#customizable access

[ural21yui]

Innovative Ways to Enhance Your Smart Home with SwitchBot Smart Locks

The smart home industry is rapidly evolving, and SwitchBot is leading the charge with its innovative smart lock solutions. These locks not only provide enhanced security but also offer convenience and ease of use, making them a fantastic addition to any modern home.

SwitchBot smart locks are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing door hardware, allowing for keyless entry while maintaining the traditional look of your doors. With features like remote access via a smartphone app, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re at home or away.

Installation is a breeze, requiring no special tools or extensive renovations. SwitchBot's user-friendly design means that anyone can set it up in just a few minutes. Plus, with compatibility with voice assistants, you can control your lock hands-free, making your smart home even smarter.

In addition to security, SwitchBot smart locks offer customizable access settings. You can easily grant temporary access to guests or service providers, allowing them to enter your home without needing to share a physical key. This feature is perfect for busy families or individuals who want to manage their home access efficiently.

Overall, SwitchBot is making strides in the smart home industry, and their smart locks are a testament to innovation and modern living. Embrace the future of home security with SwitchBot and enjoy the convenience that comes with it!

[meganbrooks8616]

Revolutionizing Home Security: SwitchBot's Door Lock with Passcode

In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, SwitchBot has emerged as a trailblazer, offering innovative solutions that seamlessly blend convenience and security. One of their standout products is the Door Lock with Passcode, a game-changer in the realm of home access control.

With the SwitchBot Door Lock, you can bid farewell to the hassle of traditional keys and embrace the future of keyless entry. This cutting-edge device allows you to unlock your door with a simple passcode, eliminating the risk of lost or misplaced keys. Its sleek design and user-friendly interface ensure a seamless integration into any modern home décor.

But the true brilliance of the SwitchBot Door Lock lies in its advanced security features. Powered by state-of-the-art encryption technology, your passcode remains impenetrable, safeguarding your home from unwanted intrusions. Additionally, the lock offers customizable access settings, enabling you to grant temporary or permanent access to trusted individuals, such as family members or service providers.

Seamless integration with other smart home devices is another hallmark of the SwitchBot Door Lock. Through the intuitive SwitchBot app, you can effortlessly control and monitor your lock from anywhere. Receive real-time notifications when someone enters or exits your home, and rest assured knowing that your property is secure.

Experience the ultimate convenience and peace of mind with the SwitchBot Door Lock with Passcode. Embrace the future of home security and unlock a world of possibilities with this innovative solution from SwitchBot.

[v41entine]

20$ on steam for anyone interested ✨️

[grineerios]

(Temporary) Character Masterlist

TENNO

Operator Kaine- Hot-headed and impulsive, Kaine was a Yuvan before becoming a Tenno. Hates amps, and typically rejects Tenno culture. Embraces the Void and all its horrors. Doesn't get along with his Drifter counterpart, Callan. Madurai.

Operator Rufus- Fearful and naïve, Rufus awoke from the Second Dream under unusual circumstances. He lacks a connection to the Tenno, and his Gauss is his closest friend. Vazarin.

Drifter Callan- A stubborn, anxious man. Callan is avoidant of his own problems, but will face others' head-on. Took on the role of a Tammherd while in Duviri. Sees himself as a guardian to his Operator counterpart, Kaine, but struggles with having a good relationship with him. Deals with chronic pain as the result of a run-in with a Void Angel. Strongly dislikes transference. Naramon.

WARFRAMES

Kaine's Volt- Standard Volt, sole warframe of Kaine's. He tends to work as a counterbalance to Kaine's impulsivity and powerful emotions. Doesn't remember much from before the Old War. Full of personality, but lacks independence from Kaine.

Callan's Oberon- Standard Oberon, helps Callan manage his void injury. Independent, but hollow. Met Callan during the New War after his Operator was killed.

Rufus' Gauss- Standard Gauss. An infestation scientist who formerly worked for Archemedian Silvana before becoming a warframe voluntarily. Rufus' caretaker. Fully independent and sapient. Spiteful towards Cephalon Anum for blackmailing her throughout the course of the Old War.

Radio (Octavia)- Octavia Prime. A chipper and energetic warframe safeguarding a Tenno who hasn't awoken from the Second Dream. She and her Tenno are somewhat co-conscious.

Sibir (Sevagoth)- Standard Sevagoth. A Tennoless warframe found deep under the surface of Deimos in a locked Isolation Vault. Seems to have a burning hatred for all things Entrati.

