Isometric PixelArt Simply Defined

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Isometric PixelArt Simply Defined

Bigger Cube by Abfc   :thumb56446680:

Isometric PixelArt has been defined by many people in many different ways to explain what it is and how it is created. This is my attempt and I intend to keep it as simple and concise as possible.

What it is not.

Isometric PixelArt is not just something that looks like 3D or a perspective drawing.

What it is.

It is a way to create a scene, an object or a character by following one very basic and simple rule…..start with two pixels across and one pixel up to build your picture. That is Isometric PixelArt in essence.


Isometric Pixelart First Steps by ShoneGold


When you look at a genuine piece of Isometric Pixelart it appears as though you are looking at it from above, from one side and the front at an angle. Here is a really wonderful example of why this view is the way it is.

Pixel Microverse by Aeires

Buildings tend to make up a large part of  Isometric PixelArt because they are right angle objects and lend themselves very well to Isometrics


Characters seen in games are often Isometric and still have that same look of from above, side and front view from an angle.  Sometimes you will see a character only from the front or back but still it will appear as though you are viewing them from above. If you ever look at a character and they appear on the same level as you, they are not Isometric.


Isometric sprites
Meego by migs-abarintos Icarus power-up by migs-abarintos No'or Brother Bow stance by migs-abarintos

Non-Isometric Sprites
Another Rhino progress clip by Neoriceisgood Walk like a ninja by ensellitis Angela - Mage by AbyssWolf

Objects still have to obey the same rules in Isometrics….looking from above, from the side and the front at an angle.


Isometric Cars
Lil Car Step by Step by HappyBandit   Cars by StylePixelStudios

Non-Isometric Cars
mk3 supra by breakneck :thumb59533419: lil'Smart by vigaia


Isometric Drum Kit
FM Drum Set by FecesMonster

Non-Isometric Drum Kit
Drums set by EdanadE


Isometric Ship
:thumb54331405:

Non-Isometric Ship
:thumb43975163:


Watch Isometric Pixelart being created

How to do the stairs... by StylePixelStudios :thumb51639983: Building a building by gas13


Small selection of fine Isometric Pixelart

Rewound by gas13 House with yard. by de-Thch
Subway Cityscape by blind-ice :thumb63645097:
Residential Block by celinh0 Down by the river by daporta

In the next Artist Relations Journal we will be featuring gas13 as The Artist in Focus. If there are any questions you would like gas13 to answer about his life and work, please send me, ShoneGold a private note of your question/s and you will be able to read his answer in two weeks, in the next AR Journal.
© 2007 - 2024 ShoneGold
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ShiftyCheesecake's avatar
I would love to link this in a guide I'm doing for people who are just starting out with pixel art. If I could do that? It would link right to this journal.
Let me know, thanks!