[ Poll ] ~ Avatar Making Guide ~ NEW GUILD

A poll for you.

Option 1		61.8%	[ 2139 ]
Option 2		38.2%	[ 1321 ]

Total Votes: 3460

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• • • NEW GUILD (click)
Just when you thought this guide couldn't be a bigger wall of text, the guild opens.
In the guild, you'll find more tips for dressing your avatar. The tips are in the Extended Guide Subforum.
You can also ask for help with your avatars or give help to others.
The guild isn't completely finished yet. Maybe you can help me. ;D
JOIN. Because I said so. Please. :3

Avatar Making Guide
Introduction


• • • • This is a guide for MATCHING avatars. It's not a guide for cosplays, themes, real life avatars, etc. However, following some of these guidelines will also help bring out the full potential in those styles.
Everyone is welcome to post.

• • • • Some things you should know before reading:

• There's a lot of information in this thread. I know. Don't immediately tl;dr it.
  
• The second post has a quick sheet so can see the main ideas in one place.
  
• If you want to look further into a topic, view the associated post.
  
• And if you want to read the whole guide, go for it. :}
  
• This guide was made for those users who are making their first attempts at matching. However, it's always nice to refresh yourself on these guidelines, even if you're well versed in the style already. ;]
  
• Note: Most of the avatars used in this guide were made using Tektek's Dream Avatar Creator Tool.
  
• I must say that these are only suggestions. I did not make up these "rules." This guide has pulled common ideals into one thread. It is not here to force you to dress in this style. In the end, all that matters is that you, yourself, like your avatar.
  
• I hope this guide helps you in creating that perfect avatar for you. :] <3

• • • • Some things you should know before posting:

• All posts are loved. However, please try to stick to topics about avatars and items.

Avatar Help

• You can post and ask for help with creating an avatar.
  
• Please don't ask us to make you a tektek or dress you up using your environment. You learn nothing if we do the work for you. This guide is here to help you make stupendous outfits all on your own.
  
• All avatar styles are welcome. We won't make you match if you don't want to.
  
• If you ask for help, we will assume that you want help with matching. If not, please say so.
  
• There's no harm in posting. We don't bite. :}

Comments About the Guide/Matching

• Please post any constructive criticism about the guide, good or bad. I'm always trying to improve it.
  
• Please don't make posts about how much you hate the matching style. It's okay. You don't like to match. You're entitled to your opinion. I know you exist.
  
• I'm not forcing anyone match. This guide is just here to help those who'd like help.
  
• I like pretty much all avatar styles. I'm not a matching nazi out to make everyone conform. The forums would be boring if we all dressed the same way.

• • • • Goals:

• Provide a basic guide to making matching avatars with decent examples and show that cheap avatars look good too.

Index

Post One: Introduction <= You are here.
Post Two: Basic Guidelines
Post Three: Recommended Items- Key Items
Post Four: Recommended Items- Color Groups / Making Outfits
Post Five: Example Avatars- First Avatars / Budget Avatars
Post Six: Example Avatars- Matching
Post Seven: Example Avatars- Color Balance / Overall Flow
Post Eight: Example Avatars- Originality
Post Nine: Example Avatars- Layering Vs Clutter
Post Ten: Item Coordination
Post Eleven: Avatar Arena Entries
Post Twelve: Extra Avatars
Post Thirteen: Affiliates

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Basic Guidelines
Post Two: Basic Guidelines

I did not make up these guidelines. Many people keep these in mind when dressing up their avatar. When used effectively, they usually make an avatar more pleasing to the eye.

This is a 'quick sheet' of the rules. Examples of each are given in posts further down the page.

• • • • Matching

• Pick two or three colors that compliment each other. More colors can be used.
  
• Use the same shades of each color. The shades of each color vary a lot. Many black items are often dark blue or grey. The white items have many different shadows that slightly change the color of the overall item. Don't just throw on any item because it says 'blue.'
  