SOLARIS

Crux- Wannabe treasure hunter and archaeologist. Fascinated by Orokin treasures and junk. Defacto leader of a small group of Solaris ice miners in Neptune Proxima. Has an Eximus Shockwave MOA leg for an arm. Has a pet Kubrow pup named Auron.

Febe- Originally a Fortuna Solaris. A mother. Trying to pay off debt so her kids- wherever they are- don't have to carry that weight in their lifetimes. After a work accident, couldn't afford to get an arm replaced, so Crux shifted her to working in analytics, data, and shipping. Firm, but incredibly loving.

Lanthan- Crux's second-in-command for negotiations. Grounded and patient. They're insistent about hearing both sides of an argument. A skilled artist in their spare time. Has feelings for Copernius.

Copernius- A disgraced former Corpus Crewman, he became a Solaris as a form of punishment after his squadron failed to repel a Tenno attack. With a new name, and a (somewhat) new body, he seeks penance through his work. He's solitary, and doesn't get along with the other Solaris, or the Corpus, making him quite the outsider.

KAINE'S RAILJACK CREW

Cabu Fakk- Steel Meridian Defender, spiteful and aloof. Has so many problems, and takes a lot of time off because of it. Has a love-hate relationship with other Grineer, and her faction as a result. Ship's on-board Komi champion. Has a begrudging respect for Kaine and zero for Callan. Incredibly gay. Close to Maroo.

Log-Rec Avarke- Cephalon Suda Gunner. Oblivious and naive, but true to herself. Aromantic, in a relationship with Cabu. Not super interested in Railjacks, but knows lots of niche facts about aspects of it, and will tell you about them.

Gallo Hirtu- Perrin Sequence back-up Pilot. Autistic as all hell, special interest is coins and, to a lesser degree, metal. Obsessed with the history of the Corpus. Will infodump on helm to Cabu and Avarke. Avarke appreciates it, Cabu does not. Has a one-sided crush on Callan, but has complicated feelings about it as he sees Kaine like a little brother.

Rex Sonokiza- Hexis Defender. A nigh-elderly Arbiter who chose to pursue Railjack work instead of retirement. Seeking fulfilment in life by helping others. Distant from the other members of the crew.

OTHERS

Cephalon Anum- Gauss' Cephalon. Spiteful towards her for blackmailing them for centuries. Sarcastic, but genuinely cares for Rufus, even if they're resentful towards his warframe.

Velondis Hotarbu- Converted Kuva Lich. A doting aunt figure to Operator Kaine.

[meatlessmcmuffin]

proving myself as the #1 rouge fan by making a rouge bjd ( i have never made or owned a bjd before )

[benjokovar77]

Exploring the Future of Home Security with SwitchBot Smart Locks

The smart home industry is rapidly evolving, and one of the standout brands making waves is SwitchBot. Their innovative smart locks are designed to enhance your home security while providing unparalleled convenience.

SwitchBot smart locks offer a seamless integration with your existing door hardware, allowing you to upgrade your home without the need for extensive renovations. With features like remote access, you can lock or unlock your doors from anywhere using your smartphone. This means you can grant access to friends, family, or service providers even when you're not at home, ensuring peace of mind.

Additionally, SwitchBot smart locks come equipped with advanced security features, such as tamper alerts and customizable access codes. You can easily manage who has access to your home and when, making it perfect for busy households.

Embrace the future of home security with SwitchBot smart locks, where innovation meets convenience, making your life easier and your home safer!

[capifinasep2]

How Business Line of Credit from Capifina Can Help You Scale

Is your business ready to grow but worried about cash flow? A business line of credit from Capifina provides the flexibility to access funds when needed without the burden of long-term debt. Whether you're investing in inventory, expanding operations, or covering unexpected expenses, this financing option gives you control over your working capital. With fast approvals, flexible repayment options, and no collateral requirements, Capifina helps businesses scale without financial strain. Discover how a business line of credit can fuel your growth.

Why Choose Capifina’s Business Line of Credit?

Not all financing solutions offer the flexibility your business needs. Capifina’s business line of credit provides fast access to funds, with approvals up to $250,000 within 24 hours. Repayment is flexible, allowing you to choose weekly or monthly payments based on your cash flow. Unlike traditional loans, you only pay interest on what you use, giving you greater control over expenses. Plus, no collateral is required, and you can access funds anytime without reapplying, ensuring your business has the capital it needs to grow.

