Modular Isometric Pixel Art | Tutorial

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  • Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
  • I’ve been experimenting with a new workflow for isometric pixel art design and wanted to share! In this video, I show how to create simple isometric pixel art structures from the same unit cell, and how this allows easy scaling into modular objects that fit together perfectly!
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    0:00 Intro
    0:27 Creating the Unit Cell
    1:14 Basic Shapes
    3:51 Turning the Shapes into Artwork
    5:49 CRT Time
    6:45 VID OVER
    ----
    Check out my art here:
    / brandonjamesgreer
    / bjgpixel
    INPRNT Shop: www.inprnt.com/gallery/bjgpixel/
    Redbubble Shop: rdbl.co/bjgpixel
    ----
    Software used: Adobe Photoshop 2022
    Need help picking a pixel art program? Watch this: • What Program to use fo...
    ----
    Title sequence theme music by Failpositive:
    www.failpositive.bandcamp.com/
    / failpositive
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 290

  • @dangerouscolors
    @dangerouscolors Рік тому +821

    this is actually revolutionary for me. im a pixel artist but never did the "rite of passage" of making isometric pieces due to my difficulty with spatial visualization but this would make building 3d forms so much easier!

    • @thoracis
      @thoracis Рік тому +10

      I hope this process helps you. Good luck! ❤

    • @goodfractalspoker7179
      @goodfractalspoker7179 Рік тому +1

      I think that is because this technique best represents architecture in real life from a fundamental Euclidean aspect. Peace!

    • @dexlovesgames_dlg
      @dexlovesgames_dlg 10 місяців тому

      Seems fun too I’m excited to try it out. Not that far off from what I imagined, but now I don’t have to sort out the intricacies. Also I’m not tryna main art

  • @andeythomas7534
    @andeythomas7534 Рік тому +31

    "i hope you found this workflow useful"
    homie i feel like you just blew my mind. i've always struggled with trying to conceptualize some creative process and some way to get a finished piece out of my beginner level artistic skills. i felt like this opened up a whole new world and super quick way to start building up my skillset and actually giving into those creative urges!

  • @Chironyx
    @Chironyx Рік тому +436

    Quick tip, rather than having your squares be a 1:1 ratio (16x16, 32x32), try to have them as 1:1.10 (16x18, 32x35)
    If you keep them at 1:1, blocks of different heights will perfectly align and will throw off the depth of your piece and reduce its readability
    It will also appear more correct, if you'll look up an isometric cube, you'll notice that it's actually slightly taller than it is wide.
    The math isn't exactly 1:1.1, but that'll mostly be accurate and is all I can explain without external links, I think my previous comment got deleted because of links.

    • @valdenorjunior4171
      @valdenorjunior4171 Рік тому +20

      hey, where can I find more info/resources about it? what should I search for? I am curious in how different it looks and why one over the other would be prefered

    • @Chironyx
      @Chironyx Рік тому

      @@valdenorjunior4171
      It seems any comments with links get automatically deleted, try googling 'eniko fox / enichan isometric cube', you'll see a comparison.

    • @estebanod
      @estebanod Рік тому +3

      What!?

    • @phillipgan
      @phillipgan Рік тому +36

      @@valdenorjunior4171 an example of the problem can be seen at 5:57 in the video with the roof piece. The roof has the appearance that its off centered because of how it perfectly overlaps the blocks on the pillars.

    • @TheSpekhtra
      @TheSpekhtra Рік тому +21

      there is actually many different isometric perspective variations that all over the world. This approach is the “real “ isometric one and the one that you are talking about is called “dimetric” because there are 2 angles that are same and 1 is different, the last one is called trimetric which is every angle is different. but you should note that the curves have also different regulations in the world that varies from region to region. ayou can choos whatever you like.

  • @stonecoat_art
    @stonecoat_art Рік тому +17

    as someone who was a sculptor for years and got into pixel art only a couple of years ago, this is exactly the kind of crossover I needed. thank you

  • @squirll4828
    @squirll4828 Рік тому +124

    An interesting thing in iso-pixel art, is that you can focus on the parts you do want to make, unlike in minecraft or lego, where you'd have to take more perspectives into account

    • @LoraLoibu
      @LoraLoibu Рік тому +10

      they cannot see the unfinished back side

    • @doriantermini
      @doriantermini Рік тому +14

      @@LoraLoibu Grian would love this type of building, he'd never need to make backs to any of his builds.

