have to say, I think i like this workflow. Very nicely done!

[@VictorVillalta22]

you are a great teacher , your video is awesome.

[@VoidariumComic]

Pipeline suggestion for you. Record flip layer horizontal and assign an unused F key in the actions window. I feel like flipping with free transform would give you some undesired stretching or at the very least just slow down your workflow.

[@matteatsmayo]

I love you brandon you're a literal god and without you I would be making garbage

[@tuulikk2]

I think your methods can be adopted to non sprite art. I might play around with it. If I make something I really like based on this video and if I capture it to video and put it up, I will link to this one. Thanks for the information.

[@CKTDanny]

Wow, this is such a helpful video - I wish I knew some of these techniques last year! Nice to see Jace return for another video. My favourite OC so far! 😁

[@BJGpixel]

Ha I know what you mean, sometimes I look back at old work and spot things that could be better - at least it means we're always improving! And thanks, glad Jace can get some love - might have to explore more with him...and the ever-growing list of other OCs 😅

[@CKTDanny]

@@BJGpixel Yes! I always want to pick up the mouse & start drawing every time I see one of your videos 😁 Haha with your growing list of OCs, you won't have any trouble finding a setting for a video game!!

[@BJGpixel]

@@CKTDanny Haha true! And that's great - are you working on the 'Subterreanea' project I saw recently?

[@CKTDanny]

@@BJGpixel I was! We're exploring our options now, but I also have some personal ideas in mind too :)

[@BJGpixel]

@@CKTDanny Awesome, best of luck with that! And feel free to drop me a line if you're wanting any outside opinion down the road 😉👍

[@thechaxxe3565]

Yesss! Enjoying this so much

[@ryuukaze3636]

Amazing tutorial, as always. Thank you!

[@jonteguy]

I find making bigger characters is easier, getting detail in with something like a 23 pixel high character sprite for a game top-down is much harder for me personally. Would *love* a video on how to make one of those.