How to Create a Base Sprite

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a base sprite. A sprite is a single graphic image comprised of pixels that are usually used within games to represent characters, locations, items, and other various objects. An animation is created when a series of sprites are played in succession, showing some sort of movement. A base sprite is made with the intention of using it as a starting point to create other frames based on the sprite in order to create various expressions, animations, and poses. This can be useful if you plan on creating sprites for a game, a web comic, or if you just want to practice.

Steps

  1. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 1
    1
    Open your paint program. The program can be as simple as Microsoft Paint or a more in-depth program such as Photoshop.
  2. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 2
    2
    Create a new canvas. There is no size requirement, though the canvas should be large enough to house the sprite you plan on creating. Most paint programs will allow you to change the size of the canvas at any time. While not required, it is recommended to change the background of the canvas to a non-white color that won’t share any colors of your sprite.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 3
    3
    Draw a rough sketch. Choose the pencil tool and begin to place pixels - any color should work, though a brighter color is preferred. This does not need to be anything defined - just a rough image of what you want the final product to be. This allows you to get the size of the sprite down, in addition to deciding on a basic pose for your base. It is recommended to choose a more natural or laid back pose as opposed to a more action-oriented one.
  4. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 4
    4
    Define the outlines. Choose a different color than the one you used for the previous step. Begin to draw over your sketch with more defined details, using the sketch from the previous step as a guide. This can include arms, legs, clothing, and other various points of interest. Continue until you feel you’ve included everything.
    • If your paint program has the option for multiple layers, it is recommended to do this step on a new layer above the the sketch’s layer.
  5. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 5
    5
    Add more details and color. Erase the sketch and/or the layer where it resided. Add details to the outline, including color. You can either get colors off of your reference picture, or select your own.
  6. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 6
    6
    Add shading. Shading helps give your sprite depth and allows it to stand out in a 2D space. First, determine where your “light source” is coming from. This will give you an idea of where your darker colors will go to illustrate shading.
    • Using the colors selected in the previous step, select darker tones of the colors using your paint program’s color selector. Place them based on where your light source is facing; if it is directly in front of the sprite, for example, place them towards the backside of the sprite. Take note of any parts of the sprite that might cast shadow on other parts: these include limbs, branches, and articles of clothing.
  7. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 7
    7
    Save your sprite. Once you feel you've hit a good point with the sprite, save it. Go to File, and click Save. Save the image where you can access the sprite again. Make sure to save the file as .PNG; anything else can either ruin the image quality or alter the sprite’s colors.
  8. Image titled Create a Base Sprite Step 8
    8
    Look over your finished sprite. Make sure everything looks the way you want it to. If you are satisfied with the end result, you have successfully created a base sprite. If you are not satisfied, do not be discouraged. If you continue to practice and improve, your sprite work will improve.
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What about animation?
    Kaleb Hammond
    Kaleb Hammond
    Community Answer
    Depending on what you use, you should save or make it a base. What I do is save the image, and keep it in my folders so it doesn't get lost.
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Access to a computer
  • A paint program
    • Any tool that allows multiple layers is preferred, but not required
  • A reference image, if desired. This can be an image of an existing character you find online, or a sketch you’ve drawn beforehand.

You Might Also Like

Resize an Image in Microsoft Paint
How to
Resize an Image in Microsoft Paint
Invert Colours in MS Paint
How to
Invert Colours in MS Paint
Remove the White Background in Microsoft Paint
How to
Remove the White Background in Microsoft Paint
Use Color Replacement in MS Paint
How to
Use Color Replacement in MS Paint
Make the Eraser Bigger in MS PaintHow to Change the Size of the Eraser in Microsoft Paint
Use Microsoft Paint in Windows
How to
Use Microsoft Paint in Windows
Change an Image Background in MS Paint (Green Screen)
How to
Change an Image Background in MS Paint (Green Screen)
Create and Use Custom Icons
How to
Create and Use Custom Icons
Create an Icon in Paint
How to
Create an Icon in Paint
Open Microsoft Paint
How to
Open Microsoft Paint
Draw and Color with Microsoft Paint
How to
Draw and Color with Microsoft Paint
Draw a Logo in Microsoft Paint
How to
Draw a Logo in Microsoft Paint
Draw a Perfect Circle on Microsoft Paint
How to
Draw a Perfect Circle on Microsoft Paint
Open Multiple Images in PaintHow to Open Multiple Images in Paint
Advertisement

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 19,696 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 5
Updated: September 11, 2017
Views: 19,696
Categories: Microsoft Paint
Advertisement