• A good place to start is by matching the items to your hair and your eye color.
  • There are two schools of thought on this matter. Some believe that the hair and eye color should match the other items on the avatar. Others believe that's ludicrous because you don't match your outfit to your hair and eyes in real life. I believe that avatars flow better overall when everything matches. And seeing as this guide is biased towards matching, I'll always say that the hair and eyes should match the rest of the outfit. You are free to do whatever you wish. :]
    
  • You have a few options when it comes to this:
    • Use your eye color and your hair color in all of your outfits.
      
    • Change your hair and eyes to fit the new outfit. You can delete and recreate your avatar in the new color scheme. Edit 08/06/09: We can now change our eye style and color by buying eyes in Salon Durem. These eyes are not like contacts, they will be your avatar's new eyes.
      
    • Eyes can be covered with contacts, masks and glasses.
      
    • You can buy new hair from the salon or wear a wig. Masks that cover the face often hide hair. You can cover up and hide short hair with hats.
      
    • You can also use hair that is a mute color and won't stand out too much. Try the colors of white, grey and black for this.
  
  
• It's also fun to find one item that has mutiple colors and then build your avatar around it.

• • • • Color Balance

• Distribute the color(s) evenly around the avatar.
  
• Imagine that the avatar is sliced into three or four pieces. For example, divide it by the head, torso and legs. Make sure that your colors appear in each of those areas.
  
• A key to succeeding is not having an item of one color touch another item of the same color. Alternate the items of different colors. Accessory items play a big role in this.

• • • • Flow

• Don't make the avatar top or bottom heavy.
  • When the avatar is top heavy, too many items are cluttered at the top of the head or one large item is on the head. The avatar looks like it's going to topple over at any second.
  • The avatar is bottom heavy when an item sticks out too far on the bottom half of the avatar. This often makes the avatar look awkward. I think you can usually get away with it, if the large item is at the very bottom of the avatar. For example, large shoes or having a pet sit next to you on the ground.
• If the item(s) on the head are overpowering and large, balance it with large items at the bottom. Wear larger shoes. Use a cane. This tricks the viewer's mind. Visually seeing that the 'weight' is supported a cane makes the avatar look balanced.
  
• When both male and female avatars are wearing the same items, the male avatars usually look better. The male frame has a wider stance. Females have to worry more since their small feet might not balance their items.

• • • • Originality

• If you want your avatar to stand out, don't make it look like most other common avatars on the site. Your avatar won't be noticed if it looks like every other avatar in the forums (or Towns, Rally, zOMG, etc.)
  
• Don't use more than one item from the same set. Anyone can put items from the same set together. That takes no thought. You can get away with two (or three) items from the same set if they are accessories and don't cover a major portion of the avatar.
  
• Try to use items that few others use.
  
• You can also use items that everyone uses, but try to put a new spin on them. Don't pair them in typical combinations.
  
• Your avatar really stands out when you succeed in making an avatar with items that aren't easy to match.

• • • • Layering/Clutter

• There's a fine line between layering enough items and adding too many items. Wearing too few items makes the avatar look sparce and incomplete. Wearing too many items is unapealing to the eye. Try to keep a human-esque shape. (Some cluttered abstract blobs do look good too.)
  
• Use the different layers of items to your advantage. This allows you to better balance the colors on the avatar.
  
• While many guys won't wear skirts, layering skirts over pants provides for much more color matching options.

[sdrawkcab]

Recommended Items
Post Three: Recommended Items- Key Items

This post lists items that are useful for making matching avatars. Items on these layers help you spread color evenly around the avatar.
You don't have to memorize these items, so don't waste your time reading through all of them unless you want to build up a wardrobe.

I made this post before tektek updated its search system. You can quickly search for items by type and color now. Very nifty.

Why use items on these layers?
A typical avatar could include a hat, shirt, pants, shoes. It is possible to make a matching avatar with only those four items. However, it's much easier to add more colors into the mix when you add in more head items, gloves, belts, accessories, socks, leg warmers, handheld items, etc. (Don't go overboard with color! Try to stick to two or three colors until you get the hang of perfectly balancing four, five, six colors in the same avatar~)

People who want to change their avatars a lot should consider buying these items. As in, you'll need items if you want to change your avatar. You won't need a ton of items as long as you pick items that can be used in more than one outfit.
Making matching avatars is very simple as long as you have or buy items that all match. Viola. ...And yet I keep jabbering on and on about the details~

Post Four lists a few groups of matching accessory items.


