New to Pixeling

[HalcyonDreamer]

Hey! New aspiring pixel artist here! I've read a bunch of tutorials, read over some of the best work over here, and thought I'd give it a go.

Reason for pixeling: Out of necessity, I'm a game programmer working in flash, wanting to make games in the spirit of old NES games like Megaman, ect.

I didn't really see a "read this to know how the forums work" post on the way in, so if anyone could point me to that or answer a few questions, it would be really helpful.

1. How do I post images of my sprites? Do I need them hosted on another site? (That's how img tags work, right?)

2. Any tips for a new pixel artist?

3. What's a good "project" to start off with? I'm having a lot of trouble creating original sprites that look correct, and have stuck to modding/recoloring Megaman sprites, which most likely is a big no-no.

4. I'm using Tile Studio right now, is that a good program?

Hopefully you'll be seeing me around, this seems like a really great site  .

[Mr.Modem]

First of all: Welcome to the forum! I consider myself a beginner too but I think I can answer your questions anyway.

1. Yes, you need to host your images on a hosting site before you can post them in the forum. I use Imageshack http://www.imageshack.us/ myself but some prefer Photobucket.

2. Read a good tutorial (check out st0vens site: http://www.spriteart.com) Then begin to study some of your favourite images/sprites. Then pixel something on your own. Then study some more. Then pixel some more....

3. I don't think it matters what you do as long as you start with something small. That will help you to develop you pixeling techniques.

4. I've never used this program, so I don't know if it's good or not but I suggest you download Cosmigo Pro Motion. It may take some time to get use to all the keyboard shortcuts but ones you've learn them it will be a wonderful tool to work with.

[Gil]

TileStudio is actually a great tool, for tiles. I picked it up recently and it works amazingly well (though I have some gripes with the map editor). It even has index painting of sorts...

If you're going to do sprite work, go for GraphicsGale. If you can get your hands on Cosmigo Pro Motion, go for it, it's THE most advanced pixel tool currently available...

[HalcyonDreamer]

Thanks guys. I went with Pro Motion. BTW, what does C&C mean  .
Here's an image I did of a moon. Please Critique/Edit to your hearts content, I could really use the help!
http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mymooncp5.gif

[Filax_666]

You forgot the around the link. Otherwise the image just won't show up.

Edit: plus, that link was wrong.

[Xion]

C&C = Comments and critiques.
That moon looks brushed/airbrushed like mad, man. In pixel art we try to control every pixel's color and placement by hand, avoiding anything that would automatically do the job like auto Anti aliasing (where edges of lines and shapes are automatically softened) or airbrushes. At first it may seem like alot of work, but over time, the results are quicker, cleaner, and overall more satisfying.

[Meta|Fox]

I recommend you read the Wiki on pixel art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixelart
It covers the rules lingo and basic history of the wondeful world we call pixelart

[tomster 785]

that moon looks photoshoped

[Cure]

That was already mentioned.  I'd suggest approaching Pixelopolis in a manner different than that which caused banishment from Pixeljoint.
Meaning no redundant comments.  If you have something new and useful to add, please do, but do not repeat things others have already pointed out.

[tomster 785]

Sorry, I didn't notice that someone said that