What is a Business Line of Credit?

A business line of credit is a flexible financing solution that allows businesses to access funds up to a predetermined limit. Unlike a traditional loan that provides a lump sum, a business line of credit lets you withdraw funds as needed and only pay interest on what you use. This funding option is ideal for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations, need to cover short-term expenses, or want a financial cushion for unexpected costs.

Benefits of a Business Line of Credit

Improved Cash Flow – Keep your business financially stable by managing expenses efficiently.

Quick Access to Funds – Get approved and receive capital within 24 to 48 hours when needed.

No Long-Term Debt – Use the funds as required without committing to lengthy repayment terms.

Flexible Usage – Cover your essential expenses like payroll, inventory, marketing, or unexpected costs.

Lower Interest Costs – Pay interest only on the amount you withdraw, reducing overall borrowing expenses.

How to Use a Business Line of Credit

Inventory Purchases – Stock up on essential products without straining your cash reserves, ensuring you meet customer demand.

Payroll and Expenses – Keep operations running smoothly by ensuring employees and vendors are paid on time.

Seasonal Fluctuations – Manage cash flow effectively during peak seasons or slower business periods.

Marketing and Growth – Invest in advertising, promotions, and expansion efforts to scale your business.

Emergency Funding – Handle unexpected costs quickly without disrupting daily operations or long-term plans.

Get the Flexibility Your Business Needs with Capifina

Scaling your business shouldn’t come with financial stress. With a business line of credit from Capifina, you gain flexible, on-demand access to capital without the burden of long-term debt. Whether you need to manage cash flow, invest in growth, or cover unexpected expenses, Capifina has a financing solution tailored to your needs. Apply now at Capifina and take your business to the next level.

[instacapsep]

InstaCap: Boost Small Business Growth with Lines of Credit

Are you a small business owner seeking reliable funding to fuel growth? InstaCap is your trusted partner, offering tailored financial solutions such as lines of credit. We provide the capital you need to manage cash flow, expand operations, or prepare for unforeseen expenses. With over 10 years of experience, InstaCap ensures your business has the flexibility and financial support to thrive, offering the best funding options to help you reach your business goals and unlock new opportunities.

Why InstaCap Gives You the Edge Over Competitors

InstaCap offers personalized funding solutions with unmatched flexibility, focusing on your unique business needs. Unlike traditional lenders, we provide lines of credit designed to support your long-term growth. With over 10 years of experience, our team ensures a streamlined process, allowing you to borrow only what you need and pay it back at your pace. Whether you need quick cash flow management or funding for short-term expenses, InstaCap is your trusted partner, offering reliable financial support to help your business succeed.

What is a Line of Credit?

A line of credit is a flexible financing tool that lets businesses borrow up to a pre-approved limit, paying interest only on what they use. With revolving credit, businesses can access funds as needed and repay over time. Ideal for managing cash flow, covering short-term expenses, or capitalizing on new opportunities, a line of credit provides continuous financial support, offering your business the agility and flexibility to grow and adapt to changing needs.

Benefits of Using a Line of Credit from InstaCap

Flexible Access to Capital – Draw funds as needed to cover expenses and manage cash flow.

Amortized Payments – Repay over time with predictable, manageable payments to keep your finances on track.

Easy Application Process – Fast, straightforward application and approval process for quick access to funding.

Customizable Solutions – Tailored lines of credit designed to fit your business's unique needs, whether for daily operations or expansion.

Boost Your Business Potential – Unlock growth with the financial flexibility and support InstaCap provides.

How to Use a Line of Credit from InstaCap

For Quick Cash Flow – Use your line of credit to cover operational expenses, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

For Expansion – Whether you're expanding services, opening a new location, or upgrading equipment, your line of credit provides the funds you need.

For Equipment and Inventory – Access funds to purchase essential equipment or inventory to keep your business running efficiently.

For Unexpected Expenses – Have peace of mind knowing you can quickly tap into funds for emergencies or unplanned costs.

Unlock your business’s potential with InstaCap – Apply for a line of credit today!

Don’t wait to seize new business opportunities. InstaCap is here to provide the financial support you need to grow. With our flexible lines of credit, you can access funds whenever you need them and only pay for what you use. Apply today at InstaCap or call us at (201) 204 9911 and take the first step toward empowering your business’s success.

