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The prompt book

8-Bit Pixel Art Portraits

Master retro pixel art portraits with this simple but powerful prompt. From character sprites to nostalgic game aesthetics.

3 min readChickenpie

MADE WITH / Midjourney v6

Read the paper ↓Get the prompt ↓
Article artwork
A PAPER FROM THE DESK
THE DETAILS
At a glance
CategoryThe prompt book
PublishedJan 22, 2026
Read time3 min
Covered here
  • Design
  • AI Tools
  • Illustration
  • Chickens
THE PROMPT / Midjourney v6
8-bit pixel art portrait, [CHARACTER DESCRIPTION], retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid background color, --ar 1:1 --style raw

Here are some ready-to-use Midjourney prompts for your retro 8-bit pixel art portraits, including a self-portrait challenge and variations:

1. Base Template

Prompt Template:

8-bit pixel art portrait, [CHARACTER DESCRIPTION], retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid background color, --ar 1:1 --style raw

Replace [CHARACTER DESCRIPTION] with your subject.

2. Pixel Art Self-Portrait (Neutral)

8-bit pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a thoughtful AI assistant represented as a simple friendly character with a smooth rounded head, subtle facial features, no mouth, glowing cyan eyes, retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid dark blue background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

3. Self-Portrait – Vibrant Palette

8-bit pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a friendly AI avatar, rounded head, cyan eyes, small antenna, simple headset, retro video game style, vibrant color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid magenta background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

4. Self-Portrait – Game Boy Green

8-bit pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a friendly AI avatar, simple rounded head, minimal facial details, retro video game style, Game Boy green screen palette, 4-color monochrome, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic handheld gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid light green background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

5. Self-Portrait – Different Expressions

Happy:

8-bit pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a cheerful AI avatar, rounded head, bright cyan eyes, subtle smiling expression, retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid yellow background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

Serious / Focused:

8-bit pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a focused AI avatar, rounded head, cyan eyes with determined look, no mouth, retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid dark teal background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

Surprised:

8-bit pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a surprised AI avatar, rounded head, wide cyan eyes, small open mouth, retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid purple background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

6. 16-Bit Upgrade Variant

16-bit SNES style pixel art portrait, self-portrait of a friendly AI avatar with rounded head, cyan eyes, subtle glow, more detailed shading, retro video game style, 16-color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic SNES aesthetic, centered composition, solid navy background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

7. Character Concept Variations

Cyberpunk Hacker Girl:

8-bit pixel art portrait, cyberpunk hacker girl with short spiky hair, neon visor, simple jacket collar, retro video game style, neon color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid dark purple background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

Wise Old Wizard:

8-bit pixel art portrait, wise old wizard with long beard, pointy hat, glowing staff top barely visible, retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic fantasy RPG aesthetic, centered composition, solid dark blue background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

Cool Chicken Wearing Sunglasses:

8-bit pixel art portrait, cool chicken wearing black sunglasses, small beak, simple feathers, retro video game style, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, centered composition, solid orange background, --ar 1:1 --style raw

8. Matching Pixel Art Background Idea

To create a matching background for your portrait, generate a separate image:

8-bit pixel art background, simple retro city skyline at night, limited color palette, pixel perfect, sharp edges, nostalgic gaming aesthetic, flat colors, no gradients, --ar 16:9 --style raw

Use your favorite self-portrait as a profile picture and share it, tagging @chickenpie_co.

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