Whether it's your profile picture for Discord, Steam, or any other online gaming platform, you often don't want to use a real photo of yourself. For this reason, cartoon avatars can be extremely useful in portraying your likeness without giving away your actual identity. Picrew is a website where users can create and submit their own avatar makers for other players to use as profile pictures or general avatars to share with others. Here are our picks for the best Picrews to try out.
Character Maker by Hunbloom/Queen Bee
We have selected this Picrew due to its impressive level of representation. Players who have vitiligo, heterochromia, or wear a hijab won't feel excluded by this Hunbloom's Picrew Character Maker. You also have the choice between 15 different skin tones, several of which are fantasy-related. Speaking of fantasy, this Picrew also features fantasy character elements like elf ears. Players can also opt to present their character as more masculine or feminine through clothing and hair choices.
Poicon Maker by Poika
This choice is much more feminine in character presentation (while still having some masculine options), but we still chose this one for a few reasons. One reason is the large popularity of this Picrew, as it is one of the most frequently used avatar makers on the site. Secondly, we found Poicon Maker to be inclusive of many different types of people. Finally, it delivers a lot in the area of customization, such as the wide array of clothing options that have additional color customization. Poicon also gives players options for fantasy avatars and allows for the repositioning of assets.
Cheerful Gorigori by Madonna Okamoto
The Cheerful Gorigori Picrew has some deficiencies like a lack of diverse skin color swatches, but it does make up for them by the unique opportunity it provides. The large majority of Picrews will only give players the opportunity to create one avatar within each image. This avatar maker stands out by making a Picrew for two friends to depict themselves. The anime art style lends itself to a cute and innocent vibe that's very appropriate for platonic friends who might want to share the same profile picture. It also gives some in-depth customization with facial features and accessories.
Witchcrew by Malachitinous
For those who are looking for something that reflects their interest in the occult, look no further than the Witchcrew Picrew, whose name is rather self-explanatory. This is especially useful if you're gaming as a witch! On top of the many witch accessories and adornments you can add to your avatar, this picrew also allows for different body shapes, a variety of skin colors, and many other diverse options. Players can also choose between dozens of different background options.
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500-Style Standing Picture Maker by Iwose
The 500-Style Standing Picture Maker Picrew is ideal for players who are looking for a classic anime art style with clean and direct customization choices. There are a good handful of skin tones to choose from, as well as some distinct personalization assets like facial scars. There are also choices in clothing that can represent male or female body types. This avatar maker is great for making a simple gaming avatar or any other purpose that suits you.
500-Style Drink Maker by Iwose
Another Picrew made by popular creator Iwose, 500-Style Drink Maker gives players something very different to create. Make the drink of your dreams, whether that's refreshing fruit water or a sweet milkshake. There are many different customization options in this drink-making Picrew, with many different colors and intricate details, including darker colors for syrups and layered drinks.
The Lady of Hera by Hera
Those who are not as interested in fantasy or modern options for character creation should consider trying out the Lady of Hera Picrew Picrew. Choose between several different historical eras ranging from Ancient Greece to the Victorian Era. You can mix and match historical garments and accessories. While there's not much wiggle room for gender expression with this Picrew, it does give a fairly good range of diverse options for representation.
Plastic Girl by Sparemoon
Sometimes you just need a heavy dose of nostalgia. Thankfully, you can get that with the Plastic Girl Picrew. Make an avatar of your own likeness with a retro Barbie doll style. While the older style of Barbie dolls may have not provided as many options in the realm of inclusivity, you won't have that problem with this Picrew. Choose between '90s fashion, royal getups, and even an astronaut suit to make yourself in the image of the classic doll franchise.
Diagonal Back Maker by White Seventy-One
The Diagonal Back Maker Picrew could definitely use some work in the department of diversity, but it has its perks. Mainly, this Picrew is ideal for people who might want a more anonymous avatar online. This can be especially useful in gaming spaces where you may heavily interact with strangers. Having an avatar that only shows your back can be quite useful in communicating a deeper desire for privacy or introversion while online. You can also depict the avatar as more feminine or masculine, whatever your preference might be.
Two Cats by Pachelbel
Maybe you don't want to be represented as a human in your picture at all. That's where the Two Cats Picrew can come in handy. This Picrew is especially ideal for those who have two cats at home that they'd much prefer to use as a profile picture or general avatar. It also has a surprisingly high degree of customization, all the way from Mink Point to Karpati breeds and coat colors.
TOON ME! A by Hellosunnycore
If you're searching for a versatile and inclusive full-body avatar maker, TOON ME! A is one of the best options on Picrew. The inclusions for this picrew are numerous, with a variety of skin tones and body modifications. From tattoos to piercings, you can represent yourself and others very well with this avatar maker. You can even include your pet! Disability representation, through prosthetic limbs and hearing aids, is also an option within the maker.
TOON ME! B by Hellosunnycore
Like TOON ME! A, TOON ME! B gives players the option to create themselves (or others) in a full-body avatar format. The only difference with this option is that you can choose to make your avatar with a large body size. This gives those who wish for more body inclusivity on Picrew to have better choices that depict themselves more accurately. Like the above option, you can also select vitiligo, hearing aids, prosthetics, and other customizations. The clothing and accessories are also varied enough to suit multiple audiences.
OC Creator by AlliMocha
While OC Creator by AlliMocha is not the most inclusive option on this list, it does boast plenty of diverse options. Vitiligo, numerous skin tones, and headwear like hijabs are all present. One feature it provides above others is a unique art style that looks very professional. It is hard to tell that this avatar maker is made by an independent artist. The clean lines and various clothing options (that fit together seamlessly when mixed around) provide an enjoyable experience for any user.
Black Centered Picrew by Naylissah
While the name may imply that this Picrew is only for black users, the creator of Black Centered Picrew, says otherwise. Naylissah assures users that while this avatar maker centers itself around black users, anyone is free to represent themselves. The options you have in this maker are endless, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Whether you are masculine or feminine, black or not, or even have religious clothing, this Picrew has everything you need. It doesn't hurt that the art style is gorgeous.
Persona Creator by PotatoLord
The art style used for Persona Creator may be a bit polarizing, but we know that there are many users out there that appreciate it. The simplistic design of the avatar maker lends itself to an indie feel that is perfect for many settings. And while the sharper angles in this Picrew may skew masculine, there are many feminine selections to choose from. On top of wild hair colors, accessories, and skin tones, there are many customizations. If you wear a Bindi, Hijab, or even a habit, you're covered here. Don't forget to show your pride through the wide array of backgrounds!
Want to read more about character customization in gaming? If so, check out What Character Profile should you choose in Vampire The Masquerade: Swansong on Pro Game Guides.
Bethany has been a writer at Pro Game Guides for over two years, but she has been into both gaming and writing for countless years. When not writing helpful guides for fellow gamers, she can be found playing on her PC or Switch, writing short stories, and watching horror movies.