First attempt at pixel art, could anyone show me how to do a walk cycle?
Thursday, March 26, 2020 - 12:17
This is my attempt at a pixel art of Napoleon for a historical game i'm making using a reference. I then did an idle animation for it. I'm sort of stuck on how to do a walk cycle. I did try moving the arms and boots and modifying them, but it never looked right. Could any of you guys make one for me to show me how to do it? Thank you for reading
Attachments:
you might want to use an already animated nude base body.
https://opengameart.org/content/tiny-16-basic (16x16)
http://lpc.opengameart.org/static/lpc-style-guide/assets.html#characters-and-base (32x32)
https://opengameart.org/node/67861 (24x32)
I've tried using various spritesheets and its not worked out i cant include the detail as well on those bases, like the LPC spritesheet is in the wrong perspective for the game i plan to make, i just cant seem to get it right
Ok I had a quick go mate here are some pointers.....
1. When you draw sprites start with basic shapes. If you can tell what it is without detail, youre off to a good start.
see - start with shapes image.
2. Then you need to decide on a light source. Top left/right is an easy choice. Body parts that are further back are darker.
see - light source pic.
3. You used too many colours which leads to unnecessary pixel placement. A base colour, shadow and highlight are all that is needed for each part of the sprite. Sometimes only 2 colours will suffice.
4. Youre idle animation was a little busy. 4 frames for breathing is ok. If you want to add the blink then extend it to 8 frames.
see attached gif.
5. A very simple walk can be achieved in 4 frames. Its a bit like a waddle.
see attached gif.
6. I also did a better walk but that requires a lot of re-drawing so its best to start with static characters so you get good at identifying and using shapes. Then animation becomes easier.
see attached gif.
7. use a grid in your editor of choice to make a sprite sheet. This character fits well in a 36 x 36px frame.
see grid example image.
Hope that helps!
Holy shit man! Thank you for the pointers and the example! Once i get this sort of stuff down i will definitely contribute some art here.