Pixel Avatar
Generate pixel art avatars from reference photos using Gemini image generation, maintaining recognizable likeness while achieving a stylized pixel aesthetic.
When to Use
Use this skill when the user asks to:
- •Create pixel art avatars from photos
- •Generate team member profile images in pixel art style
- •Convert headshots to Amiga-era pixel portraits
- •Create consistent pixel art characters that resemble real people
Core Principles
Balance Likeness and Style
The critical challenge is achieving BOTH:
- •Recognizable likeness - Must look like the source person
- •Pixel art aesthetic - Stylized, not photorealistic
Common failures:
- •Too photorealistic = pixelated photo filter effect
- •Too stylized = loses resemblance to source person
Single Source Input
Use ONLY the subject's photo as input. Never use another person's image as a style reference - this causes face blending and loss of likeness.
Prompt Template
code
Generate a pixel art avatar from the reference photo. ## INPUT IMAGE [path to subject's photo] - USE ONLY THIS IMAGE ## CRITICAL: LIKENESS PRESERVATION Capture the subject's EXACT features from the photo: - Face shape and jawline - Eye shape, spacing, and expression - Nose shape and size - Mouth/smile characteristics - Hair texture, color, and style - Facial hair pattern and coverage (if applicable) The result must be RECOGNIZABLE as this specific person. ## STYLE REQUIREMENTS - Amiga-era pixel art (16-bit) with smooth gradients - Visible pixels but NOT a pixelated photo filter - Clean lines, rich colors, consistent shading - Stylized but maintains individual features - NOT photorealistic, NOT overly cartoonish ## APPEARANCE - [Describe clothing from photo or as specified] - [Describe expression] - [Describe any accessories] ## BACKGROUND - [Describe background style and colors] - Pixel art style matching the character ## TECHNICAL - NO TEXT on the image - 512x512 output - Portrait orientation, head and shoulders - Square format ## OUTPUT Save to: [output path]
Example: Individual Avatar
For a team member named Dan with a reference photo showing short dark hair, beard, black v-neck:
code
Generate a pixel art avatar from the reference photo. ## INPUT IMAGE /path/to/dan-photo.png - USE ONLY THIS IMAGE ## CRITICAL: LIKENESS PRESERVATION Capture Dan's EXACT features from the photo: - His specific face shape and jawline - His eye shape and expression - His nose shape - His smile characteristics - Short dark hair - exact texture and style from photo - Full dark beard - exact pattern and coverage The result must be RECOGNIZABLE as Dan. ## STYLE REQUIREMENTS - Amiga-era pixel art (16-bit) with smooth gradients - Visible pixels but NOT a pixelated photo filter - Clean lines, rich colors, consistent shading - Stylized but maintains individual features ## APPEARANCE - Black v-neck shirt - Warm smile showing teeth - Friendly, approachable expression ## BACKGROUND - California sunset cityscape - Warm oranges, pinks, teals - Pixel art style matching the character ## TECHNICAL - NO TEXT on the image - 512x512 output - Portrait orientation, head and shoulders ## OUTPUT Save to: /path/to/output/dan-pixel.png
Iteration Workflow
- •First attempt: Generate with detailed prompt
- •Review: Check both likeness AND style
- •Adjust if needed:
- •If too photorealistic: Emphasize "stylized pixel art character"
- •If likeness lost: Strengthen feature descriptions from source
- •If wrong features: Be more specific about what to capture
Common Issues
Face doesn't match source
- •Ensure ONLY the subject's photo is used as input
- •Add more specific feature descriptions
- •Reference exact details visible in the photo
Too photorealistic
- •Emphasize "pixel art character" not "pixelated photo"
- •Request "stylized" and "illustrated feel"
- •Mention "Amiga-era" or "16-bit" aesthetic
Too cartoonish / loses likeness
- •Strengthen the likeness preservation section
- •List specific features to capture
- •Emphasize "RECOGNIZABLE as this person"
Reference Files
For background style references:
- •
references/background-styles.md- Common background approaches for avatars