• • • • Key Items

These are the items that are useful when designing a dream avatar, or for keeping in the inventory to work with many outfits. The goal is having a variety of items that equip around the avatar.
I will list items that are relatively cheap. Hahah, believe you me that I want to list them all. I also want to list more types, such as skirts and shorts. I know you don't want to read that much, so I'll just hit a few highlights. Please bear with me. >.<;;

Tattoos
Tattoos layer under on top of the skin/base and under other items. Some tattoos even layer with other tattoos. I hear that striped tattoos will usually layer with tribal tattoos. They come in an assortment of colors and can help fill up empty spaces on your avatar. If you're having difficulty with finding an item that will fill in and help balance the color in a certain area, see if a tattoo will work. The best part about Gaia tattoos is that they're removable. :}
Any: White Clown Makeup, Kachina Clown Body Paint, Blush Clown Makeup (high and low), body dye (various colors)
Female: -
Male: -

Undergarments
These are wonderful items. They basically equip under shirts, skirts, pants, socks, gloves, etc. These items are definitely a key tool in adding more color or filling up spaces that just seem too bare.
Note: For guys; stockings and leggings are on the same layer (excluding snug leggings). This means that most sock items will layer over most stockings. For females; Stockings and socks are on the same layer and both can be worn over leggings (not snug leggings).
Any: longjohns, wool shirts, Elegant Snowy Leggings, Santa Baby Leggings, Blade's Leggings, baseball undershirts, galaxy suits, spacey body suit leggings, spacey body suit tops, traveller undershirts, g-team ranger bodysuits,
Female: the strapless bras, soft underwears, one piece swimsuits
Male: wetsuits

Items that Hide Hair Color
This category includes wigs and masks. Many of the current wigs on Gaia are either expensive store items, expensive monthly collectibles or expensive evolvign items. I only list versatile wigs that look like they'd work with multiple outfits. The expensive wigs are listed in the expensive items section.
Masks are very handy as they will hide both the eye and hair color. Many masks exist at a cheap price, but are often very colorful. I will only list masks with basic colors.
Any: Black Skeleton Mask, The Mask, Egyptian Short Black Wig, Benkei Wig, Blonde Yamanba Wig, Red Yamanba Wig, elegant antoinette wigs, elegant lord's wigs, ritzy wigs
Female: -
Male: -

Items that Hide Eye Color
Now, I know people don't run around matching their clothes to their eye color every single day in real life. However, this is Gaia. And we're dressing up in the matching style. Eyes can be used just like an accessory and add that punch of color right where you need them. ;] However, if the eyes don't match, they can stick out and ruin the whole overall balance of an avatar. So, when the eyes don't match, change them to match.
This can be accomplished by buying new eyes from the salon, wearing contacts or hiding your eyes with glasses and masks.
Any: Zorro Mask, chache shades, torque shades, Romani Glasses
Female: -
Male: -

Necklaces
Any: anti fashion necklaces, ties, the 4th amigo ties, Gold Locket, Neck Ruffle, scarves, winter scarves, bowties
Female: pompom scarves,
Male: -

Gloves
An excellent way to cover bare arms and add in more color to the midsection. Females have more choices in this area. This is good because female hands look very awkward and nubby. XD [/personal opinion]
Any: medical gloves, Those Black 90s Gloves, Gold Bracelet, Roco Rochel Costume Bracelet, Black Gloves, White Gloves, Brown Gloves, audreys long gloves, Mens Wearhouse Gloves, Dancer Cuffs,ribbon luv sleeves, reversible bracelets, tennis wristbands, g-team ranger gloves
Female: Felicia's Gloves, daisy's gloves, lex's gloves, peasant gloves, Elegant Blue Gloves,
Male: Matial Arts Bracers

