How To Create Your Own Personalized Avatar For Hubpages
73Are you Justin Timberlake, Genelia, Halle Berry, Britney Spears, Mariah Carrey, or any other famous celebrity? If you are not one of these people, then why do you want to use their picture as your personal avatar? Avatars should be a picture of the person writing a blog, a Hub, or a picture of something the writer likes, such as their favorite type of cake of a sunset at the beach. However, if you post a picture of a celebrity as your avatar, it just seems a little odd to me. Do you feel insecure about your own picture and not want to share it with the world? Well you should not because everyone is beautiful in their own way, and anyone who tells you differently is spiteful and cold hearted. When I look at people I see beauty everywhere, from the smallest toddler to the oldest senior citizen. Magazines and websites cannot define beauty, so if you are using the avatar of a celebrity you should stop and use your own picture because it is beautiful. Do you wish to remain anonymous online? I totally understand this, but I encourage you to use a picture of a favorite object or location as opposed to using a celebrity picture. Most celebrities prefer to have their anonymity and would not appreciate their picture being used on a writer's profile. Just think of it in the reverse, if you were a celebrity would you want every Tom, Dick, and Harry pretending to be you here on Myspace, Facebook, and Hubpages? I can say most likely you would not, but if you do that is fine too. People who like to draw could use one of their creations, which is something I used to do before I was finally encouraged to be myself, which is one of the best pieces of advice I was ever given here at HubPages. Using your own picture is very personal and helps people to identify your Hubs. However, using a pet or another favorite object can also be very personal, but it would be nice to see less celebrity profile avatars. By doing this you will create an original avatar no one else can replicate, unless they copy you and decide to be completely unoriginal. This Hub will give a few suggestions about how to create an original avatar.
1. Buy A Digital Camera And Say Cheese
Go buy a digital camera and take a picture of yourself today. Still do not own a digital camera? What is the excuse? In the year 2008 there is no excuse for not owning a digital camera because these are very affordable and have come down in price considerably. Many basic cell phones even come with digital camera, which means your ability to take a picture will be instantanous. Prefer a digital camera with more megapixels than the basic cameras installed on cell phones? If you want a quality camera then buy one with eight plus megapixels and aim for more than ten if possible. However, you can buy an affordable camera for around five megapixels, but these pictures will not have as much detail as the higher resolution cameras. I still use my five megapixel camera because the pictures have brighter colors than my eight megapixel camera, but the beauty of the latter one is that it also includes a video camera that allows me to post clips to YouTube. A digital camera is necessary for anyone who wants to be able to take pictures of themself without having to pay for film. One drawback to digital cameras are that most require batteries, so buy rechargable batteries in order to save money and to give the environment a helping hand.
2. Scan An Old Picture
Do not own a digital camera or refuse to buy one? Go to the local pharmacy store and scan one of your old photographs. This will give you the opportunity to play around with the scanner and decide if you want to buy one on your own. However, I must say buying your own scanner pays off many time over! Before I owned I scanner I once went to Wal-Mart to use theirs, but it was smudged and my picture came out funny. That was back in 2002 and I decided then and there I was going to buy a scanner. I have been through a couple of scanner since then, but these are great because this gadget allows me to preserve and upload all of my old pictures. I enjoy having a library of digital pictures, which is useful when trying to select an avatar, or just when you need a new picture for a Hub.
Do you see how real and genuine digital and scanned pictures come across as authentic? Try posting your own picture as on your profile page and delete the celebrity avatar.
3. Take A Picture Of Your Favorite Object
Your favorite object could be a great picture for your new avatar. Grab that digital camera and start snapping away! Just think of all the wonderful types of pictures you can take with a digital camera, and these are so much more interesting than those stale celebrity pics. Last winter my sister took some beautiful pictures of the snow that would make great avatars. Every day of my life I take pictures, and I love some of the pictures I have taken of flowers, which would also make delightful avatars. Objects can be a wonderful source of avatar inspiration.
4. Pets Make Great Avatars
My sister's dog Lucky makes a much better avatar than someone who has used Justin Timberlake for yet the thousandth time this year. Also, please do not get me started on Halle Berry, and if her name is not on your birth certificate than her picture should not be on your profile page! It is a free Internet world if you wish to continue pretending to be a celebrity, but it really is unoriginal and slightly stalkerish. Give up the cheesy act and upload a picture of your beautiful pet instead. I love pet avatars and they give a sense of warmth and show your readers how much you love your pet. I hope everyone has fun making their own personalized avatar.
