Pixel art is more than digital nostalgia – origins, styles and current trends in pixel art

Pixel art emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the advent of the first computers and video games. Iconic games like Space Invaders , Pac-Man , and later Super Mario Bros. shaped the visual style that millions associate with early digital media. What was once born out of technical limitations has now evolved into a recognized form of digital art.

The 8-bit era brought a significant advancement, utilizing 256 colors. This style became typical of classic consoles of the 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Master System. Pixel art had already begun to regain popularity around 2006. However, it reached new heights with games like Minecraft (released in 2011), Stardew Valley , and Celeste , which combined the nostalgia of retro-inspired graphics with modern gameplay mechanics.

The well-known Nyan Cat NFT , a prime example of the influence of pixel art in the digital economy, sold for almost $600,000 in 2021.

The origins of pixel art

The term “pixel art” was first coined in 1982 by Adele Goldberg and Robert Flegal of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center * . However, the concept dates back about 10 years earlier, with Richard Shoup’s SuperPaint from 1972 considered one of the earliest examples * . This digital art form has evolved from technical limitations and over time has become a consciously chosen stylistic device that now extends far beyond its original boundaries.

From arcade games to computer art

The origins of pixel art are closely linked to the era of arcade games Computer Space (1971), developed by Nolan Bushnell, the future founder of Atari, is considered the first commercial arcade game. In its early stages, graphics were predominantly represented as black-and-white bitmaps – a fixed arrangement of black and white pixels.

The "Golden Age of Arcade Games" began in 1978. Milestones of this period included:

• 1978: Space Invaders (Beginning of an era)
• 1979: Galaxian (first game with true color graphics)
• 1980: Pac-Man (first commercially successful game)
• 1982: Zaxxon (first game with isometric view)
• 1983: I, Robot (first commercially available game with 3D polygons)

These developments occurred in parallel with the arrival of the first home consoles. Originally, arcade machines were not only found in arcades, but also in snack bars, kiosks, and supermarket lobbies, until this was outlawed. During this time, arcades became important social meeting places and created a new gaming culture that extended far beyond the arcades themselves.

Technical limitations as a creative basis

The aesthetic expressiveness of early pixel art was directly dependent on the technical limitations of the hardware at the time. For example, the Atari STFM system only display pixel graphics at a resolution of 320 × 200 pixels with 10 colors. These limitations forced artists to improvise creatively.

Shades of gray could only be simulated using overly visible black-and-white grids, and diagonal or curved lines inevitably appeared as stepped structures. However, these technical hurdles were not seen as obstacles, but rather embraced as creative challenges.

The art of pixel art has evolved into a precise craft. Purists in the scene maintain that "real" pixel art should only be created with tools that place individual pixels, foregoing more advanced tools such as line, Bézier curve, circle, or rectangle tools.

Pixel art is distinguished from other forms of digital art by its manual manipulation at the pixel level – often at high magnification and almost always without the use of graphic filters or automatic anti-aliasing . In this art form, as experts emphasize, "every pixel is carefully placed."

Pixels as a digital mosaic

It's astonishing how similar pixel art and classic mosaic work are. In fact, you could consider cross-stitch a historical precursor to pixel art. Both art forms employ small, individual pieces that together form a larger whole.

In pixel art, individual pixels are the building blocks that together form an image. The pixels create the complete artwork by carefully placing each block. It looks astonishing, similar to mosaic art , cross-stitch, and other embroidery techniques.

The street artist Invader (Franck Slama) is a striking example of the merging of the digital and physical worlds; he has created over 4,000 mosaics in 80 cities worldwide. His motifs, often small alien monsters from the game Space Invaders , represent the griddled appearance of early pixel graphics in urban spaces through mosaic tiles.

In early pixel art, the limited color palette was also used to create various shades and colors through dithering techniques. Impressively, 88% of professional pixel artists state that shading plays a crucial role in creating dynamic artwork. Such techniques emphasize the artisanal nature of this art form and reinforce its connection to traditional mosaic work.

The evolution of pixel art

Over the years, pixel art has evolved from a technical necessity to a consciously chosen art style that now flourishes in many areas of digital culture.

