This page features a collection of articles and essays by pixel artist Jude Buffum, an award-winning illustrator and designer with more than 20 years of professional experience in commercial art and design. As part of the first generation raised on 8-bit video games, Jude explores pixel art as both a craft and a cultural language.
Topics range from pixel art history and critique to practical tutorials, art direction insights, and guidance for brands and creative directors looking to hire a pixel artist. Each article is grounded in real-world experience across games, advertising, branding, and editorial illustration, with the goal of helping readers better understand the pixel art medium and its cultural relevance.
Pixel Art Articles and Essays by Jude Buffum
Who is the Best Pixel Artist?
A curated, opinionated breakdown of the most influential pixel artists working today, what each is best at, and how their work continues to shape the medium across games, animation, education, and commercial illustration.
How to Hire a Pixel Artist
Hiring the right pixel artist can make or break your project. Learn what to look for in portfolios, questions to ask, and how to avoid costly mistakes when bringing pixel art into your brand, game, or campaign.
How to keep your pixel art crisp in Photoshop
Photoshop isn’t built for pixel art, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get crispy results. These three quick setting tweaks will keep your pixels clean, sharp, and blur-free.
Top Ten Things New Pixel Artists Should Know
If you're new to the medium, here are ten things that can help you build a strong foundation and develop your own style without picking up a ton of bad habits along the way.