Hello, I am JHN STUDIO (Junghoon Nam). I spread cuteness to the world through pixel videos on my YouTube channel. Many people want to know how my pixel videos are being produced, and there have been many requests for classes. I was looking for the best way to share my working process, and so I have decided to teach you guys through Class101. Everything you may be wondering about, and the feeling of wanting to create images like mine on your own, I’ll help you get to where you want to be.

What is pixel art?

Remember Super Mario, a classic game we all enjoyed as a child? The simple graphics and the operation of the game were very simple, but it was a game that I used to play with my friend without knowing that time was flying by. The graphics that appear in the game is pixel art. It is also called “dot art” because it is a work expressed by dots rather than lines.

Currently, pixel art is being examined once again with a wave of retro craze. It seems to be appealing in that it can embrace all generations while giving nostalgic memories to people in their 30s and 40s and a new style to people in their 10s and 20s.

Here’s what you’ll learn

In this class, I will tell you how to make one pixel art video from start to finish.

Start by drawing small pixel art such as clouds, trees, buildings, and furniture! We are going to practice as much as possible so that you can get used to working with small dots and forming shapes little by little.

Next, you will complete various scenes by combining the pixel art that you have already completed. From the natural background of trees and clouds to the urban background of buildings and roads and the background of your room with furniture! Feel free to complete the background the way you like!

Lastly, I'll teach you how to draw a pixel-style character. Create cute pixel characters to live in your world, such as your favorite idol, avatar, and more. You will feel joy when you see the pixel characters that you create.

How does it work?

The work is done by putting together dots (pixels) on Illustrator, moving the image to Photoshop, and finally editing it into a video using Vegas.

Why do you need to work with Illustrator to create pixel art?!

Illustrator is a vector-based program, so there is no loss of size or image quality, making it very easy to resize after completing your work.

In addition, Photoshop and Illustrator are the programs that I started using when I first got into pixel art, so I created this class based on those programs.

Pixel art can be created with a variety of programs, so it's okay to observe how I work and then apply it to a program you’re more familiar with.

What is Photoshop's role in pixel art?

When you complete the basic image in Illustrator, Photoshop acts to create a GIF that adds movement to your image. In addition, it plays the additional role of color correction.

Final video editing in Vegas!

Vegas will complete the final editing process and create a video with the finished images.

There are many programs you need to use to get the job done, but you will only need the very basic functions of each program to take pixels, correct them, and turn them into images, so don't be afraid!

I'm not good at drawing. Will I be okay?

Basic drawing skills are not very important for pixel art. Although you’ll start with the illustrations I have set up for class, you can create anything you want through tracing, and since pixel art can be modified after completion, I don't think you will have any problems once you get a strong foundation through my class! For reference, I have only gotten around three months of art lessons

The hardest step is starting! Once you take that first step, you’ll see your cute pixel images come to life!