How To Make Sprites

Sprites are computer generated two-dimensional graphics that can be animated. You can create an infinite number of special effects for web pages and simple computer games by using sprites. Follow these instructions for a quick method to make sprites.

1. Choose your graphics program. There are several software options available for making sprites. Consider using Paint, Photoshop or Graphics Gale. Each program works a little different so once you decide which to use, spend some time in their basics tutorial if you are new to the program.
2. Begin a new project. In your software, select to begin a new project or drawing.
3. Start with a basic grid. Most programs should have an option for turning the background grid on. Turn the grid on.
4. Adjust the zoom. Sprites tend to be small images that are animated so when you create them it is easier to zoom in to at least 800 percent of the document size. With the grid on from step three you will notice that your screen contains a grid of tiny squares about the size of pixels or picture elements.
5. Decide what your sprite will look like. You can use a fully formed sprite as a model or any other image that strikes your fancy. If drawing is one of your skills feel free to create your sprite free hand out of whatever your imagination can devise. When new to the practice you may want to start with simple animals and shapes until you get the hang of the software.
6. Draw the outline. Choose black as your ink color to create the outline. Then draw the basic outline of your sprite. To draw the outline you select the grid squares that will be filled in with the black color pigment. If you color the wrong grid, just select white and fill the grid again to remove the black you placed in error.
7. Fill in with color and shading. The best sprites are in color and have shades and shadows. Pant programs offer a variety of shades of each color so adding shadows to your base color is simple. Just select a shade darker on your color palette.   
8. Adjust your zoom to 100 percent. Once you have the color and shades you want, take a look at your sprite in real size by adjusting your zoom back to 100 percent. You should have a cute little character just waiting to be animated and added to your favorite game or website.

Making a sprite takes patience since you are essentially filling it in one tiny grid square at a time. The more practice you have the easier it becomes.