Yeah, every pixel is a tiny storyteller. When I’m sketching a level I first ask: “What do I need the player to feel or do here?” If a pixel can cue a hidden path, reveal a danger or signal a power‑up, that’s a game‑driving piece. I layer it so it’s obvious to the eye but subtle enough that it doesn’t feel forced. On the flip side, the flashy neon splash on a skybox or a looping animation in the background is just for vibe – it keeps the world alive but doesn’t dictate the flow. I keep a checklist: does the art give feedback, does it guide or distract? I test it, tweak the opacity, maybe swap a color, and when the player can’t tell the difference between a cool effect and a game clue, that’s where the balance is right. If something looks great but feels like decoration, I’ll simplify or remove it until the visual and the play talk to each other.