Belts
Belts add color to the middle of the avatar, can break up two items of clothing that are the same color and often pull in that last touch of sophistication.
Any: leather belts, buckle belts, single loop belts, galaxy belts, g-team ranger belts,
Female: -
Male: -

Socks and Ankle Items
These items are great tools for adding color to the bottom of the avatar. Open toe shoes really bring out the potential of socks. The ankle items layer over socks and usually layer over pant items.
Note: For guys, many 'stocking' items layer under 'sock' items. Preview them in the marketplace to check layering.
Any: leg warmers, class socks, snug lacy leggings, egyptian gold anklets, tennis socks, baseball socks, stockings, striped stockings, winter socks, deluxe holiday legwarmers,
Female: White Mid Sock, punk socks
Male: radicool socks, long socks, Retro Scholar Cloudy Socks, split socks

Handheld Accessories
These are very versatile. Holding these items in different positions will bring different colors to different areas of the avatar. Handheld items come in all shapes, sizes and colors. ...Or at least a lot of them do.
Any: pimpin canes, magician's wand, boomboxes, jenny's purses, ceramic mugs, coals, pennants, galaxy grenades, plastic thermoses
Female: -
Male: -



• • • • Expensive Items

Skins
Skins change the skin tone of your whole avatar to another color. Some even change the facial features or shape of the base too.
This list does not include the bases that can be obtained as potions from Skin Tyte. The current list includes: Experiment 105, Zurg Energy Drink, elf potions, Zombie 2k8 Potion (glompie), Vampire Potion, orc potions and, of course, human potions. The three grombie bases from 2k5 aren't included either since they're no longer available. These skins cannot be equipped and unequipped with the click of a button. They're still handy for dressing up.

Though this guide does not focus on dressing up your avatar with themes, a different skin or base can help you get your idea across or complete your cosplay. You can also think of the skin as another item you can use to spread a color around your avatar. Turning the whole avatar blue, for instance, would hide whatever flesh that may stand out, and allow you to add blue items to match your skin. FYI, there are people who treat an avatar's skin color as another color on the avatar that must be matched.

Ideas to keep in mind:
Compare the prices of the various skins. Sometimes two skins from two different items will look very similar, but one skin will be much cheaper than the other skin. For example, the Death Whisper Evolving Item has a black skin that's slightly darker than the Black Body Dye. Some generations of the Death Whisper are currently cheaper than the Black Body Dye in the marketplace. "Everyone's Reprise" is cheaper than the Death Whisper skin and Black Body Dye. However, you cannot have eyes or glasses when wearing Everyone's Reprise. Most contacts don't work with it. (The angelic Manner and Demonic Style will work.)


The white skin from the Masterpieces monthly collectible comes with eyes and a mouth. Many mouth items cannot be worn with the Masterpieces skin. Recently, some of the contacts have changed layers. Some contacts can be worn with the Masterpieces skin, while others cannot.
In some cases, you could use the Masterpieces MC instead of the more expensive White Body Dye.
Some examples of contacts that can be worn with the Masterpieces skin: Angelic Manner, Demonic Style, Gogh Reed (all contacts), {I'm pretty sure that the Blessing contacts and reve rouille contacts work, but i'll have to double check. note to self. :] )
Some examples of contacts that cannot be worn with the Masterpieces skin: Oculus Mythica, Oculus Magica, Skittles Crazy Core Contacts, Determined Eyes, Coraline Button Eyes, Gimpi, Mona the Platypus,


Any: various body dyes {Obtained by collecting inks}, Superior Form, Skeleton, Masterpieces (the main pose: base + hair), Masterpieces (skin), White Drome Egg (Black, Red, Tawny and White skins), Alruna's Rose (New Body), Death Whisper (Consume), Furugasa (Onryo no kaminoke), Padmavati's Lotus (various skins), twilight sparkling skin, Dandy's Reprise, Kink's Reprise, Everyone's Reprise,
Female: -
Male: -

