This project was for a marks and symbols class, in which we were to find or take a head-on image of ourselves, and convert the portrait into pixel art. Additionally, students were asked to choose and create an "inventory item" to pair along with the portrait; Something that related to the individual in some way. For my item, I chose my beloved cat, as she meant more than almost anything to me.
Process: Construction of the pixel image began, of course, with a photograph of myself. The image was taken into Adobe Illustrator, with a grid laid out over it. Choosing a 5-step value system, I first was to recreate the image in monochrome black and white values. The image was built through the grid overlay pixel by pixel, in a 48x48 grid. The 'inventory item' was then created the same way, using a picture reference, within a 24x24 grid. The monochrome version assisted students in properly distributing values, which then helped in creating a colored version using one of multiple limited palettes. The image was translated into color pixel by pixel, with slight adjustments made to values as needed. After review and revision of the portrait, we then did the same for the 'inventory item'. I decided to two different palettes for my inventory item, as I enjoyed seeing both a complimenting and contrasting one to the portrait itself.
Reflection: While a simpler project in terms of design, this turned out to be a beloved one. Pixel art has always piqued my interest, and to dip my hands in the waters of such fascinated me. I would absolutely love to explore it more, especially in the context of video game art!
