Sometimes you want a fun digital avatar of yourself but finding an artist to work with can be a daunting task. Rather than slapping on a filter or using a bot, you can get free digital art without participating in ethically questionable AI art!

As a content creator, I’m always looking for affordable resources to add to my creative arsenal, and Picrew is one of my latest favorites. I’m a little late to the party on this one since it’s been big in Japan for years now, but I feel like this is an under-loved and under-utilized resource overall.

Developed by a collaborative community of artists, Picrew offers users the ability to create unique and diverse avatars with a personal touch. By empowering individuals to craft their own visual representations themselves, Picrew stands out as a resource for more personalized artwork celebrating diversity and inclusivity.

Read on to learn more about Picrew and for a collection of some of my personal favorites!

*Created using the ‘Nanameka’ template by* ***@tororo_vtuber***

A Community Built By Artists for Self-Expression

Imagine Picrew as a modern paper doll, with all designs being uploaded directly by artists for others to express themselves on social media. The site thrives on a community of talented artists who contribute their artwork to be used as building blocks for avatar creation. This open-source approach infuses Picrew with a wide array of artistic styles, meaning you have thousands of options to choose from while guaranteeing that all the art is created ethically. Most creations are available for non-commercial use, meaning you can’t go on to sell anything using the art but you’re free to use on social media as long as you’re not claiming the art as your own.

*Created using the ‘Hmmm’ template by* ***@Esyhpe***

Personalization and Self-Representation

Picrew sets itself apart as a unique application by providing an extensive range of customizable designs that allow you to create custom art from the wide variety of provided template options. From facial features and hairstyles to clothing and accessories, the platform offers an endless array of options that cater to diverse styles, cultures, and expressions.

Whether you want to make an avatar that replicates how you look IRL or want to experiment with a more fantastical side, there are tons of options to play around with. Many designs include a wide array of skin tones, various birthmarks, and piercings, others even include animal and mythical creature features. Some templates, called makers, even allow for trait randomization, which can be a great jumpstart for creativity. Picrew is a great resource for character creation in TTRPGs, so keep this in mind for your next campaign or story!

*Created using ‘PotatoLord’s Persona Creator’ by* ***@potatolordbutnot***

Copyright & Ethical Considerations

As an artist and designer myself, I believe in supporting other creators and respecting intellectual property. It’s awesome to be able to commission an artist for a custom piece, but sometimes it’s not financially feasible. Sharing Picrew art (with credit) is a great way to support these artists by getting their work in front of more people, in a way they’ve consented to and feel comfortable with.

If you’re using Picrew art on your socials, be sure to check out the maker template’s description for usage details. You may need to use Google Translate as many posts are in Japanese, but here are a few good rules of thumb for sharing Picrew art:

Never remove the artist tag or watermark (if present)
Tag the artist (in-post or bio for pfps)
If you’re posting, share the maker template link

*Created using ‘♡ poicon maker ♡’ by* ***@poika***

My Faves ✧･ﾟ: *

There are soooooo many great makers out there, but I wanted to create a collection of some of my favorites for you to use! All of these templates are highly customizable and inclusive, so I know you’ll be able to make a new icon that represents you perfectly. ♡

Let me know your favorites or share any of your creations in our community Discord, and thank you for reading!