Today we're going to introduce you to 5 exceptional sources of inspiration and tools that will allow you to avoid the dreaded "white grid" syndrome and propel you into the pixelated world of pixel art mosaics!
#1 Social Media: The Creative Odyssey on Pinterest and Instagram
Social media, especially Pinterest and Instagram , are brimming with readily available inspiration. Finding creative ideas has never been easier thanks to these platforms.
Most street mosaic artists share their work on these networks, making them a valuable source for discovering new styles and techniques. This is the case, for example, with @pixel_vandals, to name just one!
You can also follow and search for specific hashtags or keywords such as " pixel art ", " 8-bit " and " hama beads " or " pixel drawing " to get a variety of relevant results.
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Don't hesitate to also explore related craft activities like fuse beads and pixel art coloring . While the materials used differ between these disciplines, keep in mind that it's possible to reuse the patterns and designs.
And if you have a specific idea of the model you want to create, simply add the keyword corresponding to the keywords suggested above (ex: Banana pixel art).
Prioritize English keywords for even better results.
#2 Book "Invader: 4000 The Complete Guide to Space Invaders, 1998-2021": A Dive into the History of Street Art
The renowned artist Invader, considered one of the pioneers of street art and famous for his mosaics of characters from the video game Space Invaders, has published a book entitled "Invader: 4000 The Complete Guide to Space Invaders, 1998-2021". His book is an essential reference work, showcasing his 4,000 Space Invaders displayed in over 80 cities worldwide.
This should give you plenty of ideas and maybe even inspire you to go hunting for them using the artist's FlashInvaders app!
His book is regularly available for sale on Invader's online store. Otherwise, you can easily find it second-hand (often in "like new" condition) on platforms such as Leboncoin or eBay for a price ranging from €80 to €200 .
#3 Online Image Pixelation Tool
If you already have an idea of the object you want to create as a mosaic, you should know that there are free online tools that allow you to easily pixelate images. This way, you can transform them into usable templates for your street art mosaic project.
Try sites like " Pixil Art " or " Pixelit " to get a precise and personalized result.
However, keep in mind that these tools aren't magic, especially since the color palette available in mosaic tiles is much more limited than that of the pixels used for a computer image. But with proper tool settings, your imagination, and a little manual work, you can successfully complete your mosaic design.
#4 Artificial Intelligence (MidJourney): A Step Towards the Future of Mosaic Creation
Artificial intelligence can also be a tool to assist you in your street art mosaic projects. Indeed, a tool like MidJourney allows you to generate unique images and patterns based on your desires and preferences.
If this interests you, I recommend reading the article " Best Midjourney Pixel Art Prompts for Game Design " (in English).
#5 Strolling down the street: Authentic Inspiration
Finally, don't forget that inspiration can also simply come from the street itself. While strolling through your city or traveling , keep an eye out for street art mosaics and let yourself be inspired by their style and message. You might also be surprised by ephemeral works of art that will only be visible for a short time, so don't hesitate to take photos to immortalize these unique discoveries.
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With all these resources and techniques at your disposal, you are ready to embark on the adventure of street art.
At the end of this first creative exploration, you're now ready to move on to the next stage of your art project. Check out our Guide 2 to learn how to create the template for your pixel art mosaic and transform your ideas into a captivating pixelated artwork.
Bonus: our DIY pixel art mosaic kits made in France 🇫🇷
Don't forget that you can also discover and purchase one of our DIY pixel art mosaic kits directly from our online shop ! Here, we take care of the inspiration and the design for you!