8-bit art refers to a style of digital art that uses a limited color palette and a low resolution, creating a distinctive pixelated look. It’s heavily inspired by the graphics of early video game consoles and home computers from the 1980s and early 1990s, which had limited processing power and memory.
Here’s a breakdown of the key characteristics:
- Limited Color Palette: 8-bit systems typically used a limited number of colors, often 256 or fewer. This restriction forced artists to be creative with color choices and create a distinctive aesthetic.
- Low Resolution: Images were displayed at relatively low resolutions, resulting in visible pixels. This “blocky” appearance is a defining feature of 8-bit art.
- Pixel Art: Due to the low resolution, artists had to work on a pixel-by-pixel basis, carefully placing each pixel to create images. This meticulous process is known as pixel art.
Why is it called “8-bit”?
The term “8-bit” refers to the computer’s ability to process data in 8-bit chunks. In the context of graphics, it relates to the number of bits used to represent the color of each pixel. 8 bits allow for 2^8 = 256 different colors.
Examples and Influences
- Early video game consoles: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Master System, and Game Boy are prime examples of 8-bit systems. Games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon Red/Blue are iconic examples of 8-bit graphics.
- Home computers: Systems like the Commodore 64 and Atari 800 also used 8-bit graphics.
Modern Usage
Even though technology has advanced significantly, 8-bit art remains popular for several reasons:
- Nostalgia: It evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic video games and the early days of computing.
- Simplicity and Charm: The limited palette and pixelated style have a unique charm and simplicity.
- Artistic Expression: Many artists use 8-bit art as a form of creative expression, creating new and original works in this retro style.
8-bit art is a testament to how limitations can inspire creativity. It’s a style that continues to resonate with people today, both as a reminder of the past and as a unique form of artistic expression.
8BIT IMG converter
https://photo2pixel.co
Jordan Hamant SP2025
OTHER TOOLS
8BIT SPRITE SHEETS
https://promptbase.com/prompt/pixel-art-sprite-sheets
RUBICS CUBE Lady Gaga Giant Example > analog wall
https://www.tiktok.com/@alex.rubiks.team/video/7475032292734274838
Example: Sage Boutelle, SP 2025
Examples: Samuel Ventura / Joshua Schwartz
ASSIGNMENT
06 A • 8BIT SELF PORTRAITS
Take a selfie, clean it and modify it to your liking using photoshop and any other tool you need.
Using any 8BIT tool, turn it into an 8BIT selfie.
Add any modification you want, transform however you want: you can become an 8BIT game hero or villain or monster.
Export at full quality JPG (1500px max the largest side, 75% compression)
Generate 5 different GIF modified versions (like our compression assignment)
06 B • 8BIT SPRITE SHEET
Using any 8BIT tool of your choice, inspired by retro games, convert yourselves into a 5×5 sprite sheet, with 5 distinct actions. You can use video to capture the different actions, then Photoshop to clean up the images, and then an 8BIT converter.
You MUST create an animated GIF for each pose. Be mindful of the sizes: each cell must be MAX 600px on the largest side.
Create at least one backdrop / scenery / background image / context for your action and convert it to 8BIT