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CommentsLoading...
Thanks for commenting.
Hey SweetiePie. I was about to use a 'celebrity' photo as my hubpage avataar. This article of your made me think hard. You have raised very valid points as why one should use celebrity pix to be used as some else avataar. Thanks for educating me on this point.
I have taken off my batman mask forever .. From now on I shall be just plain ... cat woman?
Just trying to take advantage of the 9 identities (or was that lives) of a cat :)
rmshdc,
My point of few about using a celebrity for an avatar is do not do it. Honestly, if you are not this person, why would you want them on your profile pic?
PetMemorialWorld,
Well i love your cat here. Does that mean you are going to become cat woman now? Must be nice having nine lives :).
Good hub. If I am correct, there also disposable digital cameras that cost very little a person could use to get a photo of themselves if they want.
Yes you are sirdent right, there are disposable digital cameras. However, for a just a little bit more people can buy one for multiple uses, which is a way to get more for your money. Of course if people want to use other object for their avatar I understand that, but am I the only one who finds this celebrity avatar craze funny? LOL
Nicely done. Photos are excellent including the scanned ones!!
Thanks for the comment weblog.
You mean to tell me that Halle Berry doesn't have a hubpage and that was possibly not the real Jessica Alba that I saw earlier?! I like what you said here, and I agree with you. I don't think people should hide behind an image that isn't theirs because above everything, we should always be true to ourselves. I use a pen for my picture because I'm always writing.
Very good point. We need to be ourselves
talented-ink,
I love your old fashioned pen as an avatar, and hopefully more fake celebrity profiles will take their cues from you. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
fishskinfreak2008,
I agree, we should be ourselves and not pretend to be a celebrity :).
I like your tips, SqeetiePie. Although I can also understand people choosing the picture of a famous person with whom they associate themselves or feel connected to. Personally I'd choose a great thinker over some popstar, but that's a matter of preference, of course :)
You are right Ananta, some people do care about a pop star and identify with that person. I just think their avatar would be more interesting if they picked something different. However, I do agree with you, it is all a matter of personal preference.
Good Hubs.....good work......i liked your idea..thanks!
Another great hub SweetiePie! I fully agree with you of not using celebrity pics as avatars.
regards Zsuzsy
Thanks for commenting patnamohan :0.
Too bad the people with celebrity avatars could not create something special like yours. Hopefully some of them will think twice before uploading a celebrity. Thanks for commenting :).
Great ideas, I agree a photo of you makes the hubs more personal. I don't like photos of me, so I might be taking some of your advice.
Thanks, Annie.
GoldCastAnnie,
Thanks for stopping by. I have seen some great avatars of objects and drawings, so I am sure whatever you will come up with will be great.
Awesome hub, SweetiePie, I hear what you're saying about being comfortable with yourself, but when I had multiple browsers open while working on some of my yet-to-be-published hubs, I got a little creeped by seeing 8-10 pictures of myself staring back at me. The whole celeb craze thing is nutty, though. I agree, I'd rather pick a person that I identify more with intellectually than a pop-star. To each their own, though. I love your picture, btw!
Thanks for commenting Nicole. If people want an intellectual person on their avatar I could understand that, probably I would not do that, but I do get it. I just find the celebrity craze a little deceptive if not creepy. Those people are using the celebrity pics to get more traffic to their hubs, but to each his own :).
Great.
Hey SweetiePie,
good suggestions and love your, as always persoanl pics! Lucky, Too;)
I love all the Profile pics here, except celebrity ones you mentioned,a nd i also love the different styles which become logos and to be honest, from some avatars (faces) I have seen, I am glad using your own face is not a requirement! :D
Thanks for commenting guidebaba.
Thanks for the comments compu-smart. I never think using your own face should be a requirement, but using someone else's should just be wrong :). However, that is just my opinion and everyone can do as they please. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Sweetie Pie! This is a great hub. When I tuck my kids into bed, I plan on submitting it to Digg and Mixx. Excellent advice and perspective. :-)
Steph
Thanks Steph, I appreciate that. That is so sweet of you :).
Great Hub SwetiePie, i find your information useful. I'm happy with the picture of a cheeky monkey :)
This is a great hub good and clear information. I think you are right one should make their own avator
great info thx so much.. you really are a sweeteepie.. i have recently prurchased my very first camera and am just starting to get the hang of it.. before this i use to take my pics with webcam or camera phone (before my new one) so the quality was always bad.. they use to turn out so blurry.. i was very limited in where my pics took place.. but now i have the freedom of taking it whereever i go and snapping what i see.. a whole new world has opened up for me now.. thx for sharing your great hub.. your pics are absolutely awesum !! keep up your great work.. cheers!!
