Gorsal's Pixelart Tutorial 2017

[Gors]

Cluster

---

Despite pixelart being the art with pixels, the part that is actually important when making pixelart is managing the clusters that make up the image. In other words, a cluster is the group of same-colored pixels, or close enough to be read as a single cluster.


A small pixelart of Mario. The only thing between them is a single eye pixel, but even a single pixel causes the image to be read differently.

Making definite clusters is a great way to give your work enough readability even in a small sprite like this. This happens because pixelart is a 2D media, and same colored areas tend to be grouped up by our brain.


Every artwork (not only pixelart) can be interpreted as a sum of equivalent parts. Notice that each color (pink, skin, black) takes its own space, forming strong silhouettes as they're combined.



The same sprite, but with arbitrary lines all over it. Because of them, the clusters become subdivided into smaller sections and thus, unable to form shapes. It's unreadable.


Additionally, even if the sprite has more than three colors, this rule still applies. With correct contrast, you can make two or more shades still be interpreted as one.


I gave Mario some extra colors, but these extra shades add up to the base color and retains readability. However, if I use a very dark color to shade the skin, the shade stops being read as part of the skin tone and becomes part of the facial features, creating another unplanned cluster and ruining readability.

Readability is especially important in smaller pieces like this Mario, but it's a must even for bigger pieces. It makes easier for the brain to process the image, which is helpful in the long run.