    • @stephen_2091
      @stephen_2091 Рік тому +3

      ​@@doriantermini 💀

  • @ulrickai
    @ulrickai Рік тому +93

    As someone who still struggles with the isometric look two years later and who kinda fears doing it, this actually is SUPER useful and is making me excited to try out making some more isometric works. So glad you made this video since this will help me out so much in the future~!

  • @nittayoshifumi8252
    @nittayoshifumi8252 Рік тому +22

    seeing the blocks move during the CRT time makes it feel like old timey tv commercials on a brand new block toy, or educational videos for kids. great vibes!

  • @yo5tan
    @yo5tan Рік тому +71

    While this doesn't necessarily make the process more efficient, it certainly makes it substantially more accessible, and that's something always worthy of praise!

  • @pipotm
    @pipotm Рік тому +24

    its incredible how when you get creative there is really so many cool structures you can craft with just cubes and wedges,
    and seeing it go from a grid pattern to having texture and finally being a complete building is so satisfying.

  • @alu2901
    @alu2901 Рік тому +13

    I could actually see a strategy game about radios working and being pretty fun! Maybe with more types of media it could actually have a Rock Paper Scissors style balancing system, with the goal being to dominate the oposing side's communications building.
    As for the tutorial: This "cell" system sounds cool, and as always, the result was very good! I will try it. Maybe then I could make an Isomatric piece!

    • @BJGpixel
      @BJGpixel  Рік тому +6

      Thanks! Yeah it's even quite fun to just move the blocks around and experiment with what to build! Hmm love the idea of the rock/paper/scissors balancing for the strategy game; maybe there's something there after all! :D

  • @Jonas-Seiler
    @Jonas-Seiler Рік тому +6

    I have no experience with pixel art whatsoever and I’m generally pretty artistically inept, but this seems like something I could pick up and produce quality artwork with in a few hours. Genius.

  • @thatanimeweirdo
    @thatanimeweirdo Рік тому +3

    I love how this mirrors the workflow for 3d level design, where you create a blockout of a level and create props and cliffs after being happy with the general shape

  • @eboatwright_
    @eboatwright_ Рік тому +4

    6:11 This is amazing, it looks like it would be in a top down isometric adventure / puzzle game

  • @_miamango_
    @_miamango_ Рік тому +15

    I never thought off doing this! Now I'm inspired to do more isometric pixel art illustrations❤

  • @purplegunpowder1997
    @purplegunpowder1997 Рік тому +8

    Really good for isometric map building where consistency is important throughout. Thanks for the tips!

  • @angrypotato_fz
    @angrypotato_fz Рік тому +8

    The assembly/disassembly animations look very cool :)

  • @CKTDanny
    @CKTDanny Рік тому +10

    Watching those blocks side together is blissss 😌
    Awesome demonstration of isometric pixel art principles! It's especially cool to see that it was all done within Photoshop with layers. Very crispy 😎
    Awesome CRT Time as usual!! 6:31 has to be my fav piece this time. It's giving me some very pleasant slice of life vibes ✨

    • @BJGpixel
      @BJGpixel  Рік тому +6

      Thanks dude! It's so satisfying to see it the exploded views come together and build up. I'd love to also lay this out like the instruction manual of a Lego set, and label all the pieces and steps, etc. 😅
      And thanks, I love how even something like a simple shop on the corner looks in this perspective - the 3-colour palette is quite nice to work with for the lighting/contrast as well! :D

    • @CKTDanny
      @CKTDanny Рік тому +3

      @@BJGpixel Oh man the Lego instructions layout idea is awesome, would love to see that one day!! 🤩

  • @oAndreGabs
    @oAndreGabs 25 днів тому

    My god! That's so simple, versitile and fun!

  • @mr_catfry
    @mr_catfry Рік тому +2

    The way the pieces of buildings come together reminds of building things in the lego games

  • @DarkChaosMC
    @DarkChaosMC Рік тому +8

    I’ve been waiting so long for a quality tutorial of this. Can’t thank you enough!

