video games drawing simple

Simple Video Game Drawing: Tips and Techniques

By Thomas Thompson
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Have you ever thought about combining your love for video games with your artistic side? If you're new to digital art, you might be surprised to learn that drawing simple, fun, and engaging characters and elements from your favorite games can be easier than you imagine. This guide will take you through the basics of "video games drawing simple" techniques to help you start your artistic journey today.

Before we dive into the specifics, let's address the elephant in the room: you don't need exceptional drawing skills to create awesome video game-inspired art. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the key is to practice regularly and embrace the learning process.

Understanding Simple Retro Style

Many popular video games, especially older ones, use a retro or simplified art style that's perfect for beginners. By breaking down characters and objects into basic shapes and lines, you can create stunning pixel art or simplified 2D drawings.

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a black and white image of a video game controller
a black and white image of a video game controller
a drawing of mario from the nintendo video game super mario, with his eyes wide open
a drawing of mario from the nintendo video game super mario, with his eyes wide open
an old nintendo game console drawing
an old nintendo game console drawing

Consider iconic games like Minecraft, Terraria, or Super Mario Bros. Their simple yet distinctive style makes them easily recognizable and accessible to draw. By understanding the principles behind these styles, you'll be well on your way to creating your own video game-inspired art.

Mastering the Basics: Shapes and Lines

In any simplified gaming art style, you'll often start with basic shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, and triangles. These shapes form the foundation of characters and environments. Practice combining these shapes to create various forms and objects.

a drawing of a gameboy and some leaves
a drawing of a gameboy and some leaves
visit the site if ur bored<3
visit the site if ur bored<3
a black and white drawing of a nintendo wii game controller with four buttons on each side
a black and white drawing of a nintendo wii game controller with four buttons on each side

For example, a simple face could be composed of two ovals (for the eyes), a smaller oval (for the mouth), and a rectangle (for the nose). Experiment with different sizes, positions, and orientations to create unique characters and expressions.

Adding Details and Expressions

Once you're comfortable with basic shapes, you can start adding details and expressions to bring your characters to life. Remember, even in simplified styles, subtle changes can make a significant impact. Experiment with different line weights, shading techniques, and additional shapes to create unique features and accessories.

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Look at your favorite video game characters and study how their simplistic designs convey emotions and personality. Try to replicate those techniques in your own drawings, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on them.

How to Draw Shy Guy from Nintendo’s Super Mario in Instructional Lesson – How to Draw Step by Step Drawing Tutorials
How to Draw Shy Guy from Nintendo’s Super Mario in Instructional Lesson – How to Draw Step by Step Drawing Tutorials
a drawing of a video game controller
a drawing of a video game controller
a drawing of a cartoon character with the word boo on it's chest and mouth
a drawing of a cartoon character with the word boo on it's chest and mouth
How to draw: CUTE!
How to draw: CUTE!
the video games icon set is shown in black and white
the video games icon set is shown in black and white
a drawing of a video game controller with buttons on it's front and side
a drawing of a video game controller with buttons on it's front and side

Versatile Simple Drawing Techniques

As you develop your skills, you'll find that simple drawing techniques can be applied to various gaming styles and themes. From cute and cuddly to eerie and otherworldly, mastering these methods will give you the freedom to explore different artistic directions.

By understanding the fundamentals of simplified gaming art, you'll be better equipped to adapt your skills to new styles and challenges that spark your interest.

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Pixel Art and 8-bitnesia

Pixel art is a classic video game art style that involves creating intricate images using individual pixels. While it might look intimidating at first, with practice, you'll find that creating pixel art is all about patience and attention to detail. Start by breaking down your subject into a grid of squares, then fill in those squares with colors to create your image.

ノ⠀ ू ໋ ֪ 𝗕lɑck ! ۪ 𝆬 🕷️ ׅ ১
ノ⠀ ू ໋ ֪ 𝗕lɑck ! ۪ 𝆬 🕷️ ׅ ১
Super Mario 💗
Super Mario 💗

Remember, you don't need expensive software to create pixel art. Many free tools, like Piskel or Aseprite, can help you get started, and some even have built-in tutorials to guide you through the process.

Stylized Sketches and Line Art

Simplified sketches and line art are another popular gaming art style that allows for endless creativity. By focusing on clean lines and minimal shading, you can create striking black-and-white or colored illustrations inspired by your favorite games.

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Practice different line weights and stroke techniques to add texture and dimension to your drawings. Consider using reference photos or images from games to help you create your own unique take on classic characters and environments.

As you continue to explore the world of "video games drawing simple," remember that the key to improvement is consistent practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with new techniques and styles, and most importantly, have fun! Share your creations with others, join online communities, and learn from your fellow artists. Who knows where your newfound artistic journey will take you?

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