Figured I'd share my method for creating pixel art since other artist on here shared their method. There are a couple different approaches I take bare in mind, and is how I approach most things.

Method 1
Black and white steps - first I start with creating a black and white outline; filling, and removing spots I wouldn't care for; then filling in the details as I go.

Example;


Method 2
Blank canvas model where I use a base line image being something like a simple vector 8 bit pixel art ship to create something of detail from the original design to be more fleshed out with details, style change, and add elements.

Example;

Method 3
Mutate, edit, modify, and change the original image from it's form into another state with increase in height, decrease in the sides, black outline changed to colored outlines, etc. The more changes the better.

Example;

I changed the icon from Dead Cells for tactics, and it's changed design from something simple to slanted top, curved side, and narrow the side triangle part from the top down.

Method 4
Fuse images, I take the pixel art from someone else, and fuse elements together from the original state; a simple enough approach to take, and no not from AI art, though I guess you could say my approach is with method 4.

Example;

Method 5
Up res/ add details; when increase the size of the image isn't just enough, and so adding more details with the more elements that are unique to your design such as the outline like adding a neck to the pot or adding detail depth instead of going super simplistic from the original concept, similar to method 3 with the idea being better approach wise.

Example;

Method 6
For method 6 I look at real images as reference images, and take from one source or people sources such as mashing multiple med-kits together. Please note to do so in a legally distinct manner where it's different enough from the originals, doing the AI thing where it's more or less not going to mesh together where you need to smooth out the rough edges and change enough elements from the difference sources.

Example;

Yes I use all 6 methods to some degree, some methods I use together, methods I don't use as often. You might find my methods morally wrong but eh, I can live with that. On that same note if I'm not sure if my art is original enough I contact the creator of the original image to get the green light or not. However method 1 is great to use to compare said pixel art to make sure it's not the same. I'll adapt my methods, and techniques as I go.

By all means if people have better methods to use than this I'll happily go along with such methodology to make art to see if it suits me.