Pixel art using granny squares is a great way to get a complex look while keeping it simple. This is a fantastic project for someone just getting past the basics of crochet because the repetitive creation of the granny squares really hones your skills with the various kinds of stitches, without making it too tedious.
To get an idea of how granny square crochet pixel art works, check out this tutorial by russm313 on Instructable to make this 8-bit Super Mario blanket.
