Another Question on Sprites

Ok, so i wanted high-ish quality sprites like this one.


But i've only been able to make sprites like this or similar.

So my question is, just it just take time and practice drawing pixel by pixel to make high quality sprites? Or is there some program or something like that to make them?

The first image uses sprites that are MUCH higher resolution than the second. Like 100x100 px vs 8x8 px. The second is scaled up to be the same size, and the first obviously takes more skill to create because it is more detailed, but there isn't really any magic involved beyond artistic talent and resolution.

K, Thanks.

First image is most likely not drawn pixel-by-pixel.

the first image is more of a vector graphic. ie flash games