Creating spaceship sprites with Reference (ASEPRITE/AI)

One of the things some people run up against is struggling to place pixels for sprite graphics. Like any art or design, reference is a key part of the process - whether its developing sprite graphics, designing a character concept or building 3D models. In this video I look at how I use reference images (generated with AI) as inspiration for shape and form, and then talk through my thoughts as I produce 16x16 pixel sprites with the Aseprite pixel art application.
NOTE : You can do this stuff in any art tool you prefer - you don't necessarily need Aseprite (though its well worth looking at). It's more about the process I am trying to demonstrate here...
Tools and the links to them are listed below...
---
ASEPRITE
What a fantastic pixel art tool! It not only allows us to create artwork, but has a layered timeline that we can use for generating more complex animated sprites, alongside a whole plethora of tools. There is a free version (and its open source) but its rather old. However at a mere $19.99, its a worthwhile investment if you are developing sprites for games.
LINK : www.aseprite.org/
---
LEONARDO.AI
There are a lot of generative AI tools online now. Its literally exploded in just the last few months, with AI popping up everywhere - including creeping its way into commercial tools and applications.
For AI generated imagery, I use Leonardo.ai as a tool to visualize random spaceship designs, used to inspire 'shape and form' and not so much used directly as 'art'.
The alternate to using AI is to search online for artwork that can provide inspiration, however this generative AI technology offers a chance to use some direction to get a 'virtual concept artist' to mash random ideas together for us.
LINK : leonardo.ai/
---
IRFANVIEW
I do use this image viewer in Windows, and its a great tool (loads of file formats, really fast, plenty of features - and FREE for personal use). I've used this tool for almost 2 decades now, and its always been my go-to. While its not an important tool to have, I will put the link below if you happen to be running Windows and looking for a great option to open up images with...
LINK : www.irfanview....
---
ZX.REMYSHARP
If you're a ZX Spectrum Next owner, or developer, or just like making graphics and sound then you should know this site already. Remy Sharp provides a fantastic toolset that runs in a browser for Sprites, Tilemaps, AY sounds, BASIC to Text (and back), as well as conversion for image files and a whole lot more. I use it with Aseprite to access the default Next colour palette.
zx.remysharp.com/

[@robertmoran4067]

Loved the video. I'm currently writing my second game for the Spectrum Next and will soon be turning my attention to graphics. This video has provided some great ideas, and I might try looking at AI for ideas. Keep up the good work.

[@bytemyascii_zx]

Thanks for the feedback. Looking forward to your next project - Dougie Do was very cool.

[@Colconquerors-Climb-the-alps]

Excellent video. Most helpful to go with your great documentation.

[@bytemyascii_zx]

Thanks for the response... Glad it was helpful!