[capifinasep1]

Capifina: Flexible Business Line of Credit for Your Growth

Need quick and flexible funding to grow your business? With Capifina’s Business Line of Credit, you can access up to $250,000 without immediate repayment on the principal. Whether you need to manage cash flow, invest in new opportunities, or cover unexpected expenses, our hassle-free credit solution empowers you to make financial decisions with confidence. As a direct lender, Capifina offers transparent funding options tailored to your business needs—no hidden fees, just financial flexibility. Unlock a smarter way to fund your business!

Why Choose Capifina’s Business Line of Credit?

When it comes to business financing, not all options provide the flexibility and control you need. Capifina stands out by offering a Business Line of Credit that gives you access to capital while allowing you to use the full amount throughout the funding term. Unlike traditional loans, there’s no requirement to repay the principal immediately, making it easier to manage your cash flow. Whether you're a startup or an established business, our hassle-free funding process ensures you get the capital you need without the red tape.

What is a Business Line of Credit?

A Business Line of Credit is a revolving loan that provides businesses with access to a set amount of funds, which they can use as needed. Unlike a term loan, which requires a fixed repayment schedule, a business line of credit allows for flexibility—you only borrow what you need and pay interest on the amount used. This type of financing is ideal for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations, unexpected expenses, or need working capital for growth.

Benefits of Capifina’s Business Line of Credit

Access up to $250,000 – Use the full amount for the entire funding term.

No principal repayment required – Keep your cash flow intact while growing your business.

Fast and hassle-free approval – Apply in just 5 minutes with minimal paperwork.

Customizable repayment terms – Choose a plan that fits your business needs.

No hidden fees – Transparent terms with Capifina’s direct lending solutions.

How to Use a Business Line of Credit

Cover operational expenses during slow seasons to 

maintain steady cash flow and keep your business running smoothly.

Invest in new inventory or equipment without depleting your working capital, allowing for continued growth.

Manage unexpected costs efficiently without disrupting daily business operations.

Expand business locations or launch marketing campaigns to attract new customers and increase revenue.

Handle payroll during financial gaps to ensure employees are paid on time and maintain business stability.

Get Funded with Capifina Business Line of Credit Today!

Ready to secure the capital your business needs? With Capifina, you can access up to $1,000,000 in funding with monthly payments as low as 5% of your revenue. Whether you need funds for 30 months or more, we make the process simple and efficient. Apply Now at Capifina  or call us at ‪(701) 404-7180and take control of your business finances today!

[pixelizes]

Dark Mode vs. Light Mode

Which is Better for User Experience?

The debate between dark mode vs light mode in UI/UX design has gained significant traction. Major platforms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft now offer both, but which one truly enhances user experience? While dark mode offers reduced glare and a modern aesthetic, light mode remains popular for its readability and familiarity. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of dark mode and light mode, and their impact on UX design.

For more UI/UX design insights, visit Pixelizes.com

What is Dark Mode?

Dark mode features light text on a dark background. It’s widely adopted by developers, gamers, and users who prefer low-light environments.

Pros of Dark Mode

Reduces eye strain during nighttime browsing by minimizing screen glare and blue light.

Improves battery efficiency on OLED/AMOLED devices.

Modern UI appeal, perfect for sleek, tech-forward interfaces.

Ideal for light-sensitive users.

Learn more about psychology in UX design and how dark mode can emotionally influence perception.

Cons of Dark Mode

Reduced readability in bright settings.

Harder to scan long-form text or dense content.

Not universally accessible—some users report eye strain from light-on-dark formats.

What is Light Mode?

Light mode—dark text on a white background—is the traditional layout in digital design. It resembles printed content and offers strong visual hierarchy.

Pros of Light Mode

Superior readability, especially for articles and documents.

Works in all lighting conditions without adjustment.

Familiar experience aligned with decades of visual habits.

See how UI design trends have evolved from skeuomorphism to modern layouts.

Cons of Light Mode

Causes more eye strain in dark environments.

Increased battery usage on OLED screens compared to dark mode.

Which Mode is Better for UX?

It depends on your audience and use case:

For reading and productivity apps → Light mode is optimal.

For entertainment, nighttime use, and modern aesthetics → Dark mode prevails.

For battery-sensitive mobile apps → Dark mode has an edge on OLED screens.

Read how AI and machine learning are shaping adaptive UX, including automated dark/light transitions.

Best UX Practice: Let Users Choose!