Revival through indie games

The return of pixel art is largely thanks to independent game developers. This revival is no accident; it stems from practical and aesthetic reasons. The simple structure allowed individual developers or small teams to create engaging games even with limited budgets. This is why many indie developers choose this style.

Besides being cost-effective, pixel art has other advantages: it is less resource-intensive than high-polygon 3D art and can even be created by just one person. Additionally, it is easier to find someone with pixel art skills than a 3D modeler, and pixel artists are usually less expensive.

The success of titles like "Celeste , "Stardew Valley," and "Hyper Light Drifter" impressively demonstrates that pixel art continues to captivate players worldwide. These games prove that sometimes less is more when it comes to game graphics. Developers can tell their stories in a simple yet effective way.

Pixel Art: A breath of fresh air thanks to NFTs

Pixel art has found a new market with the introduction of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) . NFTs function as proof of ownership for digital assets and have turned pixel art into a sought-after speculative object , sometimes fetching prices in the millions.

A new era has begun for digital artists and collectors, connecting pixel art with the metaverse . Today, online NFT marketplaces are the galleries of crypto art , offering artists new opportunities to sell their work. One impressive example is the "69X69 Gallery" in voxels —an exhibition of 69 images, each with a resolution of 69 × 69 pixels, documenting an artist's journey in cryptospace.

However, this new market also has its downsides. Besides the enormous electricity consumption of blockchain technology, pixel art theft is a recurring problem. Dan Hindes, creator of "Wildfire," even remarked that it was "almost normal" for pixel art to be stolen from NFT projects.

Retro games as a source of inspiration

The fascination with retro games goes far beyond what happens on the screen. Physical proximity and shared entertainment play a crucial role. New games with retro elements are now a dime a dozen, exuding a retro charm that particularly appeals to those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s.

In addition, a small "homebrew scene" established itself, specializing in developing new games for older consoles and computers. One developer explained their motivation to us:

Many people's interest stems from having had the devices as children and not knowing how to program them back then. Now we have that knowledge.”.

What unites everyone involved with retro games or new games in a retro style is nostalgia . It's a romanticized longing for a place or things that no longer exist or that never existed in that form. The Spanish developers Mikel Ojea and Juan Abad explain their deliberate choice of the retro style as follows:

We believe that by embracing limitations we can tell more stories than with better graphics or more pixels.”.

Juan Abad worked as the main artist on the retro video game " Go Mecha Ball".

However, modern games often combine pixel aesthetics with innovative elements such as high-resolution displays, advanced lighting effects, and fluid animations. This fusion of old and new is what makes pixel art so enduringly appealing.

Styles in pixel art

Over the decades, pixel art has undergone numerous stylistic advancements. All of these styles exhibit unique visual characteristics and technical challenges for artists.

8-bit, 16-bit and high-bit

Pixel art is largely defined visually by its varying bit depths. The 4-bit style uses a severely limited color palette of only 16 colors, creating a somewhat washed-out look characteristic of early 1980s consoles.

In 8-bit style, users could choose from 256 colors (2^8). This look is typical of classic consoles from the 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Sega Master System. An 8-bit image can actually represent 256 color values, allowing for smaller files and faster processing.

A significant advance was achieved with the 16-bit era , which, thanks to 65,536 color values ​​per channel (2^16), enabled a far greater range of colors and finer details. Typical examples of this genre are the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Genesis . However, it should be noted that the human eye can only perceive and distinguish approximately 10 million colors.

It's interesting to note that these bit specifications only refer to one color channel. Because photos in RGB mode are composed of three channels (red, green, blue), an 8-bit image can theoretically produce over 16.7 million shades of color.

Isometric views

In pixel art, the isometric perspective is something quite special; it was first used commercially in the 1982 arcade game "Zaxxon" . This form of representation from an oblique overview perspective creates a 3D effect on flat screens.

One important point to note: While classical isometric perspective uses a 30° angle , this would result in irregular lines in pixel art. Therefore, pixel artists typically use an angle of approximately 26.565°, which results in a 2:1 pixel offset. Instead of moving one pixel up and one to the right (45°), the angle is one pixel up and two pixels to the right.

To avoid irregular lines, it's necessary to slightly adjust the angle on the monitor, as an exact 30° angle would otherwise produce uneven lines. In contrast, a 2:1 pixel offset yields more consistent results and is easier to implement. Another problem with isometric rendering is that while it mimics a 3D view, this is actually impossible. This is because the human eye perceives perspective and typically perceives elements in the background as smaller than those in the foreground.