Wigs
Wigs can be used to alter your avatar's hair color for an outfit without having to go off and buy new hair from the salon. I already have a list for wigs up above. However, many wigs are found outside of stores and their prices keep increasing. Either that, or they're just expensive in general.
Any: elegant antoinette wigs, elegant lord's wigs, Elemental Hair (all poses), Mythic Hair (all poses), Yokai's Treasure (Oni's Mane), Fire Flower (hot head), Fire Flower (hot head eruption), Masterpieces (David's Hair), Magical Girl (wig), Western Zodiac (Mane of Leo), Biancamella (taffy wigs), White Drome Egg (feather wigs), Head Case, Kelp o th Loch (water horses manes), Fallen Wish (Supernova Dragon Spikes), Fuseling (wig), Queen Bee (behive wig), Spacefleet Wigs, Kuros Induction (wig), Cockerels Waltz (Crest), Everyone's Reprise (Hair), Briar's Shot (Hair), Sybil's Incantation (Hair), Opal Borealis, Fluorite Borealis, Moonstone Borealis, Reve Rouille (Mademoiselle's Hair),
Female: -
Male: -

Contacts
These are items that replace your avatar's eyes and can be equipped and unequipped with the click of a button.
Any: Oculus Magica, Oculus Mythica, White Drome Egg, Determined Eyes, Inari's Beads (kitsuneme), Mona the Platypus (smiling eyes), Gogh Reed (Azure Eyes), daruma dolls (eyes), Kuros Induction (kuros and cordells eyes), Acteons Blessing (eyes), Oisins Blessing (eyes), Chuchips Blessing (closed eyes), nano-c (mirrored optics), Gaia-Tan (Kawaii Wink), Diapered Egg (baby blue eyes), Assorted Contact Lens Set, SDPlus # 7 (My Eyes Are Here), SDPlus #99 Kanoko (Eyes), Sibil's Incantation (Eyes), Reve Rouille (Mademoiselle's Eyes),
Female: -
Male: -

And here's a quick list of expensive items that make good key items. They're just too expensive for me to say that every inventory should have one.
Many of these items are cheap at this moment, but will increase in price. If you like any of these items and can buy them at the moment, go for it. ;]

Devil Tail
Chain Wallet
Golden Laurels
Winged Anklets
Dark Halo
Ancient Katana
Demonic Anklets
Oculus Magica
Fresh Grass Skirt
G Pin
Labu Necklace
Soot Face Explode
4 Leaf Clover Pin
Card Shark Bands
Long Drag
Various mood bubbles from the Cash Shop
Go Player
Coraline Button Eyes
V-day 2k9 Chocolate
Street Fighter IV Megapack
Zhou Yus Staff

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Recommended Items
Post Four: Recommended Items- Color Groups / Making Outfits

This post lists items that are useful to keep around any inventory. These items are staples for those who'd like to change their avatars and make different avatars often. They're also good items to keep in mind when making an outfit that you'll choose to keep for a long time.

The above post lists off some items that are useful because of what layer they are on.
This post lists a few groups of useful matching accessory items.
Some examples of how this makes dressing easier and faster are also shown.

• • • • Items in Color Groups

Here are a few lists of good, matching accessory items. You might find these lists useful if you're making an avatar that uses the colors black, white, red, blue or gold. There are many more items that match these items, I have not listed all possible matching items.
If you're having difficulty matching any other shade of color, maybe you can find some help [here]. That thread contains more groups of matching items.

The point here is that your avatar will match if you buy items that match. It's simple. If you don't own any items that match each other, your outfits won't match.

If your goal is to make one outfit, you're bound to find at least one of these items useful.

If your goal is to be able to change your avatar a lot and match every time, I recommend buying a lot of these items.
You don't have to buy tons of items. Just be sure to buy a couple items that equip in areas that are spread evenly around the avatar. Please scroll down to post ten if you'd like some tips on how to spread the color evenly around the avatar.
All you have to do is mix and match items of two different colors and you have a whole new outfit to wear.

