[WIP] Tiny robot character

[Dr. Spankenstein]

I've been working on my 16x16 main robot character sprite and would like some input.  I'm only using colours from the NES palette found on this site.



I'm not sure how I would draw him facing left/right yet.  Hints/tips would be most welcome  

Thank you.

[Dr. Spankenstein]

Here's a 400% version with the frames for looking left and right.



Any comments, criticisms, advice accepted.  This is my first attempt at pixel art, so I've got to start somewhere.

[Helm]

The size you're attempting is very difficult. There's no space for such detailed outlines at 16x16. The NES limitations (3 colors plus 1 transparency) actually help NES sprite art because they urge you to simplify and value readability. I added the visor color on an overlay a la Megaman's eye color.

[Dr. Spankenstein]

Thank you.  I will try and incorporate the visor in my sprite somehow. 

I'm most likely working at such small scales because it feels safe to do so.  I'm only using the colours found in the NES palette and not adhering to the restrictions of the NES hardware.

Does looking left/right look good to you?

[Dr. Spankenstein]

Here's an "evil" robot character with a visor

[zez]

I think you may have missed helms point. Note that in his edit, he ditched the solid black outline, and instead used the newely available space to better define the depth of the sprite. At 16x16 you dont have the pixel real estate for outlines, especially when you are outlining every plane and detail.

[Dr. Spankenstein]

I see.  Trouble is what colours to fill the space with.  I'll have a go and post back.

EDIT: Any filling in of colour, other than black just looks awful when I do it.

If I resize my sprite to 32x32 can I then keep the black outline?

[buddy90]

Don't misunderstand. We're not explicitly saying you can't outline. We're saying, don't think of it as such. The black color can be used to define shadow very well, if you use it and apply as a shadow instead of "oh, i have to outline every single piece of him" No, just think about how light is hitting him.

Also, you're not using all 16x16 space. Why not? Also, it would probably look better if his legs weren't so stretched apart. It would help to look at some other 16x16 sprites for ideas. One thing they tend to do is make big heads.

I would keep working at this resolution. There is much to learn about pixel art here.

[Dr. Spankenstein]

I'm now getting him to point down and would like some opinions.  I've had to get rid of all the red pixels on his arms (in each frame) but this makes it look better IMO.

[politopo]

An example of what you could do with the same resolution if you are able to overcome your urge for outlines and listen to the good hints people is giving you:

Try to do what people suggests instead of keeping just posting your new frames.
I assure you that people around here is a selection of the best pixel artists in the world and always has a deep insight of what is the work of pixelling; at least this is what I think concerning my experience.

[Dr. Spankenstein]

Having scoured through a collecition of NES Mega Man sprites I can see that there are black outlines on all the characters despite their size.



I'm not doubting the talents of anyone here but I have already stated that my pixel art attempts without the black borders really do look terrible.  It is also not the type of style I am after.

Apologies for having a difference of opinion but I am taking on board the criticisms and wondering why you would harbour such hostility?

[ChadHachey]

Nobody here is being hostel, we're just trying to to help you out! Try posting images without outlines, even if they look horrible. At least then we can help you determine why they look bad, and how to improve.

[Helm]

I have no problem with the outlines themselves, I think you're segmenting your sprite too much and there is no visual priority in the various body parts and details.

[Arne]

Example of lost lines and drop shadows.  You can just use them to create
contrast where it's necessary to have shape separation. Adding outlines
everywhere to be consistent is a trap. Yeah, he turned into masterchief

[Dr. Spankenstein]

Thanks guys.  This is what I have after attempting to remove the outlines.



Please let me know what you think.