Palette + Examples by Retrosaur.
Palettes are an integral part of pixel history. The earliest computer developers, with their primitive bitpower, made the sensible decision to save memory by restricting an artist's color options. This turned out quite well for them, and is... pretty much the reason we have pixel art at all. Since we pixel artists love living in the past paying tribute to bygone eras, perhaps we'd best try our hands at this, too.
So here's the big question: If you were a console developer back in the day, what sort of palette would you give your pixel artists to work with? You've got four bits per pixel, how y'gonna fill them? Then show us some work! This is, after all, and in conformity to the newly updated naming conventions, a pixel art comp. So, in proper competition form:
- Create a versatile palette of sixteen or fewer colors, as would be used by a retro console. The palette itself should be clearly visible in your entry, preferably in large blocks of color.
- Include examples of various graphics made using your palette. This can be sprites, tiles, mockups, whatever. Make it diverse! Your palette may be able to make really good explosions, but can it do a halfway decent bush? No restriction on amount, but be reasonable.
- Need inspiration? Take a peek at some of the palettes on https://lospec.com/palette-list. Just don't steal 'em!
I hope (though I don't expect) to see fabulous entries from every single user of this site! Best of luck to you all, regardless of whether you compete or not!
Meaningless bonus points will be awarded if your palette is somehow Mario-themed. Voting will begin on May 14th, so be sure to be ready by then!