After the lists are a couple examples of how you can work these groups to your advantage. =]

Black
Black Checked Picnic Blanket
Black Class Sock
Black Leather Belt
Black Pleated Tennis Skirt
Black Tennis Headband
Black Tennis Socks
Black Tie
Black Wool Top
Blade's Leggings
Brown and Black Reversible Bracelets
Brown and Black Reversible Hair Pins
Drop Dead Gorgeous Onyx Skull Hairpin
Icy Snug Lacy Leggings
Lex's Dark Gloves (Female)
Magician's Wand
Onyx Galaxy Grenade
Romani Glasses
Suspenders
Those Black 90s Gloves
That Black 90s Visor
Trail of Ants
Waste Glamrock Headband


Red
Clot Glamrock Headband
Clown Nose
Crimson Red Pimpin' Cane
Red and Maroon Reversible Hair Pins
Red Bowtie
Red Checked Picnic Blanket
Red Ceramic Mug
Red Flame Shoes
Red Leather Belt
Red Longjohns
Red Tie
Red Tennis Headband
Red Tennis Socks
Red Wool Top
Roco Rochel Costume Bracelet
Ruby Galaxy Grenade
Santa Baby Leggings
That Red 90s Visor
Warm Starter Skater Guy Shoes


Blue
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
Aqua and Blue Reversible Hair Pins
Blue Bowtie
Blue Checked Picnic Blanket
Blue Flame Shoes
Blue Longjohns
Blue Paper Crown
Blue Wool Top
Cobalt Galaxy Belt
Cobalt Galaxy Grenade
Cool Sporty Starter Sneakers
Icy Snug Balloon Skirt
Navy Ceramic Mug
Tide Glamrock Headband


White
#FFFFFF Complex Band (Female)
Baseball Base
Dancer Cuffs
Diamond Galaxy Grenade
Drop Dead Gorgeous Skull Hairpin
Drop Dead Gorgeous Stone Skull Earrings
Elegant Snowy Cravat
Elegant Snowy Leggings
Fitted White Shorts - grey trim (Male)
Lex's White Gloves (Female)
Neck Ruffle
Neutral Hip Starter Sneakers
White and Ice Reversible Hair Pins
White Beret
White Bowtie
White Gloves
White Hachimaki
White Leather Belt
White Medical Gloves
White Mid Sock (Female)
White Picnic Blanket
White Wool Top


Gold
Decorative Daisy
Egyptian Cobra Headband
Egyptian Gold Anklet (right)
Egyptian Gold Anklet (left)
Egyptian Gold Armlet
Gold Bracelet
Gold Hoop Earrings
Gold Pocket Watch
Gold Rectangular Glasses
Gold Tennis Socks
Gold Tiara
Lovely Genie Gold Arm Bangle
Lovely Genie Gold Pointed Slippers
Monocle
Orange and Yellow Reversible Hair Pins
The 4th Amigo Dusti Tie
Yellow Candy Striped Stockings
Yellow Checked Picnic Blanket
Yellow Torque Shades
Yellow Inflatable Water Wings


• • • • Making Outfits

Now~ let's put some of these item groupings to use. =]

Remember the rule of three.
Picture your avatar split up into parts. I often picture my avatar divided into four parts or even five parts. Dividing the avatar into two halves can sometimes work too if you have two chunky items.
However, we'll picture it split into three parts. The three parts are: the head, the torso and the legs. Now, no matter how many colors you use in an avatar, make sure that each part of the avatar has that color in it.
For example, say you use a red hat and red socks. Be sure to also add a red item to the middle by using red gloves, a red skirt, red shorts or a red belt. This keeps the color evenly spread around the avatar.
This is also why accessory items are key. ;D Take advantage of the many ways items can layer. This helps you spread a color evenly.

After reading this post, if you can view [this thread] to see more info on combining groups of matching items.

Females

First, let's choose a color. Blue sounds like a good color. Evenly balance some blue items around the avatar.

Next, let's choose a second color and evenly balance those items around the avatar. The grecian shorts are excellent items to use under skirts and with stockings or socks.

Now~ we choose a third color. Red sounds fun. The red hair brings red to the top of the avatar. The socks will show through the flame shoes. The belt will show over the skirt on Gaia. The bottle is added because it is both red and blue.


