How to create custom avatars for branding without an illustrator

Design & Visuals

Brand avatars represent your brand in digital spaces. This guide explains a practical workflow to design simple avatars using vector tools or templates, while keeping brand consistency.

Avoid overcomplication by using modular components and clear guidelines.

Who is this for?

- Brand designers
- Marketing teams
- Startup founders
- Social media managers
- Product teams

Before you start

- Access to a vector tool (e.g., Figma, Inkscape)
- Brand palette and typography guidelines
- A few reference assets (logo, mascots, mood boards)

General Process (How it works)

  1. Define avatar purpose and scope Decide where avatars will appear and the level of detail needed.
  2. Set brand rules Document color palette, shapes, and line weights to ensure consistency.
  3. Select a modular approach Break avatar into components that can mix-and-match.
  4. Create base templates Build 2–3 base avatar templates that reflect brand personality.
  5. Assemble avatars quickly Use the components to assemble avatars for different contexts.
  6. Quality check and export Test legibility at small sizes and export in required formats.

Jump to tool:

🏆 Recommended for this task

Quick Comparison

ToolFree Plan?Min Price
Kittl Yes $15 / month

Common beginner mistakes

❌ Skipping a defined avatar scope
❌ Copying competitors' avatars
❌ Overcomplicating shapes
❌ Ignoring accessibility and contrast
❌ Neglecting export formats

Which tool should you choose?

Kittl

Kittl provides a fast, designer-friendly workflow to create, refine, and export brand avatars without hiring an illustrator. Its AI image generator, style library, and background removal support rapid iteration and consistent visuals across all brand assets.