Creating the 2D in-battle characters from scratch help

I want to create the 2D in battle characters, the ones you see in battle only, for example; slime and wasp both appear as enemies in the Lite version.

I have a Linux computer for my art, and a PC for other programs like RPG maker.

I have Inkscape, GIMP, Blender, Pitivi, Kino. I know blender, Pitivi, and Kino wouldnt help with more other than cutscenes and moving animation in general but Inkscape and GIMP can make adobe Photoshop quality images and art.

I have seen this link here http://2dgameartforprogrammers.blogspot.ca/%C2'> which has really awesome step by step on how to make some really nice art for games or anything really and they use inkscape and gimp.

Only thing is they make some reeeally crisp and clear objects, maybe too nice looking to fit my game. In RPG maker the Wasp has a nostalgic look to it, it looks all grainy and old school, how would I make my art look like that. Should i use an old school art program? maybe i could use the spraypaint option to make it look pixely?

I don't know. Could anyone help me out? I have these wonderful programs at my disposal and they aint worth much in my hands just yet haha.

Okay it sounds like you're wanting pixel art.  You don't have to use older programs, the ones you have will work just fine.  You'll just need to stick to the tools that don't use vector or anti-aliasing, like the pencil tool.  Do you have an example of the style you're wanting to replicate?  Grainy could mean a lot of things.

http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Dhorme_Chimera_%28Final_Fantasy_V%29

This is an example although most anything in the Bestiary for FFV is what im talking about, I absolutely love this kind of graphic and I want to learn how to make it. I am willing to do most the research myself but not sure what its called or where to look for tutorials or anything.

EDIT: This is a beautiful one as well   http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090507152741/finalfantasy/images/7/70/Hydra-ff1-psp.png

Maybe theres a grid option in inkscape I dont know about, and I can litterally do it pixel by pixel. If I had one of the virtual art pads things that connect to a Linux or PC that would make it easier.

Ok so I used the terms Pixel Art to search on google and I found the perfect video. Thank you!

Yep, that's pixel art.  You can't do pixel art in Inkscape, it's a vector program and pixel art is raster.  Gimp will work for that.  Now that you know what it's called there are lots and lots of tutorials to help you learn it.  This one's pretty good for learning all the basic terms and beginner pitfalls, it's a good place to start.