How to Design Custom Avatars with Aysel

How to Design Custom Avatars with Aysel - Linearity Curve

Hi everyone! My name is Isa, and I am the in-house illustrator at Vector Inter. Today, I thought it would be fun to design a few custom avatars. I wanted to create some diversity but also something that I like to call the "Future Bank," where I combine all the unique features of my avatars to create brand-new characters.

Download the template file from the description and let's get started!

Creating a Loose Sketch

To start, I create a very loose sketch. Avatars need to be simple yet powerful, so try to work with as few details as possible while also conveying the personality of your avatar.

Outlining Basic Shapes

I begin with the ellipse tool and outline the most basic shapes that form my character.

Working with the Pen Tool

For any irregular shapes, I use the pen tool. Simply trace the sketch by tapping and dragging in the direction of the path. If you need a round edge, tap the commas once and then go back with the node tool and double tap on the nodes you just created. It's a quick tip for you!

Leveraging Symmetry

The nice thing about avatars is their reliance on symmetry. Duplicate and flip anything you create on one side to create the other.

Adding Personal Touches

Although this avatar is not based on me, starting with your own portrait can be a great exercise. Showcase your most identifiable features, like piercings, headphones, or a funky hat.

Tweaking Colors and Gradients

After revealing my colors, I usually tweak the gradients a bit. I use multiply blend mode with a blue shade at low opacity to add some very subtle shadows on the right side of the face. I apply the same shadow technique to give dimension to the lips and add more personality with a piercing. Now, I'm adding all these accessories and features to a rectangle on the right, which I call my "Future Bank."

Creating Multiple Avatars

Moving on, it's going to get easier and easier. I duplicate the first avatar I created and remove any details to make room for new ones. I change the shape of the eyebrows, and the color of the eyes and lips. For the blush, I blur it out, lower the opacity, and duplicate it on the other side.

Experimenting with Different Features

For another avatar, I opt for short blonde curls and add a hat using the shape tool. I keep experimenting by duplicating avatars and altering features like skin color, hair type, and eye shape. For example, I create one avatar with darker skin, green hair done with the brush tool, and space buns with the pen tool. Adding a septum ring and adjusting the buns for realism, I continue to tweak different features and styles.

Final Touches

For the last character, I change the eyebrows, eyes, nose, and lips, go for short hair, and give them a beanie with extra detail. I use the pen tool and shape tool for this. I add facial hair and some piercings, ensuring all little details and accessories are placed on the right.

Conclusion

Download the template provided below, create your own variations, and please tag us on social media so we can see them! Until next time.

Keywords

Custom avatars
Vector Inter
Future Bank
Ellipse tool
Pen tool
Symmetry
Personal touches
Colors and gradients
Facial features
Accessories

FAQ

Q: What tools do you use to create avatars? A: I use the ellipse tool for basic shapes and the pen tool for irregular shapes. I also use the shape tool for specific accessories.

Q: How do you achieve symmetry in your designs? A: I duplicate and flip one side of the avatar to create a symmetrical counterpart.

Q: Can I start by making an avatar of myself? A: Yes, starting with your own portrait is an excellent exercise to showcase your most identifiable features.

Q: How do you add shadows and gradients? A: I use the multiply blend mode with a blue shade at low opacity for subtle shadows and tweak the gradients to add dimension.

Q: How do I add blush to my avatars? A: Blur the blush, lower its opacity, and then duplicate it on the other side.

Q: What is the 'Future Bank'? A: The 'Future Bank' is a collection of unique features and accessories I add to a rectangle on the right, which can be used to create new avatars.