The best user experience is customizable. Many apps now include:

Dark/light mode toggles

Auto-detection of system preferences

Time-based switching (light during the day, dark at night)

Explore more UX design best practices that prioritize user control and accessibility.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the dark mode vs light mode UI debate. The key lies in offering users control, ensuring contrast and readability, and maintaining design consistency across themes.

Ready to build better, more accessible experiences? Explore more at Pixelizes.com and get inspired by smart, human-centered design.

[migueldavis7198]

Unlocking the Future: Smart Home Door Locks by SwitchBot

The smart home industry is rapidly evolving, and one of the most exciting innovations is the smart home door lock by SwitchBot. This device not only enhances your home security but also brings convenience to your daily life. Imagine being able to unlock your door with just a tap on your smartphone or a simple voice command.

SwitchBot's smart home door lock is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its sleek design complements any home decor, and the installation process is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone to set up. Plus, with features like remote access and customizable entry codes, you can manage your home's security effortlessly.

Say goodbye to traditional keys and embrace the future of home automation with SwitchBot. It's not just about security; it's about enhancing your lifestyle and providing peace of mind. Have you considered upgrading to a smart home door lock? Share your thoughts!

[tofupixel]

⭐ So you want to learn pixel art? ⭐

🔹 Part 1 of ??? - The Basics!

Edit: Now available in Google Doc format if you don't have a Tumblr account 🥰

Hello, my name is Tofu and I'm a professional pixel artist. I have been supporting myself with freelance pixel art since 2020, when I was let go from my job during the pandemic.

My progress, from 2017 to 2024. IMO the only thing that really matters is time and effort, not some kind of natural talent for art.

This guide will not be comprehensive, as nobody should be expected to read allat. Instead I will lean heavily on my own experience, and share what worked for me, so take everything with a grain of salt. This is a guide, not a tutorial. Cheers!

🔹 Do I need money?

NO!!! Pixel art is one of the most accessible mediums out there.

I still use a mouse because I prefer it to a tablet! You won't be at any disadvantage here if you can't afford the best hardware or software.

Because our canvases are typically very small, you don't need a good PC to run a good brush engine or anything like that.

✨Did you know? One of the most skilled and beloved pixel artists uses MS PAINT! Wow!!

🔹 What software should I use?

Here are some of the most popular programs I see my friends and peers using. Stars show how much I recommend the software for beginners! ⭐

💰 Paid options:

⭐⭐⭐ Aseprite (for PC) - $19.99

This is what I and many other pixel artists use. You may find when applying to jobs that they require some knowledge of Aseprite. Since it has become so popular, companies like that you can swap raw files between artists.

Aseprite is amazingly customizable, with custom skins, scripts and extensions on Itch.io, both free and paid.

If you have ever used any art software before, it has most of the same features and should feel fairly familiar to use. It features a robust animation suite and a tilemap feature, which have saved me thousands of hours of labour in my work. The software is also being updated all the time, and the developers listen to the users. I really recommend Aseprite!

⭐ Photoshop (for PC) - Monthly $$

A decent option for those who already are used to the PS interface. Requires some setup to get it ready for pixel-perfect art, but there are plenty of tutorials for doing so.

Animation is also much more tedious on PS which you may want to consider before investing time!

⭐⭐ ProMotion NG (for PC) - $19.00

An advanced and powerful software which has many features Aseprite does not, including Colour Cycling and animated tiles.

⭐⭐⭐ Pixquare (for iOS) - $7.99 - $19.99 (30% off with code 'tofu'!!)

Probably the best app available for iPad users, in active development, with new features added all the time.

Look! My buddy Jon recommends it highly, and uses it often.

One cool thing about Pixquare is that it takes Aseprite raw files! Many of my friends use it to work on the same project, both in their office and on the go.

⭐ Procreate (for iOS) - $12.99

If you have access to Procreate already, it's a decent option to get used to doing pixel art. It does however require some setup. Artist Pixebo is famously using Procreate, and they have tutorials of their own if you want to learn.

⭐⭐ ReSprite iOS and Android. (free trial, but:) $19.99 premium or $$ monthly

ReSprite is VERY similar in terms of UI to Aseprite, so I can recommend it. They just launched their Android release!

🆓 Free options:

⭐⭐⭐ Libresprite (for PC)

Libresprite is an alternative to Aseprite. It is very, very similar, to the point where documentation for Aseprite will be helpful to Libresprite users.

