# Pixelated Gamer Illustrations Christina Connelly Creates 8-Bit ‘Sprites of Life' By Carly Foy | Published 2011-07-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christina-connelly References: [blog.thaeger](http://blog.thaeger.com/2011/06/12/pixelated-mario-world-icon-metaphors/) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/digitalorange) Illustrator Christina Connelly has managed to create a symbolic lifestyle series based off of the [iconic Super Mario video games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/image-to-pixel-art). Her illustrations are done in the traditional, [Nintendo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario) 8-bit style that is associated with classic games. With bright colors that match the characters she has drawn, her series simply shows the iconic game face or symbol and the life experience or factor that comes alongside with it below. For example, Christina Connelly illustrates an 8-bit Luigi and underneath is the word “Family.” Christina Connelly’s illustration series is called the ‘Sprites of Life.’ The bold colors and range of life-altering objects manage to give the viewer the power to feel that they are Super Mario themselves. Christina Connelly’s series are an instant classic for geeks and art junkies worldwide. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro-inspired Illustrations:** Opportunity for artists and designers to create nostalgic and visually appealing artwork that taps into the popularity of retro gaming culture. - **Symbolic Lifestyle Art:** Artists can explore the use of symbols to convey meaningful life experiences and emotions in their artwork, appealing to a wide audience. - **Gamification of Art:** Combining elements of gaming and art can create interactive and engaging experiences for viewers, opening up new possibilities for artists and technologists. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Artists can leverage the popularity of retro gaming culture to create unique and nostalgic illustrations that resonate with consumers. - **Gaming and Entertainment:** Game developers can collaborate with artists to create retro-inspired game assets and characters that appeal to the nostalgia of gamers. - **Technology and Interactive Media:** Technologists and designers can explore the gamification of art to create interactive installations and experiences that merge gaming and art. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic Gaming Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario.md) - [Retro Pixelated Cafe Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearista-game.md) - [Bitcoin-Compatible Pixel Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-characters.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pac-man-side-table.md) - [Nostalgic Game Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riki-8bit-game-collection.md) - [Pixelated Gamer Smart Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/govee-pacman-gaming-pixel-light.md) - [Cozy Video Game Loungewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-meets-gelato-pique.md) - [Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunscreen-mist.md)