How Do You Make a Reference Image in Pixel Art?

Art|Pixel Art

Reference images are an important tool for creating pixel art. By referring to an existing source, you can ensure that the proportions and details in your artwork remain accurate. The process of creating a reference image is relatively simple and can be done with a few different methods.

1. Use a photo as your reference:

Using a photograph as a reference image is one of the most straightforward ways of creating pixel art. All you need to do is find an image online or take one yourself and crop it to the desired size and resolution. You can then use this photo as your base and recreate it in pixels by zooming into the image and drawing each individual pixel one by one.

2. Create an illustration:

If you want to create something unique without relying on someone else’s photograph, then you can create your own illustration as a reference image. This will require more skill on your part, but it will also give you more freedom to experiment with different shapes and colors. Start by sketching out the basic shapes of your pixel art in pencil, then scan it into the computer, adjust the resolution, and begin coloring each pixel manually or with various tools available on digital platforms such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.

3. Utilize 3D models:

If you are experienced in working with 3D models, then this could be another great option for creating reference images for your pixel art projects. Simply import a 3D model into your software of choice, make any necessary adjustments such as texture or lighting settings, render it at low resolution (such as 16×16 pixels), and save it as an image file to use as your reference later on when building out your pixel art piece.

Conclusion


Making a reference image for pixel art can be done using either photographs, illustrations or 3D models depending on what works best for the project at hand. All three methods provide useful results that can help make sure that the proportions of your artwork remain accurate while giving you more freedom to experiment with different shapes and colors when creating something unique from scratch.