Minimalist and animated designs

Minimalist pixel art is defined by a small color palette and clean lines. This reduction is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but can also offer practical advantages: pixel graphics are easy to create, have a fast loading time, and generate a unique atmosphere.

The most commonly used minimalist approaches are:

• Two-color (1-bit) images with clear contouring
• Monochrome designs with limited shades
• Flat color surfaces without complicated transitions

Animated pixel styles create a kind of cartoon by layering multiple pixel graphics and making small changes. To improve animations, more intermediate frames ( sprites ) are created. For example, different layers for leg positions can be created for a running animation, which are then played sequentially.

It's interesting that many contemporary pixel artists consciously maintain these limitations, even though the technical constraints have long since disappeared. The artist collective eBoy brilliantly demonstrates what can be achieved with this technique. Their "Pixorama" cities are complex, richly detailed universes that develop an astonishing depth despite the limitations of pixel art.

There's good news for beginners: learning pixel art isn't that difficult and it's fun. Even beginners can quickly create their own pixel art and animations Pixelorama

Tools and methods for pixel art

Unlike other digital art forms, pixel art requires that each individual pixel be deliberately placed – comparable to traditional handwork techniques such as cross-stitch or pointillism .

Explanation of dithering and antialiasing

As one of the fundamental techniques of pixel art, dithering the simulation of color gradients and shading, even with a limited color palette. This involves creating a checkerboard pattern and then fading it out to create the illusion of additional color tones.

Antialiasing, on the other hand, refers to the deliberate blurring of lines to achieve a smoother and softer appearance. This typically involves placing pixels where two pixels meet at a 45-degree angle. However, artists should "banding" —the placement of shaded pixels around the inner edge of an object, which can impair the clarity of pixel art.

Typical software: Aseprite, Piskel, Photoshop

For many pixel artists, Aseprite become the standard tool. It offers a pixel-like user interface and comprehensive features specifically designed for this art form, all for around $15.

The strengths include:

• Onion skinning in animation (overlaying frames before and after the current one)
• Create automatic pixel format for fonts
• Tile tool for periodic patterns
• Sophisticated export options for game developers

For tech enthusiasts : Aseprite can also be used for free if you compile the source code yourself.

Piskel is designed primarily for beginners and offers both a desktop version and a free online version. Its simple user interface makes it particularly easy to get started. Animations can be created with the program and exported as static files, GIF animations, or sprite sheets; a real-time preview is available.

Although Photoshop isn't specifically designed for pixel art, it offers all the necessary tools to achieve professional results. To optimize pixel graphics, consider these settings: set the grid to "pixels" instead of "centimeters," set the grid divisions to "1," and select "pixel repeat" . The Pencil tool is also a recommended choice if you want to maintain sharp edges.

One important difference: Pixel art in Photoshop means that pixel art consists of real pixels, which can even be recognized as such when greatly enlarged; Illustrator, on the other hand, creates scalable vector graphics that can be enlarged without loss of quality.

Using tablets and apps for pixel art

Alongside using a graphics tablet, various mobile apps established for artists working on the go. Pixel Studio offers many features for mobile devices and iPads, such as layer editing, animation creation, and exporting as GIFs or sprite tables. The app is compatible with the Apple Pencil and allows synchronization between different devices via Google Drive .

Pixaki is an app specifically designed for the iPad that layers animations on top of each other. Complex animations with static backgrounds are possible because each layer has its own timeline. The app also offers isometric art tools for different angles and shapes.

When organizing files, keep the following in mind: Pixel art should never be saved in JPEG format because compression leads to a loss of quality. PNG or GIF, on the other hand, are much better suited to preserving pixel-perfect details.

Pixel art: An expression of more than just nostalgia

The appeal of pixel art goes far beyond nostalgia. Although many viewers are initially drawn in by memories of early video games, on closer inspection it is a consciously chosen aesthetic form of expression with profound design principles.

Digital nostalgia or conscious aesthetics?

