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Pixel-Logic is coming Spring 2015. Thanks for reaching the first goal <3
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Pixel-Logic will not be your typical step by step tutorial.
Instead, it will teach you techniques by studying video-game graphics from the past 30 years. The tutorials will cover pixel art from start to finish, with topics ranging from creating initial line art, to fully animating sprites. These tutorials will not be focusing on my own personal methods; instead they will combining past examples with modern application! Once the project is complete, it will be accessible to everyone. Simple. Why pay so much for knowledge? Learning is a right and should be free or cheap for everyone!
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The funds for this Indiegogo campaign will go towards 2 things -
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First and foremost it’ll go into making Pixel-logic as polished as possible.
This project requires me to research, plan,
write, re-write, review and edit every single topic before publishing.
Naturally this requires a lot of time and effort, so the funds raised will help
me dedicate my full attention to it!
- Secondly I want a place to publish these tutorials. Ideally this would be a
website, and again the time and effort to create an interactive website for
these tutorials is not cheap. While tumblr or social media will be an option, I
want to create something bigger and an all-in-one resource hub.
I will do my best to provide the quality you expect, as I already treasure your
support <3
I'm hoping to launch the tutorials in early 2015!
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You may be wondering why there's a need to create a pixel tutorial project when so many exist online. While there indeed are many tutorials out there, from personal experience I've noticed a few common issues:
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They never cover the more advanced techniques, and what pixel art fully has to offer as a medium.
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Tutorials often start by focusing on the authors work.
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They're not really tailored to artists; too wordy!
Visual arts are all about learning through observation.When reading art tutorials online,
I often realise how I just look at the images and skip the text walls entirely.
Images can easily convey what text can. Pixel-logic will be primarily image based, focusing on the visuals as much as possible to create clarity.
Likewise, pages will include .gifs when necessary.
Secondly, all tutorials will follow this structure:
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My focus is on providing the resources and examples for you to discover and refine your own style at your own pace. You won't get lost. I'll always get straight to the point. You only learn what matters to you. Whether you want to learn about the basics, or tackle the more complex topics (such as sub-pixeling or animation techniques), you'll be covered.
What also makes Pixel-Logic different from other tutorials is that I will always start with examples from actual video games. I won't dissect my own art like most artists do. I believe there is so much to be learned from video-game history.
You've tried the rest, now read the best!
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Hi! I'm Michael. I've been making pixel art since 2004. Pixel art is only one of the many things I enjoy doing. Nonetheless, it's what most people know me for! I graduated college as a Language Teacher in 2012. I studied Pedagogy because not only does it allow me to teach, but it helped me to learn things easier myself. After 2 years I decided to take a break from teaching and became a freelancer, working for friends, companies and clients. But I figured: Why not combine both?
Most people know me as my online handles
Frario and
Michafrar.
My artistic experiences include:
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Many niche subjects, like pixel art, are never touched upon in real life. Teaching isn't just about the standard subjects. It's about sharing any knowledge and giving back to the community.
Around 2013, I started getting loads of requests to make tutorials. People really liked the titbits of information I'd post and asked: "Do you have more!?". The urge to make people happy became bigger! :D
Additionally, the industry of independent games has seen a rise. More and more developers show enthusiasm and pay tribute to the golden age of video games. If anything this is a better time than ever to do this. I want to reach out and help those who want to learn new things.
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Sprites will be similar to these in canvas: [
x] [
x] [
x] [
x] [
x]
(Make sure you check the updates for more details and rules for commissions)
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In order to achieve this goal, there won't be too many challenges, however:
- Proof-reading takes time.
- I want to put in as much content in as possible; yet be concise.
- I want my tutorials to be accessible, easy to understand.
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Some people just can't contribute, but you can still show your love. You
can watch and follow the project from the sidelines and share it
around! I value your support :)
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Can I see a table of contents? Drafts?
Sure! It's susceptible to change as I want this to be accessible to all kinds of artists.
I'll update the campaign during the upcoming weeks so I'll post some drafts before it ends. I plan on keeping some of the budget to help fund a proper layout for the website. So what you'll see for now is the raw content. You can already see examples if you pause the video ;)
Why do you have fixed funding for just 30 days, on indiegogo?
I don't want to run away with your money if the funding won't reach its goal. I find it more reasonable and fair for everyone involved. I think 30 days is enough to see if my project is viable enough and that people believe in the project. I'd rather be honest with people and not teach for selfish reasons. I could extend it to 60 days but that's just ridicilous. I also want to replicate the Kickstarter system so people know what they're expecting
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Why Indiegogo and not Kickstarter?
Kickstarter is available in my country, but
only for backers. I
can't launch a project. Indiegogo is a great alternative.
Why are you giving away your tricks?
Why not?
When will these tutorials be released?After having finalised the layout design, I will periodically update it using the website but also a Tumblr. I'm aiming for 2 subjects every weekend!
If you praise visuals over text, why not use video format?Simple. learners like to skim information.
When we seek something really specific in a tutorial, we don't have the
patience to sit through 10 minutes of audio. Learners like to get
information, fast and efficiently. Pages, websites or blogs allow
that! I'm definitely not excluding video format however. I consider it
one of the best teaching methods!
Why contribute if you're using some sprites you didn't make?
It's like art history.
You learn from the past. An English
Teacher won't dissect his own book, now would he? That would be
ridiculous.
Occasionally, my art will appear to provide further examples, but I feel
it's pretentious to analyse my own art. My project uses video-game
sprites because
they founded the art-form of pixel art. The
visuals are used under fair use to teach and spread knowledge. I believe
knowledge is a RIGHT and should be FREE to whoever needs it.