⭐⭐ Pixilart (for PC and mobile)

A free in-browser app, and also a mobile app! It is tied to the website Pixilart, where artists upload and share their work. A good option for those also looking to get involved in a community.

⭐⭐ Dotpict (for mobile)

Dotpict is similar to Pixilart, with a mobile app tied to a website, but it's a Japanese service. Did you know that in Japanese, pixel art is called 'Dot Art'? Dotpict can be a great way to connect with a different community of pixel artists! They also have prompts and challenges often.

🔹 So I got my software, now what?

◽Nice! Now it's time for the basics of pixel art.

❗ WAIT ❗ Before this section, I want to add a little disclaimer. All of these rules/guidelines can be broken at will, and some 'no-nos' can look amazing when done intentionally.

The pixel-art fundamentals can be exceedingly helpful to new artists, who may feel lost or overwhelmed by choice. But if you feel they restrict you too harshly, don't force yourself! At the end of the day it's your art, and you shouldn't try to contort yourself into what people think a pixel artist 'should be'. What matters is your own artistic expression. 💕👍

◽Phew! With that out of the way...

🔸"The Rules"

There are few hard 'rules' of pixel art, mostly about scaling and exporting. Some of these things will frequently trip up newbies if they aren't aware, and are easy to overlook.

🔹Scaling method

There are a couple ways of scaling your art. The default in most art programs, and the entire internet, is Bi-linear scaling, which usually works out fine for most purposes. But as pixel artists, we need a different method.

Both are scaled up x10. See the difference?

On the left is scaled using Bilinear, and on the right is using Nearest-Neighbor. We love seeing those pixels stay crisp and clean, so we use nearest-neighbor. 

(Most pixel-art programs have nearest-neighbor enabled by default! So this may not apply to you, but it's important to know.)

🔹Mixels

Mixels are when there are different (mixed) pixel sizes in the same image.

Here I have scaled up my art- the left is 200%, and the right is 150%. Yuck!

As we can see, the "pixel" sizes end up different. We generally try to scale our work by multiples of 100 - 200%, 300% etc. rather than 150%. At larger scales however, the minute differences in pixel sizes are hardly noticeable!

Mixels are also sometimes seen when an artist scales up their work, then continues drawing on it with a 1 pixel brush.

Many would say that this is not great looking! This type of pixels can be indicative of a beginner artist. But there are plenty of creative pixel artists out there who mixels intentionally, making something modern and cool.

🔹Saving Your Files

We usually save our still images as .PNGs as they don’t create any JPEG artifacts or loss of quality. It's a little hard to see here, but there are some artifacts, and it looks a little blurry. It also makes the art very hard to work with if we are importing a JPEG.

For animations .GIF is good, but be careful of the 256 colour limit. Try to avoid using too many blending mode layers or gradients when working with animations. If you aren’t careful, your animation could flash afterwards, as the .GIF tries to reduce colours wherever it can. It doesn’t look great!

Here's an old piece from 2021 where I experienced .GIF lossiness, because I used gradients and transparency, resulting in way too many colours.

🔹Pixel Art Fundamentals - Techniques and Jargon

❗❗Confused about Jaggies? Anti-Aliasing? Banding? Dithering? THIS THREAD is for you❗❗ << it's a link, click it!!

As far as I'm concerned, this is THE tutorial of all time for understanding pixel art. These are techniques created and named by the community of people who actually put the list together, some of the best pixel artists alive currently. Please read it!!

🔸How To Learn

Okay, so you have your software, and you're all ready to start. But maybe you need some more guidance? Try these tutorials and resources! It can be helpful to work along with a tutorial until you build your confidence up.

⭐⭐ Pixel Logic (A Digital Book) - $10 A very comprehensive visual guide book by a very skilled and established artist in the industry. I own a copy myself.

⭐⭐⭐ StudioMiniBoss - free A collection of visual tutorials, by the artist that worked on Celeste! When starting out, if I got stuck, I would go and scour his tutorials and see how he did it.

⭐ Lospec Tutorials - free A very large collection of various tutorials from all over the internet. There is a lot to sift through here if you have the time.

⭐⭐⭐ Cyangmou's Tutorials - free (tipping optional) Cyangmou is one of the most respected and accomplished modern pixel artists, and he has amassed a HUGE collection of free and incredibly well-educated visual tutorials. He also hosts an educational stream every week on Twitch called 'pixelart for beginners'.

