Priya Kapoor
Paint Tool SAI is a software that can be used to create pixel art. To create pixel art, you first need to create a new canvas with a suitable resolution. You can then start sketching with the pen tool. It is recommended to keep the sketch clean and clear as it will be easier to pixelate. After sketching, you can start colouring your pixel art. It is better to use fewer colours for a cleaner look. You can then add shadows and highlights to your pixel art. Finally, you can use the Binary tool to fix any cluttered areas and add distinguishing features.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Canvas resolution | 450 x 450 px |
| Sketch layer opacity | 20-30% |
| Brush size | 1 px |
| Brush opacity | 100% |
| Number of colours | 2-3 |
| Line style | Narrow |
| Wings | Draw a white line between them to distinguish |
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What You'll Learn
Create a new canvas
To create pixel art in Paint Tool SAI, the first step is to create a new canvas. This canvas does not need to be big because you will be working with pixels. A resolution of 450 x 450 pixels is recommended.
Once you have created your new canvas, you can start sketching. Use the Pen tool to create a neat outline or sketch of what you want to draw. Try to make your sketch as clear and tidy as possible, as this will make it easier to pixelate. You can add motion to your image by choosing a dynamic pose.
After you are happy with your sketch, create a new layer on top of the sketch layer. Adjust the opacity of the sketch layer to 20-30%. You can now begin to pixelate your outline using the Binary tool, also known as the Pixel tool in some software versions. Make sure your brush has a 1 px size and 100% opacity, and take the time to make your lines as clean as possible.
You can experiment with different layers or canvases until you feel confident working with the Binary tool and satisfied with your outline. Don't be afraid to erase and start over if you make a mistake. Once your outline is complete, you can move on to filling in colors and adding shadows and highlights.
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Use the pen tool to sketch
When creating pixel art in Paint Tool SAI, the first step is to create a new canvas with a small resolution of around 450 x 450 px. This is because pixel art is detailed work, and a large canvas is unnecessary.
Now, take the Pen tool and start sketching! If you're creating a Pegasus, as in the tutorial, you can start by finding references of horses and bird wings. The clearer your sketch, the easier it will be to pixelate it, so try to make tidy lines. You can set the opacity of the sketch layer to 20-30% and create a new layer on top for your outline.
The Pen tool in Paint Tool SAI has a variety of uses. It can be used to create a basic structure for your pixel art with a black outline. You can also use the Pen tool for inking, with the size set to pen pressure, which is the default setting. This will allow you to control the thickness of your brush strokes, adding depth and rhythm to your drawing.
When using the Pen tool for sketching, you can set it up like a marker pen with 60-70% opacity and a thick brush on a small canvas. Alternatively, you can sketch with an airbrush set to 90 density, with pen pressure on density. Make sure the airbrush is set to hard so that the edges are clear.
You can also use the regular SAI pen for sketching and drawing, and this can be recreated in other programs like Krita.
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Pixel the outline
To create pixel art in Paint Tool SAI, you'll first need to create a new canvas with a small resolution—around 450 x 450 px. Then, take the pen tool and start sketching. The clearer your sketch, the easier it will be to pixelate it, so try to make tidy lines.
Once you have your sketch, it's time to pixel the outline. First, set the opacity of the sketch layer to 20-30% and create a new layer on top. Select the Binary tool (also known as the Pixel tool in some versions of the program) and start to pixel the outline. Make sure your brush is set to a 1 px size and 100% opacity. Try to make your lines as smooth as possible. If you're not confident using the Binary tool yet, you can experiment on a different layer or canvas until you get the hang of it. Remember, you can always erase any mistakes and start again.
When you're happy with your outline, merge down all the layers except for the sketch layer, which you can either delete or turn off its visibility. Now that the outline is complete, you can start filling in your creation with colour.
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Add base colours
Now that your pixel outline is complete, you can begin to fill your sketch with base colours. To do this, create a new layer below the lineart and start painting. You can paint your base colours separately using the Binary tool.
When drawing with pixels, you may feel inclined to use many colours to make your sketch look more realistic, but it's best to stick to a few colours. Using one base colour, and two colours each for shadows and light, will make your pixel art look cleaner. You can also experiment with adding one more bright colour for highlights. This new colour can be completely different from your main colour palette.
Once you've finished work with the base colours, you can move on to creating shadows. Create a new layer on top of your body base colour layer, and create a Clipping group for this layer, attaching it to the base colour layer. Now you can paint in this area without worrying about stepping out into other areas.
You can always erase mistakes and move on. Don't forget that you can experiment on a different layer or canvas until you feel confident.
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Create shadows and highlights
Creating shadows and highlights is an important step in adding depth and dimension to your pixel art creations in Paint Tool SAI. Here's a detailed guide to help you master this technique:
Creating Shadows:
Start by finishing work with your base colours. Then, create a new layer on top of your body base colour layer. This new layer will be dedicated to creating shadows. By clipping this new layer to the base colour layer, you can paint within its boundaries without affecting other areas of your artwork. It's important to resist the temptation to use too many colours for shadows. Stick to using just two colours for shadows and two colours for light, along with your base colour. This will give your pixel art a cleaner and more appealing look.
Using the Binary Tool:
Select the Binary tool (sometimes called the Pixel tool) and ensure your brush size is set to 1 px with 100% opacity. Start experimenting on a separate layer or canvas until you feel comfortable working with the Binary tool. You can always erase any mistakes and try again. When you're happy with your outline, merge down all layers except the sketch layer, which you can delete or turn off its visibility.
Adding Highlights:
To add highlights and create an interesting appeal to your pixel art, consider introducing one additional bright colour that is distinct from your main colour palette. For example, if you've primarily used earthy tones, an emerald green highlight can add a unique touch. Play around with colours and see what works best for your creation.
Layering for Illumination:
To create illumination effects, create two layers above your paint layer. Choose the "Multiply" or "Shade" option for one layer to create shadows, and select "Lightness" or "Lightening" for the other layer to add illumination. Remember to "trim" these layers so they don't extend beyond the painted areas. Use the second canister to activate trim mode and keep your work tidy.
By following these steps and experimenting with shadows and highlights, you can enhance the visual appeal of your pixel art creations in Paint Tool SAI. Remember to keep your colours limited and well-defined for a cleaner overall look. Happy pixel crafting!
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Frequently asked questions
Start by creating a new canvas with a small resolution, such as 450 x 450 px, as you will be working with pixels.
You can start sketching with the Pen tool. If you are drawing something with a lot of detail, like a Pegasus, it's a good idea to find references for each part.
Set the opacity of the sketch layer to 20-30% and create a new layer on top. Use the Binary tool (Pixel tool) to pixel the outline with a 1 px size and 100% opacity brush.
You can begin to fill your sketch with colour. It is better to use two colours for shadows, two colours for light, and a base colour. You can also add one more bright colour for highlights.
You can draw a white line between parts with the same colour palette, like wings, mane and tail. You can also create a new layer and use the Binary tool to fix cluttered areas.
