Avatar Your Image Stamp of the Social Media Kind

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Avatar Your Image Stamp of the Social Media Kind

Is it time to give your social avatar an Avatar Makeover? Let your social self shine..

We make such fast judgments and while that may not always be in our favor, the truth is that it happens. So why not make the best of your personal brand with your social avatar?

I’ve asked Sharon Daniels, our newest FocusOnStyle Contributor, to share some tips about why it is important to create a more befitting social brand YOU. – S.H.

A great avatar and creative social media marketing is key in today’s ever evolving social networking world.

It’s one of the best ways to attract new clients and create earning opportunities.

Scientific research shows people connect to attractive images and faces. With your individual personification, your "avatar", you want to make a compelling, positive and vivid impact.

A friend of mine proudly displayed as his avatar a photo of himself shirtless, relaxing while on vacation. After inviting business associates and friends to join his network, and not getting many responses, he sought my advice.

I knew that he was a computer software developer, and that he needed to clearly present himself as a professional. I recommended a professional photographer to shoot his "new avatar", including a wardrobe that was modern, crisp and suitable for his profession. The photographer captured a three-quarter profile and a close-up headshot. We carefully selected two photos capturing his positive and confident personality.

Utilizing my skills as a professional retoucher, I slightly retouched the photos and gave him a clean, polished look. He now has a great headshot to use for business social networking and a handsome three quarter avatar for online dating sites. Today, I’m happy to report that my old friend is meeting new people, and has created a flow of business referrals worldwide.

Joshua Williams, a Creative Director and Founder of "Fashion Consort", considers the importance of social networking is "to provide the ability to go beyond normal degrees of separation. In other words, my work will reach more people. Many of my best clients came from recommendations from past clients. Obviously, taking this online is an extension of this physical client network."

Joshua Williams, Creative Director and Founder of "Fashion Consort", photographed by Kah Poon

“My company Fashion Consort grew out of a need to better brand my personal work. I worked with Hemmert Studio to create a logo; color palette that translated into a website and collateral (business cards, etc.). I have since created a mini-logo avatar that I use on my site and on my social networks. And while each networking site is a little different, the brand elements stay the same. In addition, I have an image that I use often, that shows me "working" … it fits my brand aesthetic and it provides a more personal solution for my networking activities,” says Williams.

Fine artist/painter Charlene Lanzel often uses provocative self-portraits for her social avatars

Fine artist/painter Charlene Lanzel is an expert at marketing her brand on these social networking sites. In fact, part of Lanzels’ clever branding is her social networking avatars, which are often provocative self-portraits. In addition, she frequently posts status updates and albums of current work, which provide her with continuing exposure to both existing and potential clients.

Another example of incorporating strategic marketing on social networking sites is Pratima Anae, an actress and model, pictured at the top. “It’s all about keeping myself visible, because you never know when you might get a job recommendation.” First impressions count. Big time. Social networking avatar may be your first introduction to an individual or to target a group in today’s "social networking" world. — Sharon Daniels, The Skin Perfector

_{Photo of Pratima Anae by Kat Randolph}

Published on March 16, 2010

Sharon Daniels

Sharon Daniels is a recognized expert in high-end retouching and the proprietor of “Hi-End Digital Retouching” in New York City. She has an established reputation for providing natural, clean and realistic photographic retouching with a strong focus on fashion and beauty.

Sharon achieved her expertise while studying under New York’s finest digital retouching experts, including her mastering of Color Theory with the internationally famous Color authority-guru and author Dan Margulis and Che’ Graham, featured on “America’s Next Top Model”.

Sharon’s background as a former Ford Model and years of experience in make-up artistry give her a unique understanding of fashion, lighting, shadow and color. Her background and skills are obvious in the extraordinarily wonderful results achieved in her works.

Tags: Avatar , avatar makeover , business avatar , dating site avatar , image , retoucher , retouching , Sharon Daniels , social avatar