Avatar creation: your fashion adventure

Whether it’s in a game, on social media, or in a message, the opportunity to express yourself as an avatar arises. Some choose to keep their avatar as accurate to their appearance as possible, but others see this as a chance to try something new. From hair length and colour to makeup and outfits, avatar designs allow the user to see themselves in a new way.

When I have to design a character in a new game my avatar typically ends up being a look or an aesthetic I may not be ready to try out yet. In a social media-saturated world, we’re presented with new looks all the time and it can be difficult to settle on a look that we would actually enjoy.

With avatar variability, we can play around with these different looks. If I smile each time I see my avatar's dark red hair, then maybe it’s a sign for me to go for it (still undecided). If I keep picking out jewel-tone pieces then maybe it’s time to incorporate those into my wardrobe (that one’s in the process). These avatar decisions are a perfect and safe way to experiment with your style, allotting time for comfortability with the look and saving money on elements you cannot return or easily reverse. 

Even if you’re not searching for a new look, flipping through the different options can spark inspiration. For example, I’ve felt like my outfits were getting a little boring, and seeing the different accessory offerings in some avatar creators has provided me with some new types of jewellery and hair clips that I may want to test out. I now consistently look forward to matching my earrings to my outfit and keep an eye out for hair scarves to create a more cohesive and unique look.

While avatars may seem like a simple extension to express your current appearance, they can go far past that intent. Your style is ever-changing and avatars grant a space for you to experiment and influence your aesthetic journey.