Pixel art is a form of digital art that is created through the use of pixels. It has become a popular form of art, particularly in the video game industry. The term “pixel art” was first coined by computer graphics researcher Richard Shoup in 1982.
Shoup, who was working at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) at the time, was researching ways to create sophisticated computer graphics using limited computing power. He developed a technique called “bitmapping,” which involved replacing the resolution-dependent curves and shapes of traditional vector graphics with a grid of pixels.
This technique allowed for smoother transitions between colors, as well as more complex shapes and textures than were possible with traditional vector graphics. Shoup realized that this technique could be used to create high-resolution images and he published his findings in a paper titled “Bitmapped Graphics.” In this paper, he referred to bitmapped images as “pixel art”.
Pixel art quickly became popular among video game developers, who recognized its potential for creating detailed and complex visuals on limited hardware. The development of software such as Adobe Photoshop also helped to popularize pixel art by making it easier for artists to manipulate and refine pixels on their computers. Today, pixel art is used in all sorts of contexts from video games to animation and digital illustration.
Pixel art has become an indispensable tool for digital artists around the world and its legacy continues to be felt across many different mediums. It all started with Richard Shoup’s groundbreaking work at PARC in 1982 when he first published the term “pixel art”.
Conclusion: The term “pixel art” was first coined by computer graphics researcher Richard Shoup in 1982 while working at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). He published his findings in a paper titled “Bitmapped Graphics” where he referred to bitmapped images as “pixel art” – thus becoming the first person to publish the term “pixel art”.