    • @Metrocysh
      @Metrocysh Рік тому +2

      (They've been waiting for so long!)
      Heart-beat, Heart-beat, Heart-beat, Heart

    • @Orenshaii
      @Orenshaii 3 місяці тому +1

      ⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@MetrocyshWas NOT expecting to see a Rhythm Doctor reference here

    • @Metrocysh
      @Metrocysh 3 місяці тому +1

      @@Orenshaii Haha, thought no one would notice!!

  • @anthonymorris8891
    @anthonymorris8891 Рік тому +2

    I was trying to make my own assets for G-Develop and making modular pieces like this was a great way to learn some perspective. The sprites were just place holders, and that was huge because it kept my brain from getting hung up on the aesthetics. 10/10 would recommend making these assets for yourself.

  • @jameshills6314
    @jameshills6314 Рік тому +3

    That's soo cool. I appreciate the mini tutorial. The idea of creating a kind of lego block system is genius.

  • @mehwish36
    @mehwish36 Рік тому +1

    always so excited whenever you upload a video :D

  • @MondayHopscotch
    @MondayHopscotch Рік тому +3

    Dang. Per usual, I'm just sitting here amazed at how you convey ideas while showing off your skill at pixel art as a whole. Thanks for continuing to put out great and inspiring content!

  • @mattgreen753
    @mattgreen753 Рік тому +1

    That is so freakin' cool!

  • @lyfe345
    @lyfe345 26 днів тому

    using this for my game. thanks!

  • @joshuwamckinsey5666
    @joshuwamckinsey5666 Рік тому +1

    I make Pixel Art Battle Maps for my DnD Campaigns. Doing a Technique like this will absolutely BLOW my Players Minds.

  • @heifjee3453
    @heifjee3453 Рік тому +1

    Ty for the help !

  • @shoespeak
    @shoespeak Рік тому

    the CRT animations are sooooooo nice to watch. so satisfying. this was awesome!

  • @thistle1923
    @thistle1923 Рік тому

    this is huge! thanks!!

  • @jonathancamarena3117
    @jonathancamarena3117 Рік тому

    Great video!
    Thank you!

  • @spooon5357
    @spooon5357 Рік тому +7

    Really great video! I wonder how you would go about making isometric pixel art in a more lineless style. I've tried to do it many times, but I've had a bit of trouble.
    Also, I'd be super interested to see your take on making character sprites from a pre-rendered 3D models like in Donkey Kong Country. I feel like that method has a lot of unexplored potential to be used in conjunction with this sort of isometric pixel art. I tried it with Blender and got some really cool results!

  • @guilhermemachonikuscrottiu6268

    Brilliant. Thanks.

  • @RichardFiling
    @RichardFiling 3 місяці тому

    Brilliant!

  • @bugpocket
    @bugpocket Рік тому

    This is so cool!!!

  • @oddysay
    @oddysay Рік тому

    Your videos never fail to disappoint !

  • @FrozyMega
    @FrozyMega Рік тому +1

    That's actually so great! I'll need to try this soon, because the final effect looks amazing with all those small pieces attached.

  • @healzart4279
    @healzart4279 Рік тому

    wow this is awesome!!

  • @rasmadrak
    @rasmadrak Рік тому

    The joy and love for pixel artwork hasn't diminished since the 80's for me!

  • @ToniaGlitched
    @ToniaGlitched Рік тому +2

    oh my, this is a really great technic tbh, and also, your creations look neat as always

  • @ninja55111
    @ninja55111 Рік тому

    Amateur pixel artist here, your one of the reasons I started this journey! Its fun even if it's and your videos are the best content I have found on how to do pixel art. Just wanted to comment to both boost the video and show my thanks!

  • @BVK.
    @BVK. Рік тому

    YEEEESSS!!! This would do wonders for my cousin!

  • @Ax2u
    @Ax2u Рік тому +1

    Seeing a new video from you never fails to put a smile on my face. Lovely stuff, keep it up!

  • @Kenndo69420
    @Kenndo69420 Рік тому

    Oh my god this is amazing. You are genuinely my favorite UA-cam channel as of late.

