University Games Development (Art assets)

[Obscurity]

Hey everyone.
I'm a student studying computer science at uni, and have just entered a competition to develop a game in 24 hours.
Its not going to be particularly complex or developed as this is most of the participants first time creating a game. We will probably be coding in C# or C++, and have competant users of these languages. We will be using visual studio to develop the code side of things. However, we need to create some art assets along with the game. Does anyone have any experience with this that could lend some advice?
What kind of programs to create the art would you recommend (in a kind of 8-16 bit style, we don't have the time to make 3D). Ideally cheap/free, but if there aren't any cheap ones what other options are there?
Are there any tips you can give me on using the software?

Thanks in advance.

Obs.

[kalniel]

GIMP, free. Big community who can help.

[virtuo]

Yep can't really go wrong with GIMP or Paint.NET for free software. Could also try http://pixlr.com/editor/ for quick in-browser editing.


http://pyxeledit.com/ is made specifically for pixel art (suiting your 8/16 bit aims), good for building sprites and animations - looks nice but isn't free (costs about £5).

[Obscurity]

Thanks guys, will get to work.