Chiptunes and circuit-bending are probably the best-known methods of creating art based on 8-bit materials within our ranks, the Circle of the Joystick, but they aren’t the only mediums utilizing the old school aesthetic. Donna, the geek Picaso of ArcadeArt, crafts retro-elegant coasters, keychains, paintings, magnets (such as the Half Life pack below), and other items using the passion and eye of a true gamer. I spoke with her recently about her method and the business of retro-gaming art.

Your art is a blend of the old and the new, such as your Half Life magnets. What was the motivation behind the combo?

The initial thought was purely “wouldn’t it be cool if these games, which are now becoming classics, had been made back in the 80′s like the Super Mario or Mega Man games? What would they have looked like back then?” I’m into making perler beadsprites, heat fusing beads, and thought it would be a great fit. I also love collectable cards so that seemed like an ideal opportunity to be able to make a retro NES style box art.

Which of your projects have been the most popular with fans  thusfar?

The 8 Bit Retroactives seem to have caught people’s imagination,  I’m really looking forward to creating more of them.  People really connect to my large, pixel painted canvases, too. I could have sold some of the designs several times over, but I don’t repeat them. It’s important to me to approach these as unique pieces of art and that forces me to keep experimenting.

What’s the most interesting commission that you’ve undertaken?

I’d have to say the one I’m doing right now, it’s a Dig Dug pixel painting with a bit of mixed media in there too. There’s great iconic characters in Dug with a very unique style. There’s been alot of discussion between the two of us to what’s gonna work, I think the end result is going to be one of my best paintings so far.

How long does it take to make a piece?

It really depends, it can be just a couple of hours for a keyring or coaster or up to 20 hours or so for paintings. Pixel paintings by far are the most time consumming, but also one of the most rewarding.

Which types of materials are used in your creations?

I started out purely with pixel paintings, painting tiny squares onto canvas using acrylics, pixel by pixel.This led me onto making mosaics, and even using bottle caps and then to perler beads.

Did you have any formal art school training?

Yes, art school in my home town followed by an animation degree at the Surrey Institute, UK. I think what led me to that was the thought of using many different materials to create something, I don’t like being pinned down to one particular media or style.

Are you a fan of the old school games, or more so the distinctive visual style?

Definitely a fan of the ’80s games, they are the games I grew up with. The visual style and limited colors are very appealing back then every pixel had to count!

When you aren’t creating videogame art, what do you play?

I must admit I don’t play videogames as much as I used to, the art stuff takes up pretty much my entire life at the moment. But I really enjoy the retro games, Pac-Man, Burger Time, and Excitebike. The Virtual Console on the Wii is a great invention for keeping the classics accessible. I’m into the pick up and play games, when the paint needs to dry or beads need to cool down.

Are there any modern games that you’re into, or are you strictly retro?

I have a Wii and a DS. I love the classics but as long as a new game has energy and imagination, I’m into it! I’m playing World of Goo right now and it’s brilliant.