  • @dialest
    @dialest 10 місяців тому

    I've been drawing isometric geometry since I was six, and that came with me when I started working on pixel art, but I never thought about approaching it in this modular way. You've really kind of blown my mind.
    So often, there are instructional videos that are correct, but implementing the information feels predicated on already possessing the instructor's skill level. In just seven minutes, you have improved me as an artist. Thank you so much!

  • @cream422
    @cream422 Рік тому

    I'm watching out for your new videos not just because you're my inspiration/motivation to improve, but also a life saver!

  • @foxclower
    @foxclower 4 місяці тому

    I can't wait to try out this medhod. I've been really overwhelmed by complex objects and been avoiding it, but this makes it very easy to visualize and block out the shapes.

  • @CubeAtlantic
    @CubeAtlantic Рік тому

    This is actually visually-appealing & serene to see direct pixels cubes look this isometric & a rest of realistic :)

  • @3BeatSketcher
    @3BeatSketcher Рік тому +5

    Recently found your channel. Absolutely love your work! You've actually helped to get me over an art block and got me inspired to draw again and try out making my own pixel art! Keep up the amazing work!

  • @Arachnid-Man
    @Arachnid-Man Рік тому +1

    YOU INSPIRE ME!! Time to jump into Asprite again.

  • @ARDIZsq
    @ARDIZsq Рік тому +3

    Oooh, this is a game changer. I might have to use this technique in the future.

  • @simeonsmith785
    @simeonsmith785 Рік тому

    Really inspiring! Thanks!

  • @sanderbos4243
    @sanderbos4243 Рік тому

    Awesome!

  • @geometryfgcb
    @geometryfgcb 5 місяців тому

    This is absurdly satisfying to both watch and do.

  • @Hekkenok
    @Hekkenok Рік тому

    this style of art is actually really amazing, want to give it a try when I get home

  • @ElDonitazz
    @ElDonitazz Рік тому

    :ooo the best technique for isometric buildings!!!!

  • @zackpi7874
    @zackpi7874 Рік тому +1

    this is an awesome concept!

  • @Skeffles
    @Skeffles Рік тому

    Brilliant! I love seeing all the components come together as one.

  • @Factoum
    @Factoum Рік тому +1

    I love youtube. It's like learning and enjoying ur time at the same time.
    Thank you sir for this video !

  • @Therealmrmeow
    @Therealmrmeow Рік тому

    Super dope Brandon!

  • @NefariousHippie
    @NefariousHippie Рік тому

    This makes isometric art seem much more accessible and I want to give it a try now

  • @dustieboots546
    @dustieboots546 Рік тому

    This looks so beautiful. I'm really into pixel art but i haven't seen this kind of style in creating pixel art. This is very useful for game creation, instead of creating individual houses, we can easily copy paste the base form and just start adding details into it. Thank you for this!

  • @andrewsneacker1256
    @andrewsneacker1256 Рік тому

    Duuuuudeee! This is sooo coool!

  • @erioto1115
    @erioto1115 Рік тому +1

    This helps a lot! Thankyou, I always seem to struggle when it comes to shape in genral, so this will be a great tool to put in my tool box!

  • @ZaynNaz
    @ZaynNaz Рік тому

    I AM AMAZED. Been doing art for many years and I'm mind blown

  • @DavidBrocekArt
    @DavidBrocekArt Рік тому

    I've been doing pixel art professionally for quite some time now, but damn, those isometric scenes, they will kill me one day.
    Thank you for this.

  • @SirDrasticG
    @SirDrasticG Рік тому

    I literally learned how to make voxel art because i kinda struggled with isometric, even tho i manage to made one back then lol, now with this idea i can see/understand it now. Thanks Brandon

  • @TetsuDeinonychus
    @TetsuDeinonychus Рік тому

    This is like the "cheat sheet" I've always wanted for making isometric art. Nice!

  • @madmaster3d
    @madmaster3d Рік тому

    wow man nice tutorial
    ty

  • @EliezerGrawe
    @EliezerGrawe 20 днів тому

    Nice technique. 🎉

  • @Maggi1108
    @Maggi1108 8 днів тому

    Your videos make me want to try pixel art for the first time of my life. :)

  • @bronson8x993
    @bronson8x993 10 місяців тому +1

    This is amazing. I love to watch new buildings and worlds come into life. Makes me wanna make a huge pixel art game world just to wander around. Then build up native folks and some weird lore. This is so inspirational, thank you. Subscribed.

