Studying, copying and rip-offs in context of pixel art

[Phoenix849]

Not counting erratic early days from 10 years ago, I've started to pixel somewhat seriously since end of 2012. I was heavily inspired by 5734L3R - a project by winged doom / 08--n7.r6-79.84. I've made quite a number of fanarts for it during 2013. People seemed to like it as well as the author himself. I've since taken it all down and currently not displaying it anymore, since I was several times mistaken for the creator of this project. I thought it was not okay to parasitize on someone else's creation.

Yesterday I finished Another Metroid 2 Remake, which put me into extreme Metroid mood once again, and I couldn't resist plunging myself into pixelling. I posted a smaller version of this on twitter, and had much positive feedback about it:



Now I feel kinda guilty about it being a total vierbit rip-off, with a bit of Henk Nieborg. Basically, two of my most favourite pixel artists. Samus sprites are from GBA games. I'm really happy with the results. Awkwardly enough, I'm the biggest vierbit wannabe on the web, and not trying to hide it too much. This style has everything I love about game art: colors, clear forms and good readability. I could store it on my HDD like many other WIPs, but I really want to show it since I love it so far.

References: here and here

I recently did another vierbit impersonation, but that was for April Fool's day on pixeljoint, so I've clearly stated it aftwerwards.




I started pixelling long ago because how "easy" it was, never ever expecting to become a freelancer back in the days. You can zoom in up to 600% and carefully copy it pixel by pixel. If I was not such an icompetent fool, I probably wouldn't have started doing art whatsoever .

I'm trying to get into traditional and digital HD art, taking private lessons, but it is a really, really long way ahead of me yet. I feel helpless and stupid on big canvas without zooming to those pixels. Can't really get out of mindset of doing exclusively pixel art for the past several years. Up to thinking "how I'd pixel that" when looking at real objects.

I can copy however much I want, but it won't make me a good artist, just a good technical assets creator maybe. Since it's much easier to copy pixel artwork in comparison to HD one, the question is: where lies the line between "inspiration" and "rip-off" on your opinion?

[PixelPiledriver]

There are lots of great visuals from real life and art readily available for reference.
If you feel the need to mine them for indirect or direct inspiration go for it.
Sounds like you are in tune with external sources.
That can be a good thing.
I bet you study well and notice small parts of how an image works.

There will always be a yes/no conversation surrounding creativity.
Some might say they love what you made.
Some might say you cheated to make it.
Take note of how people feel and why, it pays to listen.
But the loudest voice should always be yourself.

You once told me that my art was messy and I should clean it up, because 'pixel art'.
And I was like, no thanks, I don't want to do that.
I'm still here making messy art, having a good time.
My point is, do what you think is right/fun even if it feels like there is widely agreed upon law of how it should or shouldn't be.

If copying pleases you, do it.
If it does not, don't do it.
If it pleases you sometimes, then do it sometimes.
Decide its value rather than basing it on 'inspiration vs rip-off' and how to fall in the safe zone.

No matter what you make someone will always relate it to something else.
'Hey he looks like this other character.'
'Oh that's just like that one game.'
'I know an artist that draws like this.'
You can't escape how we all relate one thing to another.
If you're copying, embrace it.
If you're not copying, get ready to hear about it anyway.

You are also setting this question on top of future goals.
Definitely a good plan, but that makes it much more complicated.
Perhaps someone else can give their thoughts about that, I'm not interested in doing so.

[Phoenix849]

PixelPiledriver
Thanks for the answer. I'm still baffled inside concerning many of the things you said. "What's art for me" is the question I'm constantly thinking about, and there's still a lot to think.

Right now I've no freaking idea what art is. I just like pretty pixels and stupid little games. I'm not competent enough in creating stuff, so I borrow those skills from people who are. But you just gave me a new perpective to view things from, thanks.