How to Create Your Own Virtual Avatars for Teenagers

An avatar is a graphic image used to represent a person or account on the Internet. Teenagers use avatars on websites, forums and in chat rooms. You can create avatars in designs such as a Mii-styled avatar like the Nintendo Wii, a Gaia Online avatar or a manga-styled avatar. Online avatar makers are free to use and allow you to download the completed avatar as a file to your computer.

Instructions

My Avatar Editor

1. Navigate to the My Avatar Editor website to create a Mii-style avatar, like the avatars used on the Nintendo Wii (see Resources).

2. Complete the form on the first page including information such as the avatar name, gender and favorite color.

3. Click the buttons in the row at the bottom of the avatar maker to switch between sections. You will see selections based on the avatar part you are editing. For example, clicking on the eye section will show you a selection of eye designs you can choose from.

4. Click a design for each section until you have created an avatar that you like. You do not have to choose a design for every section.

5. Click the disk icon on the far left and choose "Export" from the menu.

6. Change the size and background color, then choose the file format you would like to use.

7. Click the "Save" button to save your avatar to your computer.

GaiaOnline Doll Maker

1. Navigate to the GaiaOnline Doll Maker on the eLouai website (see Resources). You will see a default avatar on the left side of the screen.

2. Click a section from the menu located right of the avatar. You will see sections for pieces of the avatar such as body, eyes, hair and clothing. Each section will provide you with different designs for that avatar piece.

3. Click a design for each section until you have created an avatar that you like. You do not have to choose a design for every section.

4. Click the save button under the avatar based on the type of file you want to save. You can save it as a .gif, .jpg or .png file.

5. Click the "Save" button on the preview page to save your avatar to your computer.

FaceYourManga

1. Navigate to the FaceYourManga website to create a manga-styled avatar (see Resources).

2. Click "Create," then select your avatar's gender. You will see a sample avatar on the left side of the avatar maker.

3. Click a section from the menu located right of the avatar. You will see pieces of the avatar such as face, eyes, hair and ears. Each section will provide you with different designs for that avatar piece.

4. Click a design for each section until you have created an avatar that you like. You do not have to choose a design for every section.

5. Click the "Finish" button when you have completed your avatar.

6. Click "OK" to confirm, then fill out the short form to receive your avatar in your email.

References

• My Avatar Editor
• eLouai: GaiaOnline Doll Maker
• FaceYourManga

Resources

• My Avatar Editor
• eLouai: GaiaOnline Doll Maker
• FaceYourManga