In pop culture, pixel art is now seen as a symbol of nostalgia and minimalism . By foregoing complicated 3D models, it focuses on the essentials and creates a kind of authenticity that appeals to many in a digitally overloaded world. But this return to the past isn't just a sign of nostalgia; it also reflects disillusionment with the present. For many, the internet age of yesteryear is a nostalgic reminder of a time when they still had control over their digital lives. That was before they became dependent on repetitive templates and the excessive content streams of today's platforms.

Indie game developers have intentionally revived this style and use it to establish a connection to the classics of video game history. It's not simply a throwback; it's an aesthetic choice with a clear artistic intent.

Comparison with contemporary architecture and design

An excellent example of the deliberate use of pixel aesthetics in contemporary design is the Norwegian central bank , which designed its banknotes in a pixelated style. Their approach is described by the designers as "The Beauty of Boundaries ." The philosophy behind these modern, cube-shaped pixel patterns is a connection to the ancient concept of mosaics.

The oldest known mosaics actually date back to the third millennium BC; they were discovered in a temple in Mesopotamia. Most of the digital images we view today are simultaneously composed of tiny pixels—a striking contrast between past and present. Thanks to this connection, pixel art is something deeper than just retro aesthetics.

The designers of the Norwegian banknotes stated in an interview with VICE :

If you have a concept or a big idea, it just makes total sense to do it from beginning to end.”

The same principle applies to successful pixel art: A clear concept allows for a coherent, well-thought-out approach that is more than just nostalgia.

Why limitations foster creativity

Less is more: Reduction and simplicity are the key aspects of successful pixel art. Paradoxically, fewer colors and pixels create more freedom because they force artists to find creative solutions. A Chinese proverb says:

Great art is achieved when nothing can be omitted.

Simplified representational methods are liberating; they focus attention on what matters. Talented pixel artists are able to capture the basic form of a subject and simplify it even further. Unlike other digital art forms, realistic depictions are less suitable for pixel art – one must first learn to simplify complex forms such as hands or facial expressions.

A study on the aesthetic investigation of pixel art at the Free University of Amsterdam describes it as

a limited, abstract and challenging representation that must be supplemented by the productive imagination of the viewer.”.

Imagination is a fundamental driver that guides the understanding of pixel art because it takes into account the intrinsic conditions of informational inconsistency and the unconventionality of the images.

Ultimately, pixel art is a counterweight to the consumer-oriented aesthetic values ​​of the present. It is a medium that enables a gaming experience that contradicts prevailing trends – not merely a relic of the past, but an independent artistic position in the digital present.

Panel discussion: All Pixels – What does retrocomputing have to do with culture?

As part of Classic Computing 2025, organized by the Association for the Preservation of Classic Computers, the German Cultural Council to a new episode of JaAberUnd , the online debate format from Politik & Kultur , the German Cultural Council's newspaper. The discussion will be live and subsequently uploaded to the German Cultural Council's YouTube channel.

Topic of the panel discussion: All Pixels – What does retrocomputing have to do with culture?

It's about old computers as cultural assets, about repairing instead of throwing away, and about new art with old computers, e.g., the demoscene; in short: about interfaces between retrocomputing and art and culture.

The following are discussing:

• Hans Hübner, Chairman of the Association for the Preservation of Classic Computers.
• Clemens Krause, Computer Museum Stuttgart
• Olaf Zimmermann, Managing Director of the German Cultural Council, Publisher of Politics & Culture

Moderation: Barbara Haack, Head of Communications, German Cultural Council.
Date: September 13, 2025, 4-5 pm.
Location: Freiheitshalle Hof, Kulmbacher Str. 4, 95030 Hof

Famous pixel artists and their works

The impressive works of pixel art are the result of talented artists who shape this medium in their own unique way. By each creating their own style, they help to continuously develop pixel art as a recognized art form.

eBoy and the Pixorama Cities

Founded in 1997, the pixel art group eBoy , consisting of Kai Vermehr, Steffen Sauerteig, and Svend Smital, is based in Berlin and Los Angeles. Known as the "Godfathers of Pixel," they have created a unique aesthetic with their complex, three-dimensional isometric illustrations. Robots, cars, weapons, and pop culture icons in vibrant colors dominate their work.

Their "Pixorama" cityscapes are particularly well-known – they depict highly detailed, isometric cityscapes that combine classic landmarks with witty details. Creating such a detailed cityscape takes the three artists approximately six to eight weeks when working full-time.

