Clase en vivo con Josué Hernández

How has been the introduction to pixel art at Platzi?

At Platzi we are excited to begin this adventure into the world of pixel art, hand in hand with José Grotesco, who has been the architect behind the introductory course to this beautiful art using Aseprite. This course is designed for all those who wish to take their first steps in pixel art, with lessons designed to facilitate learning in an accessible and entertaining way.

What is Jose's experience in pixel art?

José Hernández, known in the industry as José Grotesco, is a pixel artist and art director with a fascinating background. His work is not only linked to the creation of video games, but also extends to areas such as film, fashion and even renowned platforms such as Disney and Pixar. In 2020 he released the game Neon City Riders with the independent studio Mecha Studios, demonstrating his extensive influence and involvement in the world of pixel art.

Why choose Aseprite for pixel art?

Aseprite is a tool preferred by Jose and many in the pixel art world for its lightness and specific approach to pixel art. Aseprite offers animation functions that facilitate the creation of sprites, animations and tiles, features that many more generic programs, such as Photoshop, do not offer natively. Also, being a lightweight program, it works great on computers that are not very high spec, which is a significant advantage for artists working from a variety of platforms.

How did José's interest in video games develop?

Jose grew up playing 8-bit and 16-bit video games, marking his passion for pixel art from a young age. He studied graphic design, where he worked on projects that inspired him to further explore this art form. A decisive step in his career occurred when a former classmate invited him to join a video game project, Neon City Riders, launching him fully into the world of professional pixel art.

What is the value of working in small teams in independent studios?

Working in an independent studio like Mecha Studios allows artists to participate in various stages of game development. Teams tend to be small, which places its members in multifaceted roles, from art development to programming and level design. This encourages intensive growth in varied skills, fostering creativity and innovation within limited resources.

What other applications does pixel art have beyond video games?

Pixel art goes beyond video games, reaching unexpected sectors such as advertising, fashion and film animation. Working on a variety of projects expands job opportunities and ensures a diversified income stream. This underscores that, although pixel art is fundamental to video games, its applicability can be infinite, always depending on the creativity of the artist.

How can someone new start creating pixel art and recommended techniques?

For new artists, the recommendation is to start with pencil sketches or through software before moving on to pixel art. Having a clear concept helps simplify the abstraction process needed in pixel art, where details must be precise but simple enough to fit on small canvas sizes. Aseprite offers exceptional tutorials and tools for these first steps, including tools for creating tiles, maintaining the proper aspect ratio, and working with predefined color palettes.

Where to publish pixel art for better exposure?

Pixel artist work can gain a lot of visibility if published on the right platforms. Twitter is one of the best tools for this type of art because of its vibrant and active community. The Pixel Dailies Twitter account is a great way to participate in daily challenges that will improve your skills and increase the exposure of your work to the community.

Jose and Platzi are committed to accessible, quality pixel art education, offering resources and a learning environment that fosters creativity and personal development. If you are passionate about pixel art and want to get into this creative universe, this is the ideal place to start. Come and show your creations!