Item List:
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
BLUE CRUSH! Bottled Cooler
Blue Flame Shoes
Blue Paper Crown
Canary Yellow Pimpin' Cane
Clown Nose
Golden Yellow Ribbon
Grecian Shorts Green
Icy Snug Balloon Skirt
Mustard Ruffled Top
Red Class Sock
Red Leather Belt
Red Longjohns

Estimated Total: 11,369 Gold
(Estimated with known item values on 10 May 2007)

Now~ let's use the first two colors again and then add a third 'group' of items to make a different outfit.

We'll add white as our third color. However, since we already have yellow, we'll use a couple items that are both yellow and white.


Item List:
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
Blue Flame Shoes
Blue Paper Crown
Canary Yellow Pimpin' Cane
Decorative Daisy
Grecian Shorts Green
Icy Snug Balloon Skirt
Mustard Ruffled Top
White Wool Top
Yellow Candy Striped Stockings

Estimated Total: 9,136 Gold
(Estimated with known item values on 10 May 2007)


Males

First, we'll choose a few white items to spread around the avatar.


Next we'll throw in a few black items. Bear with me, I know this doesn't look very balanced at the moment. I have a target in mind and know that I can always go back and tweak the amount of black or other items.
Those Black 90s gloves layer under Dancer Cuffs.


And finally, we'll add our third color: Brown. Yes, brown. We need shoes, so we'll add Buckskin Leather Kachina Dancer Boots. These shoes contain all three colors that we're dressing the avatar in. The brown wrinkled vest is a close enough match. The Black GetaGRIP top is always a nice choice. :] A handheld is always a nice addition, so the wizard's wand was added.
Next we'll choose our hair. I've chosen the guy's stardom brown hair (lite) because it's a near match. It adds brown to the head. Don't forget that hair can be used to aid in matching.

Total Value: 27,165 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Wizard's Wand
Brown Reading Glasses
White Bowtie
Brown Wrinkled Vest
Black GetaGRIP Top
Buckskin Leather Kachina Dancer Boots
Dancer Cuffs
Drop Dead Gorgeous Onyx Skull Hairpin
Those Black 90s Gloves
Black Leather Belt
Fitted White Shorts - grey trim
White Beret


Let's make another avatar using the first two white and black groupings of items and add a third color to it to make a different outfit.


Green is a great color that really pops off the screen. ...But not in a way that blinds people.
The following items were chosen. The Green Jersey Top was used because we already have white in the avatar.
I chose black hair and green eyes.


If we add the green to the white and black items we've already chosen, we get this avatar. This avatar does not look very polished. We had to unequip the Skull Hairpin to wear the Sacred Leaf. There is not enough black at the bottom of the avatar and too much white around the neck area.


So.. we go back and tweak our outfit a touch. The Black Class Sock item is added to bring black to the bottom. We take off the White Bowtie and add a Black Tie to bring black to the neck. Emo Glasses were added because the face looked plain.

Total Value: 20,399 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Fitted White Shorts - grey trim
Those Black 90s Gloves
Dancer Cuffs
White Beret
Black Leather Belt
Black Class Sock
Emo Glasses
Fat Lace Sneakers Fuzzy Green
Green Jersy Shirt
Sacred Leaf
Black Tie

[sdrawkcab]

Example Avatars
Post Five: Example Avatars- First Avatars / Budget Avatars

• • • • First Avatars

Many newbies run around in peasant clothes, starter sets and snug sets when they first join. These are good items. There are so many other items on Gaia to work with though! If you're new to the site and reading this guide, hopefully I don't have to persuade you to go out and make avatars using items other than the starter clothing.
The new user quests give out quite a bit of gold. New users can earn over 2000 gold by completing these quests. New users have most likely spent that gold by the time they ever read this thread. If you haven't decided what you want your avatar to look like yet, now's the time to figure it out. Start deciding what items you want to save your gold for.