  • @a_puntato29
    @a_puntato29 Рік тому +2

    this is so awesome! i wish you got more views nowadays brandon :c

  • @Frostbyte-Studio-2
    @Frostbyte-Studio-2 Рік тому +1

    you will never cease to amaze me. thank you for being who you are

  • @HerrDoktorWeberMD
    @HerrDoktorWeberMD 8 місяців тому

    This tutorial was something I always kind of knew, but seeing it done in front of me has locked it in... I'm absolutely using isometric tiles to build my game world. This process will be hugely helpful in making buildings and stuff, and Godot has a pretty easy to use tilemap system for everything else, like terrain, fences, doodads, player-built stuff... your videos have me hyped, I thank you a ton.

  • @strixpixels
    @strixpixels Рік тому

    I've wanted to try isometric for ages. This is going to be a big help.

  • @renn93
    @renn93 Рік тому

    yoooow! this is so informative. thanks for sharing

  • @Daniel__Nobre
    @Daniel__Nobre Рік тому

    Awesome video!

  • @minorseven8134
    @minorseven8134 Рік тому

    Awesome video, truly inspiring and at the same time relaxing to watch ^^

  • @jeenxd1499
    @jeenxd1499 Рік тому

    Wow this is such an innovative idea!

  • @thewatcher7579
    @thewatcher7579 Рік тому

    This is so cool

  • @Jimbo1221
    @Jimbo1221 Рік тому

    so fun!!

  • @rmt3589
    @rmt3589 Рік тому +1

    Love the concept. I'm using voxel art, and will need to figure out building modularity. This'll be great for inspiration!

  • @muchammadarkamanggala
    @muchammadarkamanggala Рік тому

    This looks fun to do, I'm gona try it

  • @inuinuinuinuinu
    @inuinuinuinuinu Рік тому

    Beautiful and so well explained! You’re as talented teacher as you are an artist. I would love to see how you approach isometric character designs, such as those in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance someday.

    • @pixelsbykris5494
      @pixelsbykris5494 Рік тому

      Not quite the exact thing you're looking for, but he DOES have a video where he made an isometric RPG battle screen mock-up.

  • @uri1011
    @uri1011 Рік тому

    це справді геніально та дуже просто у використаніі, дякую)))

  • @hunam_
    @hunam_ Рік тому

    thank you so much

  • @UzumakiheroGaming
    @UzumakiheroGaming Рік тому

    This made my brain go 😮. It's like that itch I used to have for Minecraft now focused elsewhere

  • @paranoidpumpkin98
    @paranoidpumpkin98 Рік тому

    Very interesting, I will have to give it a try

  • @burning_apple9967
    @burning_apple9967 Рік тому

    thanks Brandon you helped me in my game a lot!

  • @DSIan
    @DSIan Рік тому

    Awesome.

  • @t3st3d
    @t3st3d Рік тому

    that looks nice

  • @umapessoa6051
    @umapessoa6051 Рік тому +1

    Love your art style

  • @theolebrave1713
    @theolebrave1713 Рік тому

    SO SMART. This is the best art advice ive seen in a while. great video!

  • @Parzival031
    @Parzival031 Рік тому +1

    I was just trying to make an isometric piece, this video has a great timing

  • @Gaven7r
    @Gaven7r Рік тому

    wow, just wow!
    Something so simple, yet, so mindblowing.
    this was a really cool pixelart video!

  • @sparklygames71
    @sparklygames71 Рік тому

    This is so cool, im gonna have to give pixel art a try now

  • @davidkonevky7372
    @davidkonevky7372 Рік тому +1

    I'm such a fan of isometric pixel art. Probably why I liked to play habbo for the aestethic and left instantly when I learnt you have essentially nothing to do unless you pay money 😅

  • @cailreagh9398
    @cailreagh9398 Рік тому

    This was my FAV video you have ever done. It is soooooooo goood.

  • @scooter3699
    @scooter3699 Рік тому

    So cool.