Which is better for an Avatar/Icon Picture?

[Former_Member]

Hi! This may seem like a silly thing to worry about, but I'm thinking about changing my avatar picture/icon. I've had this picture since the day I opened my shop but I don't really know why. What I'm wondering is: Which is better for an icon; a nice design with your business name, a photo of yourself, or just a picture? I've seen so many, but what are your reasons behind what you've chosen? Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I was just talking with someone about this. I can't decide myself. I'm not photogenic so the good pics of me are limited. I had a great pic of a product as my avatar for a long time but it's not my main product focus so I'm trying something else. Still not happy with it and I'll change it soon enough I'm sure.

[LettersAndPine]

I'm torn about this as well. I chose my current picture because I guess I want people to feel a connection to me as an actual person, thinking that they might want to see who is making the items in my shop. But I've also seen sellers use logos, and those look really nice and professional.

I'm curious as to what sellers have to say about this.

[Former_Member]

It's a really tough call. I used to have a business-y type avatar and I changed it a month or so ago to a photo of myself. I had a great holiday season ~ I probably would have either way but it's possible that people also feel a connection because they can see who they are buying from. I've heard a few people say it's boosted their sales.

[JustForGiggles]

Well if that's you in the avi, OP, then good for you! I thought it was a kid :) & when I see avis with kids I don't click because I kinda assume that you're selling kid's clothing. Any chance you could find a way to model your stuff in front of a not-too-busy background(something like the black coat photo) so everyone knows that your shop has to do with clothing?

&, if that is you, you need to thank your momma for those good genes!!! hahaha!! TOO cute :D

[crazeecowgirlvintage]

Hi Marchelle ~ As a fellow vintage shop owner, I ran a little experiment and looked at all of the vintage shops that I've added to my favorites...virtually none of them feature photos of themselves (feel free to check them out). I think self portrait photos may work best for the sellers who actually make their items.

With that said, the photo that I use is a favorite from my personal collection and I actually named my shop after her...she's vintage, she's a cowgirl, and she's a bit crazy (or crazee in my case)!

Find a unique image that conveys your shop's spirit or focus...and have FUN with it, as avatars are one of the easiest ways to change the look of your shop!

[Former_Member]

Personally, I like to use one of my paintings as an avatar. I consider it an added little way of promoting my work, and it's also a kind of branding since I use the same avatar on Facebook, Twitter, and several other websites. I chose one that's eye-catching and easy to make out even when it's tiny (so I went with a butterfly, as opposed to, say, one of my landscape paintings).

I love seeing an image from a seller's shop as his or her avatar. I have often checked out Etsy shops after seeing a cool avatar in the message boards or elsewhere. My feeling is that using one of your items for your avatar makes your stuff more visible, which is good for business!

Just an idea - since you sell vintage clothing, maybe you could use a really creative photo of yourself wearing one of your items? Then you have the best of both worlds. :)

[Former_Member]

Personally, I never click on avatars that a snapshot of the seller. While I like the fact the items I buy on Etsy are from a person rather a huge corporation, I don't care that much about the person if I don't know what they selling. I am drawn to photos of people's items, or very artistic photos of themselves. Daria's photo above is more interesting than just a snapshot and makes me think she must be interesting enough to have a shop worth looking at. I like Crazee Cowgirl's suggestion of using an item from your shop and you. It would be a great way to make that personal connection while showing off your items and your eye for detail and design.

My shop is named after my dog, Too. Hence, my avatar is a photo of that old fart.

[ModernHermine]

If people really want to see me super bad they can look in my about page LOL enjoy !!!

[Former_Member]

I used to have an avatar with my logo but after reading some threads decided to use of my items as an avatar to help people know what I'm selling. And I agree if they want to see a pic of me there's one in my about page. I think the avatar and banner and your business cards should ultimately all match as this is your branding and how people recognize your shop. That's why I would use my picture. I was even on the fence about using my item as an avatar because it didn't match my branding but I like it so far.

[Plektra]

I prefer a product for mine that gives others an idea straight away what work I do. The same with others' avatar. If I want to find out more, I will read their profile or About page.

It is definitely good to show there is a real person behind a shop, but...what if they don't like your face?! Just kidding!

[Former_Member]

Personally, I use an avatar as a part of my branding. I use the same avatar every where I have an online presence.

People recognize me by my avatar!

Its on my business cards, my stationery and everything else related to the business.

And yes, I've had people come up to me in real life and when they've picked up my business card they immediately know who I am.

This avatar was selected over 8 years ago when I first really started 'branding' the business.

So far, its worked well for me.

[dalystudios]

It all depends on your own vision. If you are comfortable with identification on a personal level, then a picture of yourself or your family is great. (I do enjoy seeing the person I am dealing with..and isn't that very Etsy?) But on a professional level, branding (the dreaded "B word") is imperative to project a professional image. So how do you see yourself/ your business?

[Former_Member]

I'm trying different types of avatars but keep coming back to the ones that have to do with my business for some reason, maybe it has to do with the fact that I don't like showing my own looks.