A pixel art guide for streamers
Why every pixel matters and how to get started
Learn how artists like Nick Woz create stunning pixel art, and discover the tools and communities to get started.
What makes pixel art special?
Pixel art might look simple at first glance, but there's an incredible amount of artistry and intention behind every pixel. Artists who create pixel art, like streamer and artist Nick Woz, understand that each pixel matters.
Pixel art has seen a massive renaissance over the past decade. It powers indie games, appears in modern merchandise, and has become a beloved art form in its own right. Our stream pets follow this creative tradition. You too can make some cozy furniture for your pet, as pixel art is more accessible than ever.
Who is the artist behind Pando?
NickWOZ, as he streams on Twitch, or just Woz, is the artist for almost every Pando pet. But he is more known as a game developer at Yacht Club Games, working on their flagship title, Shovel Knight. Among the pixel art community, Nick is well known for his high-quality work, especially character animations. A skill that might be the hardest thing to master. We started working with Nick in 2022, and every pet created was streamed live on Twitch.
Back in 2023, we had the pleasure of meeting Nick in L.A. and had a lovely lunch.
Watching artists on Twitch can be helpful for inspiration, asking questions, or even doing a live art critique. Don't be shy about jumping into the conversation and sharing your work, as it's a great way to learn and develop your skills.
Getting started: the tools you need
The good news? You don't need expensive software to create pixel art. Here's what we recommend: Aseprite (available on Steam).
Aseprite is great for pixel art and animation. It's specifically designed for this work, with tools built around the needs of pixel artists. And there are plenty of tutorial videos to help you start. If you're serious about pixel art, Aseprite is worth the investment.
Join the community: Cafe Dot
One of the best parts of creating art in general is sharing and inspiring others. So it helps if you join a community surrounding this topic. Cafe Dot (run by @tofupixel and friends) is an active Discord server where pixel artists gather to share work, get feedback, collaborate, and celebrate each other's creations. It's the digital equivalent of a coffee shop where artists hang out.
Joining a community Discord gives you:
- A space to share your work and get constructive feedback
- Inspiration from other artists
- Opportunities to collaborate on projects
- Tips, tricks, and tutorials from experienced artists
- A welcoming community that celebrates all skill levels
Why pixel art matters for Pando
If something is on your stream for such a long time, you want it to look good. The pixel art style is timeless, and its 2D appearance fits the surroundings (alerts, overlays, etc). This keeps the focus on the creator and your pet as the helpful sidekick your viewers love.
Start your pixel art journey
Ready to dive into pixel art? Here's the summary:
- Download Aseprite from Steam and explore its interface
- Watch artists on Twitch to see the process in action
- Connect with other artists in a Discord community
- Keep creating pixel art and have fun!
Make something cool and place it next to your Pando pet on the stream. Good luck! <3