 

Paul Robertson and Gaming Art

Paul Robertson first made a big impression with the animated short film "Pirate Baby's Cabana Battle Street Fight 2006" —a 12-minute black-and-white film depicting a fictional side-scrolling action game. Since then, he has produced art and animation for several notable games, including "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game" and "Wizorb" .

Robertson's artistic beginnings came with a DOS animation program, which he used to create short films. He was influenced by Taito games like "Bubble Bobble" and "Rainbow Island" with their colorful palettes and cute characters. He has also created impressive pixel animations for Adult Swim and occasionally interprets celebrities and Pokémon in his distinctive 8-bit style.

Invader: Street art meets pixel art

Born in 1969, the French street artist Invader combines pixel art with urban space. With degrees from the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Paris and the Sorbonne, he began creating mosaic images of characters from the game Space Invaders in Paris in 1998.

Today, Invader has installed over 4,000 of his pixel mosaics worldwide – a milestone celebrated in his exhibition “4000” . His works can be found in numerous cities, including New York, Tokyo, London, and Vienna, where he has left behind 56 artworks. In Paris alone, there are over 1,500 of his mosaics.

To maintain his anonymity, Invader incognito, often wears a mask, and works primarily at night. In 2015, he expanded his artistic concept with the mobile app "FlashInvaders ," where users can search for his mosaics and collect points by photographing them.

Pixilart: Platform for creative pixel art

This section is for all those who want to immerse themselves in the creative and colorful world of pixel art as creators. Pixilart.com is a huge online platform with over 2 million members , offering the opportunity to showcase your own pixel art to a broad online community and interact with a vibrant community.

Get to know the digital studio

After registering, you can start drawing immediately. Click on "Create" and select "Drawing." This will open the editor—your digital studio. You can adjust the canvas size, explore various tools, and choose from a wide range of colors.

The editor offers all the tools you need to create pixel art: from simple brushes to more complex features like layers and animations.

Share your art with the world

Once your artwork is finished, click "Save" in the top bar. Give your work a meaningful title and add a description – this will help others understand your artistic vision. Choose relevant tags to increase visibility.

Tags aren't just keywords – they're bridges that lead other art lovers to your work. Be precise, but also creative in your selection.

Discover the community

Published works appear on your profile and, depending on your settings, may also be visible in the public gallery. Other users can like, comment on, and even remix your art (if you enable this option).

Interacting with the community is an integral part of Pixilart. Follow other artists whose style inspires you and be amazed by the diversity of pixel art shared daily on the platform.

Tips for your success on the platform

When sharing your pixel art, approach it with an open heart and take your time to create works you'll be proud to present. The quality of your work and regular interaction with the community are key to success on Pixilart.

Don't forget: The most important thing when creating pixel art is to develop your own style and enjoy the creative process. Community recognition will follow when the passion shines through in your work.

Here are some very popular contributions from pixel artists on the platform:

I hope this short guide gives you the confidence you need to get started as creative forces in the pixel world and share your pixelated visions with the world.

Conclusion

Pixel art undoubtedly represents far more than a mere digital reminiscence. While early computer graphics arose from technical limitations, pixel art has evolved into a consciously chosen form of expression that maintains its own place even in the age of photorealistic 3D graphics. Particularly noteworthy is the transition from technical constraints to free artistic choice.

Paradoxically, the self-imposed limitations of pixel art foster creative solutions and force artists to capture the essence of their subjects. In fact, this art form can be compared to traditional craft techniques such as mosaic or cross-stitch – each element is deliberately placed and contributes to the overall image.

Indie developers are using this style today not only for cost reasons, but also because it offers a unique aesthetic that appeals to players worldwide. At the same time, the NFT movement has catapulted pixel art into new economic spheres, with works sometimes changing hands for astonishing sums.

The enduring success of pixel art, however, is not solely due to its nostalgic appeal. Rather, its minimalist visual language creates a direct connection between artist and viewer. The audience's imagination is actively engaged to complete the abstract representations.

Artists like eBoy, Paul Robertson, and Invader impressively demonstrate the versatility of pixel art – from complex cityscapes and hypnotic animations to urban interventions. Each individual pixel becomes a deliberate design element.