TravelMonkey-
Thanks for the comments.
Juliet-
I am glad you agree with me on the celebrity avatars, those are just ridiculous :). Thanks for commenting.
Epifanny,
Thanks for sharing how you finally were able to get a new digital camera. I hope you enjoy discovering all the new pictures you can take out there, and thank you for commenting on my hub.
Write on Sweetie! Great idea for a Hub, and good job writing it too. Keep up the good work. C.S. Alexis
Thanks for commenting C.S. Alexis. I just began to feel very passionate about this when I discovered several of the beautiful women here on HubPages are pictures of Bollywood actresses. Of course we can pick out the actors and actresses from Hollywood, but it is harder to pick out the Bollywood actresses. It is sort of funny really, but why do people use their pictures if they are not them. They have the freedom to do that, but I still think it is funny. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi SweetiePie,
I agree totally with your article. Also, you are right about the digital camera. Mine has been absolutely invaluable to me. I made sure I got one that could take extreme close-ups, as I needed to take close-up pictures of jewelry and rare books (fine print, autographs, etc.). Got it on Ebay for about $150. as I recall, but here's my point. If the camera AND the scanner seem like too much for you, then take a picture of a picture or artwork. My avatar is a picture of an 8x10 photo. No celebrites, please! Thanks for sharing!
Had a great time reading this hub
Christoph,
Thanks for the comments. I think your avatar is great and show why people should use their own face.
Tomche, thanks for commenting.
Hi you look more "sweety" in that Close up shot you were using at first. In the current avatar, you look a little bit fat.......But very cute
Well that is because I am sort of fat. I eat what I like :). Thanks for commenting.
Nice work SweetPie, can you identify the celebrity on my avatar!? :D LOL
I like your picture better you are wonderful HubPage celebrity :).
Thanks for an interesting and entertaining Hub. We both enjoy digital photography and have mobile phones that we chose on the basis of their photographic capabilities. The photo we use on Hubpages was one that we took on a day when one of us was not happy with her hair - so she's the one holding the camera.
Thanks 2patricias, I can tell both of you were very happy in this picture. That is a good type of picture to have for HubPages.
Yes...I too have wondered why these hubbers use 'fake' photos....'cuz Heaven knows...I wish I was as beautiful as some of the celebrities...but I never considered using one of their photos. And the hubbers who don't use any photo? They have me sort of uninterested re: their writing...my pic has me sporting behind my 'celeb' sunglasses as a feeble attempt to look 'glamorous.' What's your professional opinion?
I like your avatar desert blondie and it does look glamorous. Thanks for commenting :).
Nicely done. Photos are excellent including the scanned ones!!
Thumbs up!
I suppose I have your approval for mine... I like using my own photos not only for my avatar but also for my hubs. I think they add a personal touch and make you more credible than using someone elses pictures.
Great hub!
Thanks for commenting Patty Inglish.
Thanks for commenting Princessa. I do not feel anyone needs my approval for an avatar as I am just a Hubber, but the original thought behind this Hub was the high number of celebrity avatars we see on a regular basis. It especially got me thinking when I found out some of the ladies from India are really men using Bollywood celebrity pictures. Your avatars are always great and you are right, personal ones to make a Hubber more credible.
As I newcomer to Hubpages I have yet to come up with an avatar for my Hub.
I can understand people not wanting to see their own face staring out from the computer, as my wife of some 40 odd years goes balalistic when I try to get a close up. And I must add I think she is beautiful (I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
You have given me plenty to think about but I think I might find a animal that I feel fits my personality. What are your thoughts on that angle.
I'm really enjoying reading your hubs. btw just turned 70 on Friday
Agvulpes,
Happy Birthday! Thanks for the wonderful and insightful comments. I think an avatar of a picture or animal you took yourself is great because that is you and not you pretending to be a celebrity. I just find it amusing that online so many people represent themselves with celebrities when maybe their own picture, or a picture of an animal, drawing, etc would be so much more interesting. Thanks for saying you enjoy my hubs and I will have to read a few of yours.
Hi Sweetiepie
Finally got around to an avatar. Decided to go with an old self portrait, could'nt find a hair brush in time.
What do you think would I impress the ladies or WHAT???
I love your new picture agvulpes. I am sure the ladies are swooning as we speak, I know I was :).
