The Best Pixel Art Tutorials on YouTube

8 min readNov 19, 2023

In the enchanting realm of digital art, pixel art holds a special place, evoking nostalgia and awe with its mosaic of tiny, colorful squares. It’s an art form that harkens back to the golden era of 8-bit and 16-bit video games, yet remains vibrantly alive in today’s indie game scene and digital art platforms. For aspiring pixel artists, YouTube has emerged as a fantastic resource, offering a myriad of channels that transform complex techniques into digestible, engaging lessons.

In this pixel-packed journey, we’re going to delve into the crème de la crème of YouTube channels for learning pixel art. Whether you’re a budding artist sketching your first sprite or a seasoned creator looking to refine your dithering technique, these channels are your digital mentors. They offer a blend of technical guidance, artistic inspiration, and community engagement that can catapult your pixel art skills from the realm of the mundane to the extraordinary.

Prepare to embark on a journey through a world where art is measured not in strokes or shades, but in pixels and palettes. Here are the top YouTube channels that will guide you through the labyrinth of pixel art creation, ensuring every pixel you place is a step towards mastery.

Brandon James Greer

youtube.com/@BJGpixel

Brandon James Greer’s channel is a dynamic resource for learning pixel art, offering concise, easy-to-follow tutorials. Greer excels in breaking down complex pixel art techniques into approachable lessons, making the channel ideal for beginners and intermediate artists. He covers everything from basic principles like shading and color theory to advanced topics such as character design and animation.

What sets this channel apart is Greer’s focus on practical applications, often demonstrating how to create pixel art reminiscent of popular games. Additionally, his insights into pixel art tools and software are incredibly helpful for artists deciding on their digital toolkit. For anyone looking to start or enhance their pixel art journey, Brandon James Greer offers a blend of educational and engaging content that is both informative and inspiring.

MortMort

youtube.com/@MortMort

MortMort s an engaging channel where pixel art is both a craft and a conversation. Here, you find a creator who dives deep into the nuances of pixel art, bringing a unique and personal touch to each tutorial.

MortMort’s content is a rich tapestry of pixel art wisdom. You’ll find videos tackling everything from the foundational basics like sprite creation to the intricate art of animating those sprites to life. What’s really cool about MortMort is the way the creator stitches together theory and practice, often pulling apart complex concepts and reconstructing them in a way that’s fun and easy to understand.

Pixel Overload

youtube.com/@PixelOverloadChannel

Pixel Overload offers a distinct experience in the world of pixel art instruction on YouTube. Renowned for its engaging step-by-step guides, the channel excels in leading viewers through the entire process of creating pixel art pieces. These tutorials are particularly effective for their hands-on approach, providing a clear path from concept to completion.

The channel distinguishes itself with its eclectic range of pixel art styles. From homages to classic 8-bit game aesthetics to more contemporary pixel creations, Pixel Overload caters to a broad artistic spectrum. This variety ensures that both newcomers to pixel art and seasoned pixel smiths will find content that resonates with their interests and skill levels.

Moreover, Pixel Overload extends its offerings beyond just tutorials. The channel also delves into insightful evaluations of pixel art software and tools, guiding viewers in making well-informed choices for their artistic ventures. For those drawn to the pixel art form, Pixel Overload is a valuable destination, blending instructional content with bursts of creative insights.

AdamCYounis

youtube.com/@AdamCYounis

AdamCYounis’s channel is a go-to resource for practical and in-depth pixel art learning. Here, the focus is on teaching robust pixel art techniques combined with storytelling elements. Adam’s tutorials are not just about creating visuals; they’re about crafting pixel art that conveys a story or emotion.

The channel stands out for its comprehensive approach, covering everything from character design to environmental art. Adam’s expertise in game design and digital art also offers valuable insights for those aspiring to professionalize their pixel art skills.

For artists looking to add depth to their pixel creations or aiming for a career in game design, AdamCYounis provides a blend of artistic guidance and industry knowledge. This channel is a straightforward, informative guide to mastering pixel art with a narrative edge.

Ansimuz

youtube.com/@ansimuz

Ansimuz’s YouTube channel is a fantastic resource for those interested in both pixel art and indie game development. Known for its comprehensive tutorials, the channel blends artistic techniques with practical game development insights.

What makes Ansimuz stand out is the creator’s ability to simplify complex pixel art processes. The channel covers a range of topics, from creating engaging character sprites to building atmospheric game environments, all with a focus on how these elements come together in game design.

Additionally, Ansimuz often explores the use of specific tools and software, providing valuable tips for artists on how to effectively use technology in their creative process. This combination of artistry and technical advice makes it an excellent resource for budding game developers and pixel artists alike.

NootAll

youtube.com/@nootall

NootAll’s YouTube channel is a budding hub for pixel art enthusiasts, particularly appealing to those who enjoy a mix of creativity and practical advice. The channel, though relatively new, is quickly gaining attention for its straightforward and engaging pixel art tutorials.