⭐⭐⭐ Youtube Tutorials - free There are hundreds, if not thousands of tutorials on YouTube, but it can be tricky to find the good ones. My personal recommendations are MortMort, Brandon, and AdamCYounis- these guys really know what they're talking about!

🔸 How to choose a canvas size

When looking at pixel art turorials, we may see people suggest things like 16x16, 32x32 and 64x64. These are standard sizes for pixel art games with tiles. However, if you're just making a drawing, you don't necessarily need to use a standard canvas size like that.

What I like to think about when choosing a canvas size for my illustrations is 'what features do I think it is important to represent?' And make my canvas as small as possible, while still leaving room for my most important elements.

Imagine I have characters in a scene like this:

I made my canvas as small as possible (232 x 314), but just big enough to represent the features and have them be recognizable (it's Good Omens fanart 😤)!! If I had made it any bigger, I would be working on it for ever, due to how much more foliage I would have to render.

If you want to do an illustration and you're not sure, just start at somewhere around 100x100 - 200x200 and go from there.

It's perfectly okay to crop your canvas, or scale it up, or crunch your art down at any point if you think you need a different size. I do it all the time! It only takes a bit of cleanup to get you back to where you were.

🔸Where To Post

Outside of just regular socials, Twitter, Tumblr, Deviantart, Instagram etc, there are a few places that lean more towards pixel art that you might not have heard of.

⭐ Lospec Lospec is a low-res focused art website. Some pieces get given a 'monthly masterpiece' award. Not incredibly active, but I believe there are more features being added often.

⭐⭐ Pixilart Pixilart is a very popular pixel art community, with an app tied to it. The community tends to lean on the young side, so this is a low-pressure place to post with an relaxed vibe.

⭐⭐ Pixeljoint Pixeljoint is one of the big, old-school pixel art websites. You can only upload your art unscaled (1x) because there is a built-in zoom viewer. It has a bit of a reputation for being elitist (back in the 00s it was), but in my experience it's not like that any more. This is a fine place for a pixel artist to post if they are really interested in learning, and the history. The Hall of Fame has some of the most famous / impressive pixel art pieces that paved the way for the work we are doing today.

⭐⭐⭐ Cafe Dot Cafe Dot is my art server so I'm a little biased here. 🍵 It was created during the recent social media turbulence. We wanted a place to post art with no algorithms, and no NFT or AI chuds. We have a heavy no-self-promotion rule, and are more interested in community than skill or exclusivity. The other thing is that we have some kind of verification system- you must apply to be a Creator before you can post in the Art feed, or use voice. This helps combat the people who just want to self-promo and dip, or cause trouble, as well as weed out AI/NFT people. Until then, you are still welcome to post in any of the threads or channels. There is a lot to do in Cafe Dot. I host events weekly, so check the threads!

⭐⭐/r/pixelart The pixel art subreddit is pretty active! I've also heard some of my friends found work through posting here, so it's worth a try if you're looking. However, it is still Reddit- so if you're sensitive to rude people, or criticism you didn't ask for, you may want to avoid this one. Lol

🔸 Where To Find Work

You need money? I got you! As someone who mostly gets scouted on social media, I can share a few tips with you:

Put your email / portfolio in your bio Recruiters don't have all that much time to find artists, make it as easy as possible for someone to find your important information!

Clean up your profile If your profile feed is all full of memes, most people will just tab out rather than sift through. Doesn't apply as much to Tumblr if you have an art tag people can look at.

Post regularly, and repost Activity beats everything in the social media game. It's like rolling the dice, and the more you post the more chances you have. You have to have no shame, it's all business baby

Outside of just posting regularly and hoping people reach out to you, it can be hard to know where to look. Here are a few places you can sign up to and post around on.

/r/INAT INAT (I Need A Team) is a subreddit for finding a team to work with. You can post your portfolio here, or browse for people who need artists.

/r/GameDevClassifieds Same as above, but specifically for game-related projects.

Remote Game Jobs / Work With Indies Like Indeed but for game jobs. Browse them often, or get email notifications.

VGen VGen is a website specifically for commissions. You need a code from another verified artist before you can upgrade your account and sell, so ask around on social media or ask your friends. Once your account is upgraded, you can make a 'menu' of services people can purchase, and they send you an offer which you are able to accept, decline, or counter.

The evil websites of doom: Fiverr and Upwork I don't recommend them!! They take a big cut of your profit, and the sites are teeming with NFT and AI people hoping to make a quick buck. The site is also extremely oversaturated and competitive, resulting in a race to the bottom (the cheapest, the fastest, doing the most for the least). Imagine the kind of clients who go to these websites, looking for the cheapest option. But if you're really desperate...