Gee, I didn't think the photo would create such a groundswell of emotion, so I have to make a confession.
That's not me !!!!, no really.
It's my brother, he's the good looking one in the family so I thought I would use his photo. Sorry. please don't tell him he might join and spoil all the fun.
I'm more the laid back shy retiring type, but I'm working on a photo of myself which I will put up real soon.
Hope your not disappointed.
btw love your pop up card
Thanks for all the nice comments agvulpes and I look forward to all of your future pictures.
I seem to be all thumbs at the moment so it will be about 1 day.
I bet your go bananas when you see the real me?.
How did you know I think Australian men are so handsome Agvulpes :)?
Aw shucks, you've made me go all coy.
And just to dispel your illusion about Australian men, I'm going to go up and download my new avatar. Please don't be disappointed and let me down gently, you know I'm sensitive.
Do not worry, I am sure it is fine :).
Hi Sweetiepie, gee I feel like I'm talking to my granddaughter when I write that, as it is my nickname for her. Sorry I digress. I have succumed to your way of thinking and posted my own photo, albeit a very old one of myself as an avatar.
Very nice photo by the way. You were very handsome then, but I am sure you stil are now.
Hey, I like you new avatar, looks very natural and highlights your long hair.
Thanks for the comment on my photo. I had just had my hair styled that day, so I feel it looked especially nice, the the sunlight highligting my hair was also a nice touch too.
You're beautiful
Guily as charged:D
If i was as sweet as you SweetiePie, i would have used me as my avatar!:)
Hey I like your avatar. Very intriguing :).
Lovely hub! So very true as well!My digital camera has been lying around gathering dust!You have inspired me to start a photo blog!Thats my New Year Resolution!:)
I love photo blogs Laila, so I would suggest you try one when you can. Also, adding pictures to a hub is great fun too.
This is a great hub . I suppose I am concieted I love myself so much that I find pleasure in using my own picture as avator. Somehow when I read the hubs I take it for granted that I know the writer a feel bonded. I do feel a little dissappointed when I see a picture of an animal or something that is not human.
I honestly can't imagine a celebrity that I would want to select as my avatar. Do I want to get sued? Hell no. But more than that, they already have their own personality and following. We are ourselves here -- we create our own user personas.
I would love to learn how to manipulate my avatar photos, tho. Like Misha and Mark Knowles and a few others do. I think that's pretty funny! Thanks, MM
Julie Christie,
I am like you and feel it is better when people use their pictures. I like to see who is writing hubs :).
Mighty Mom.
I agree, who wants to risk getting a celebrity irritated because you decided to lift their picture. I am sure you could ask them to help you manipulate your photo if you liked :).
If you ask me I love myself too much that I can't even think of putting anyone elses picture on my profile,lol. Through my Profile picture I want to convey the image of been genuine and authentic. I don't think I should hide behind other avatars.
Nice Hub SweetiePie. Keep it up!
You are very pretty Anamika, so kudos to you for using your own picture :).
You inspire me to take digital imaging seriously. Pictures speak louder than words, most of the time.Keep it up.
Glad to know I inspired you kairos. Keep up the hubbing :).
great job done.what ever you have said in your article is really really nice.i am so admired from your post.loved to read it again n again
Thanks a bunch Britney!
That is great u had a camera at at the age of 5 years....
My grandpa had always been an avid hobby photographer, so he wanted me to have a camera too. My first camera was very awkward and funny one, but it took basic pictures. Thanks for stopping by tring-sandra!
This is a great hub and thanks for sharing all the pics. Your dog is adorable.
-Journey*
Journey,
Thanks for stopping by and saying you like my dog. My dog is one of my favorites for sure. Have a nice day.
good advice and informative hub
Wow SweetiePie,
You make some real good points. I never thought picture could make such a difference. Your photos are great. I'll take out that old digital camera of mine and will take some picture.
Michelle
Thanks for stopping by and reading this mailxpress. I hope you have fun picking out new pictures for your avatar in the future.
Great hub SweetiePie - wish more people would follow your advice! Guess I'll have to start taking pics too - but I love the sketch of me done by a favourite artist friend of mine that I use it everywhere - but your article has inspired me to take a few pics!
I hate the idea of celebrity avatars - unfortunately a lot of people who use it here are young guys hiding behind female celebrity avatars - one wonders why :(
Shalini,
I agree I prefer to use my own picture. There is one hubber that does use a celebrity picture and I know for a fact she is a woman because she has shown her pictures to me of herself, but she does not want to the world to see these. Honestly I prefer being myself, but I guess some people feel more comfortable using a different picture. Your sketch is really cool and I am glad you use it :).
