Pixel art is a picture made by filling in squares on a grid, one color per square, like the art in classic video games. Kids can make it on graph paper with markers or colored pencils. It’s a fun, low-pressure way into art, and it teaches the same square-by-square thinking as grid drawing.
What you need
- Graph paper (or print a grid).
- Markers or colored pencils.
- A simple design to copy, or an idea of your own.
How to make pixel art
- Pick a small subject. A heart, a mushroom, a ghost, a sword, a smiley face.
- Plan the size. Start with about 10 by 10 squares.
- Outline first. Fill in the outline squares in black or a dark color.
- Fill the colors. One color per square, no half squares.
- Add shading. A darker color on one side makes it look 3D.
10 easy pixel art ideas
- Heart
- Star
- Smiley face
- Ghost
- Mushroom
- Robot head
- Cat face
- Ice cream cone
- Alien
- Your initial
What kids learn
- Planning and counting. Every square matters.
- Symmetry. Many designs mirror left and right.
- Color choices. Limited colors make kids think.
- Coordinates. Finding squares is real math. See grid drawing and math.
From pixels to grid drawing
Pixel art fills whole squares. Grid drawing uses the same grid but copies the lines inside each square, so curves stay smooth. Kids who love pixel art usually love grid drawing next. Read what is grid drawing? to see how it works.
For classrooms
Pixel art is a great early finisher or indoor recess activity. See early finisher activities. Older kids can design pixel characters and then draw them as smooth cartoons, a nice bridge into character design.
The book that helps
Kids who love pixel art often love Draw by Grid: the same square-by-square thinking, with smooth cartoon results.
Draw by Grid: Cool Stuff
Draw by Grid: Baby RobotsAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
How do kids make pixel art on paper?
Use graph paper and color in whole squares, one color per square, starting with the outline.
What age is pixel art good for?
From about 6 with simple designs. Older kids enjoy bigger, more detailed pieces.
What is the difference between pixel art and grid drawing?
Pixel art fills whole squares with color. Grid drawing copies the lines inside each square to make smooth drawings.