# Realistic 8-Bit Gaming Jimiyo Draws Mario and Link Artfully But Constrained to Jagged Shapes By Jason Soy | Published 2011-09-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jimiyo References: [geektyrant](http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/9/11/geek-art-8-bit-mario-and-link-realistic-pixels.html) & [jimiyo.deviantart](http://jimiyo.deviantart.com/) These Jimiyo Mario and Link illustrations are both awe-inspiring and somewhat creepy to look at. After all, Jimiyo decided to illustrate the two iconic video game characters in a realistic manner, but still trap the protagonists to the confines of their original [8-bit shapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/16bit-display). This leaves the pair looking extremely deformed, though it makes for extremely impressive art. I can't even look at Jimiyo's illustration of Link without a smile on my face as the expression plastered on his visage is already hilarious, but its funniness factor is amplified due to his contorted proportions. **Implications** - Artists are currently referencing [retro gaming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/image-to-pixel-art) in many of their art pieces because the demand for [nostalgic imagery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riki-8bit-game-collection) is at an all-time high. Companies may similarly use nostalgic iconography in media campaigns in order to fulfill consumer demand for such content. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro Gaming Nostalgia:** The demand for nostalgic imagery is at an all-time high, providing an opportunity for companies to use nostalgic iconography in media campaigns. - **Realistic 8-bit Art:** There is an opportunity for artists to create unique and impressive art by depicting iconic video game characters in a realistic manner while also utilizing their original 8-bit shapes. - **Contorted Proportions:** Contorting the proportions of iconic characters may result in hilarious and impressive art pieces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming Industry:** By capitalizing on the trend of retro gaming nostalgia, the gaming industry can create new games and merchandise designed to evoke nostalgia from consumers. - **Art Industry:** The art industry can utilize the trend of retro gaming nostalgia to create unique and impressive pieces of art. - **Marketing Industry:** The marketing industry can utilize nostalgic iconography in media campaigns in order to fulfill consumer demand for such content. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Holographic Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protohologram.md) - [Brick Toy Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-boy-set.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Console Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-radio.md) - [Haunting Gaming Adventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hauntii-xbox-game.md) - [Artistic Game-Inspired Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-de-guzman-1.md) - [Nostalgic 3D-Printed Arcade Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-clock.md) - [AI-Supporting Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronics-hub-art.md) - [Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunscreen-mist.md)