SweetiePie,
I don't know if it's okay for you if I comment ... but you are Very Pretty! :)
Nazishnasim,
That would never upset me to hear someone say this because that is just expressing your opinion.
SweetiePie,
Ok then, I think you are very pretty! :D
Hi Nazishnasim,
Why thank you! I have never been offended by someone telling me they are pretty, and I think we are all attractive in our own special way. Your picture is very nice too!
SweetiePie,
Gee... thanks!
Great hub, but does this mean I have to dump the shoes I lust for, but will never own or wear? *sniff* (LOL!)
No you can keep the shoes, but I just think it is great to use a current picture of myself because I am me. When I first came here I used to be a picture of a teddy bear that I drew, but I realized I am not a teddy bear, so now I use my own picture.
this is great idea about avatar and surely better than silly GIf images one gets on intrenet..talk about exclusive and personalize
I just prefer to be me, but to each his own :).
Thanks for the Hub. I wondered how some of the people on Hubpages had such cool looking avatars...now I know!
The flower picture you posted in your Hub is a Daylilly. My comment has nothing to do with your subject. I just love Daylillies. I have thirty or forty different varieties of many colors, sizes, blooming times, Etc. Maybe I can write a hub about them.
Last Hand Willy,
I am glad you like daylillies, and I do not mind if people go off subject. Thanks for sharing and I do hope you write a hub about these flowers.
hello sweetiepie,im amazed never searched on the hub before searched these pages and thought what a blessing you are,avitars how cool... found my way to my interests and saw youd posted on sir dent, remarkable person you are
When I'm reading a hub I like to see what the person who wrote it looks like. Great tips! Thanks!
From what I have heard around you are not the only one who feels this way Patti. Thanks for sharing.
“Celebrity Avatar Craze”
Now How Funny is That?
Your unique personalized Avatar is a Great Idea.
I like it a lot! Super Photo! Sweetiepie, Thank's for being yourself.
Thanks websclubs.
Hi SweetiePie,
Very well said, and i do use my own avitar....great pics by the way.
Take Care
Spinner
Love the color effects on your picture spinner!
tyvm Sweetie
Take Care
Spinner
Thank you very much,I will used "Pets Make Great Avatars".
Thanks for stopping by Kyon!
Hi sweetie, Thank you for sharing I learned a great bit. I borrow my siters digital. I am too poor at the moment to get one. I use my cell phone but it a 'big deal' for me to upload the pictures. They upload maybe 1/4 of the time. It could be the operator I call my cell provider but it avails little. Anyway one day I will have a digital. Just as one day I got my lap top I prayed for. God is so good on time, in time. Any that cannot afford even the least expensive, borrow your friends for a day or two. If the friend is willing to let go take a load full of pictures and get them onto your pc. Then give your friend a big hug and a treat for your gratitude. That is how it works for me.
skye2day,
Actually digital cameras are on sale right now, so honestly you can pick one up for less than a hundred dollars.
great hub gave ideas for my avatar
Glad to help patspnn!
Great idea SweetiePie, I am glad you have said what so many of us wonder, namely why in the hell do people put Brad Pitt or whoever as their avatar? I know they think they'll get more hits that way I guess, but for me I shy away from reading their material at all.
I enjoyed your down to earth writing voice too.
Happy New Year!
Ben
Ben Zoltak,
I agree with your points Ben. People with original avatars have a charm that many of the copy-cats just will never possess, if you know what I mean! Happy New Year to you are well!
Well done, Sweetie Pie. Some people's avatars are so well done, they really suggest what that person's hubs are going to be like. A good avatar also sticks in your mind. When you read so many hubs, and look at your favorites, it's easy to pick up on that picture when you may forget a name.
Dolores,
Yes I like the way you have summarized this. I always remember certain people's avatars!
yes, but how do i make pics clear on my hubpage?
CandieGirl,
Read the FAQ.
Hi! Very useful info! I think I have used the same technique to make mine. Very nice photographs -- Thanks
I liked your idea. Good hub.
Great ideas. Wonderful hub. God Bless You.
Thanks stars439!
ASHWINSPGA 3 years ago
You are such a wonderful writer sweetie pie. You make people think and ask questions of ourselves. And the best part is you can take on something complex and turn it into something comprehensible. I love you so much...