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:

1. Recognizable likeness – Must look like the source person
2. 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

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:

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

1. First attempt: Generate with detailed prompt
2. Review: Check both likeness AND style
3. 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