🔸 Community

I do really recommend getting involved in a community. Finding like-minded friends can help you stay motivated to keep drawing. One day, those friends you met when you were just starting out may become your peers in the industry. Making friends is a game changer!

Discord servers Nowadays, the forums of old are mostly abandoned, and people split off into many different servers. Cafe Dot, Pixel Art Discord (PAD), and if you can stomach scrolling past all the AI slop, you can browse Discord servers here.

Twitch Streams Twitch has kind of a bad reputation for being home to some of the more edgy gamers online, but the pixel art community is extremely welcoming and inclusive. Some of the people I met on Twitch are my friends to this day, and we've even worked together on different projects! Browse pixel art streams here, or follow some I recommend: NickWoz, JDZombi, CupOhJoe, GrayLure, LumpyTouch, FrankiePixelShow, MortMort, Sodor, NateyCakes, NyuraKim, ShinySeabass, I could go on for ever really... There are a lot of good eggs on Pixel Art Twitch.

🔸 Other Helpful Websites

Palettes Lospec has a huge collection of user-made palettes, for any artist who has trouble choosing their colours, or just wants to try something fun. Rejected Palettes is full of palettes that didn't quite make it onto Lospec, ran by people who believe there are no bad colours.

The Spriters Resource TSR is an incredible website where users can upload spritesheets and tilesets from games. You can browse for your favourite childhood game, and see how they made it! This website has helped me so much in understanding how game assets come together in a scene.

VGMaps Similar to the above, except there are entire maps laid out how they would be played. This is incredible if you have to do level design, or for mocking up a scene for fun.

Game UI Database Not pixel-art specific, but UI is a very challenging part of graphics, so this site can be a game-changer for finding good references!

Retronator A digital newspaper for pixel-art lovers! New game releases, tutorials, and artworks!

Itch.io A website where people can upload, games, assets, tools... An amazing hub for game devs and game fans alike. A few of my favourite tools: Tiled, PICO-8, Pixel Composer, Juice FX, Magic Pencil for Aseprite

🔸 The End?

This is just part 1 for now, so please drop me a follow to see any more guides I release in the future. I plan on doing some writeups on how I choose colours, how to practise, and more!

I'm not an expert by any means, but everything I did to get to where I am is outlined in this guide. Pixel art is my passion, my job and my hobby! I want pixel art to be recognized everywhere as an art-form, a medium of its own outside of game-art or computer graphics!

This guide took me a long time, and took a lot of research and experience. Consider following me or supporting me if you are feeling generous.

And good luck to all the fledgling pixel artists, I hope you'll continue and have fun. I hope my guide helped you, and don't hesitate to send me an ask if you have any questions! 💕

My other tutorials (so far): How to draw Simple Grass for a game Hue Shifting

[llycaons]

Vero @wutheringheightsfilm tagged me in six books I'm excited to read in 2025! some of these are very new additions because I'm honestly moving through my list quite quickly and I'm running out of books I think I'd like 😭 thanks for the inspiration from your own list, vero!

I hope you don't mind that I'm also going to list off manga/manhwa and tv that are on my list too :)

Books

I got to almost every book on my list from even six months ago EXCEPT the larissa lai one bc it's impossible to find so I'll have to buy it, so these additions are really new but they all sound like the kind of fantasy/mystery/action OR documentary-type book I like

Manga and Manhwa

I've been meaning to read her tale of shim cheong for literally years I just need to sit down and DO it. and I am aware of the issues in berserk and I know a fair amount of the plot at this point but I also hunger for gore

TV Shows

Ever Night is my cdrama project this year and I really want to understand the deal w vinland saga...black lagoon has just always been on my radar and I like that woman. I mixed up black lagoon and gurren lagann when making this list but I don't like mechs so it definitely wasn't that!

thanks for the tag! I was hoping for an excuse to post something like this, hehe, it'll be easier to track everything this year. if you want to do this too just say I tagged you <3

[benjamindisco]

Musicolet has a wrapped feature??????? You guys gotta use this app

[antonyshelton]

Build the Future of Gaming with Crypto Casino Development Solutions

[grasscore]

i think this weekend im gonna make a big.. carrd or straw page or smthn that is just a music library .. all my play lists and fan lists and etc etc in one beautiful place... a place you can go