Conclusion

I was going to go into some talking about Pixel Type, but I'm out of time. I've got to get back to work on Dino Run so we can finish it up as soon as possible. I'll leave you with a good resource though. Check out: http://www.dafont.com/bitmap.php?page=1 There are loads of existing pixel fonts out there, mostly for free.

And if you want to get further into learning about Isometric pixel art, these are some great pixel tutorials that I came across:

http://derekyu.com/extras/pixel02.html

http://www.19.5degs.com/element/833.php#b1

Some final thoughts..

• Take breaks! To be honest, I don't always do it myself, but when I do it's great and always a good idea. If you're feeling stuck or uninspired or burned out, don't force anything. Step away. Let what you've been laboring over sit for a couple days, or overnight at least. Allow yourself to get away from your work so when you come back to it you'll have a fresh perspective, new eyes, refreshed brain. Even short 15 minute breaks every hour or two are extremely helpful to both stretch your body and clear your head. Even if you spend less time working, breaks can increase the alertness and energy of your seeing and thinking, and ultimately increase the quality of your work, plus you feel better at the end of it. For maximum benefit of breaks, go outside. Nature and fresh air are excellent head clearers.
• Don't forget to spend some time zooming all the way into many types of images, just to see how images are actually made up. You'll probably learn a thing or two about how the eye and brain resolve pixels to create the illusion of forms and color.
• On the quest to make cool pixel stuff, be easy on yourself, especially if you're feeling frustrated. I've got loads of pixel art I've made that is pretty bad & have no use for. But I know the final designs I wind up being happy with wouldn't exist without each and every prior attempt.

If you would like to receive an email when our next game Dino Run is released, send an email to pixeljamgames@gmail.com. We will add you to the mailing list. Or just check our site, http://pixeljam.com in April. It should be finished by then and onto something new.

I hope this article was somehow useful. If not, that's okay too. I learned some things myself and had a good time at it.

Enjoy yourselves!
- Rich