The content on NootAll is diverse, covering various facets of pixel art, from basic techniques for beginners to more intricate design elements. The channel’s strength lies in its easy-to-follow approach, making it a friendly space for those just starting their pixel art journey.

Pixel Pete (Peter Milko)

youtube.com/@PeterMilko

Peter Milko’s YouTube channel is a notable destination for those interested in pixel art, particularly for its focus on blending traditional art principles with pixel-specific techniques. Peter’s approach is educational yet accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of skill levels.

The channel offers a variety of content, from basic pixel art fundamentals to more advanced concepts. What makes Peter’s tutorials engaging is his emphasis on the artistic process, often incorporating lessons on composition, color theory, and other traditional art fundamentals, and then applying them within the pixel art medium.

Peter also frequently shares insights into his own creative process, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how pixel art is created from concept to completion. This makes his channel not just a place to learn techniques, but also to gain inspiration and a deeper understanding of the creative journey in pixel art.

For anyone looking to bridge their general art knowledge with the specialized skills of pixel art, Peter Milko’s channel offers a balanced mix of instruction, artistic theory, and practical insights.

SaulToons

youtube.com/@saultoons

SaulToons’ YouTube channel is a vibrant and engaging platform for learning pixel art, especially for those who appreciate a more lighthearted and entertaining approach. Saul’s style is unique, combining humor and creativity in his tutorials, which makes learning pixel art both fun and informative.

The channel covers a range of topics within the pixel art realm, from creating charming character sprites to designing intricate backgrounds. Saul’s tutorials are particularly noted for their clarity and simplicity, making them ideal for beginners or those looking to brush up on their basics.

What sets SaulToons apart is the entertaining way in which the content is delivered. Saul often infuses his tutorials with witty commentary and playful animations, which keeps the learning experience enjoyable and engaging. This approach helps demystify the complexities of pixel art, making it more approachable for a broader audience.

For those seeking a combination of solid pixel art instruction and a fun viewing experience, SaulToons is an excellent choice. The channel strikes a fine balance between educating and entertaining, making it a delightful resource for budding pixel artists.

Reece Geofroy

youtube.com/@ReeceGeofroy

Reece Geofroy’s channel is a concise and effective resource for learning pixel art. Known for his clear, step-by-step tutorials, Reece covers a broad range of pixel art techniques, from basic concepts to advanced skills. His structured approach is great for beginners and intermediate artists alike.

The channel stands out for its focus on practical projects, helping viewers apply what they learn directly to their own art. Reece’s methodical teaching style makes complex techniques accessible, making it a valuable resource for anyone serious about improving their pixel art skills.

BitBeamCannon

youtube.com/@bitbeamcannon2468

BitBeamCannon’s YouTube channel offers a deep dive into the world of professional-grade pixel art and game development. This channel stands out for its focus on advanced pixel art techniques and integration with game development processes.

The tutorials on BitBeamCannon are detailed and geared towards those who already have a foundational understanding of pixel art. The channel excels in demonstrating how pixel art can be optimized for game engines, making it a valuable resource for aspiring game developers or artists wanting to see their work in action.

One of the unique aspects of BitBeamCannon is its emphasis on efficiency and optimization, often showcasing how to create high-quality art with fewer resources. This practical approach is particularly useful for indie game developers working with limited resources.

For those looking to elevate their pixel art skills within the context of game development, BitBeamCannon offers a wealth of knowledge, blending artistic technique with technical know-how.

Penusbmic

youtube.com/@Penusbmic

Penusbmic’s YouTube channel is a vibrant showcase of pixel art, run by an artist who describes himself as ‘The World’s Okayest Dad that Pixels’. Known for his work on the video game “Dome Keeper,” Penusbmic has a flair for creating endearing pixel characters and engaging game assets. His YouTube channel features a range of tutorials, where he shares his expertise in pixel art creation.

Penusbmic is actively working on a pixel art game asset series titled ‘The DARK Series’, demonstrating his commitment to the craft and continuous content creation. His approach to teaching is highly interactive, with tutorials available on various platforms including Discord, Twitch, Patreon, Itch.io, and Inprint. Popular tutorials like ‘Build a bot’ and techniques for animating fabrics like flags and hair, showcase his diverse skill set.

1BitStudio

youtube.com/@1BitStudio

1BitStudio is an excellent resource for those starting their journey into pixel art. The channel is known for its short, beginner-friendly tutorials that make diving into pixel art both easy and enjoyable. These tutorials are designed to help newcomers grasp the basics of pixel art without feeling overwhelmed.

Beyond just instructional content, 1BitStudio has fostered an active and engaging community. This vibrant community aspect is a huge plus for learners, providing a supportive environment where budding artists can share their work, get feedback, and learn from each other.

The channel also spices things up with regular art challenges. These challenges are not only fun but also a great way for artists to practice their skills, experiment with new ideas, and stay motivated. For anyone new to pixel art or looking to be part of an active pixel art community, 1BitStudio is a great place to start.