I'm not saying that using starter items is bad, but there are tons of items on Gaia. Look around to see what items you want to wear. Surf the shops and marketplace to see what items exist. Like an item that someone is wearing in the forums? There's a scroll down menu underneath their avatar. Click "View Equipped List" to see all the items they have on. Some users have this option disabled. Some people also have a list of equipped items up in their profiles.

The fastest way to see all of the items is by looking through [tektek]. Tektek.org is a site that has a lot of tools and resources for Gaia. Tektek's dream avatar simulator allows you to plan an outfit that you'd like to wear on Gaia. These outfits are usually referred to as "dream avatars."
Note: Tektek's layering is not like Gaia's layering. You might create an outfit that's not possible to make on Gaia. [This thread] provides a general guide to how items layer.
Tektek also provides the prices of items. Pay attention to the prices. Some items cost millions of gold. That's a heck of a lot of gold. If you don't want to save up that much gold, don't use those items. If you really really want one of those items, you're in for the long haul. Saving up your gold for an item or items is referred to as "questing." If you're doing stuff around the site to earn gold to save up for an item, you are questing. There's no special button you have to hit or anything.
Check out the many guides on how to earn Gaia Gold to learn more about what you can do to earn gold.


Many people change their dream avatars a few times before they ever complete one. So, take your time. See what items exist. Make as many dreams as you want. And remember, avatars don't have to be expensive to look good.


And hey! As of February 2008, Gaia released more starter clothes. These clothes are in the gold shops for 5g each. You can amass a lot of items in no time. Be sure to mix and match them to show off your great sense of style. Remember, 5g adds up. Don't splurge on items you won't wear.


And, side note, be sure to participate in any Sponsor Quests that may be released in the Announcements. And be sure to participate in Gaia's Events. Not only will you get to see some nifty trailer to some movie or get to hang out in a forum and party with other Gaians, you can often obtain free items for doing these things. (The requirements to obtain the free items often include posting a certain number of times, voting in a poll or watching a short movie clip.) Those free items really help boost your wardrobe. :3


While these avatars are fine for your first couple days, why not start getting creative and make cool outfits of your own? =]

[Space]

For this avatar, we worked with the Warm Starter Polo. We added items that were close to the same color maroon of the shirt. Blue and orange items were added in order to balance her orange hair and blue eyes. Our big splurge for this outfit was the Blue Forbidden Skirt. At 2200g, it's almost half the cost of the whole outfit. The bright side about this is that it is a store item and the price will never get any higher, so you can take your time gathering the gold you need. You can also buy it cheaper in the marketplace if someone puts it up for sale for less than store price. Be careful, many people will try to sell items for higher than the store price. Always check the store price before you buy a store item in the marketplace.

Total Value: 4,752 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Blue Forbidden Skirt
Buttoned Down Foliage Pants
Blue Paper Cat Band
Red Paper Crown
Crimson Mink Shoes
Warm Starter Polo
Daisy's Warm Gloves
Thick Blue Winter Socks

This avatar is modeled around the black hair and pinkish eyes. :3 The pants, the gloves and the necklace balance her eye color. The warm starter rocker girl shoes are pink, black and white. Since white was added by the shoes, other white items were added to balance the color. The cloud zebra shirt is both white and black. The shirt brings both white and black to the middle. Nfty. The skull pin was added to bring white to the head.

Total Value: 3,528 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Drop Dead Gorgeous Stone Skull Hairpin
Cloud Zebra Top
Neo Gloves
Anti-Fashion Pink Anti-Accessory
Warm Starter Rocker Girl Flats
Celebrity Miniskirt
Pink Tiger Pants

This avatar was modeled around her purple hair and blue eyes. :]
To spiff up the avatar even more, some gold accent items could be thrown in. Check the gold item group in the above post for some ideas on what items would be good. :]

Total Value: 2,058 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Icy Snug Balloon Skirt
Violet Tied Top
Flashion Purple Star Stockings
Cool Sporty Starter Sneakers
Blue Checker Cap
Elegant Blue Gloves
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
White Medical Gloves


This avatar has black hair and green eyes. All of the green items used also had white on them so it was easy to balance both the green and white at the same time. Since she has black hair, black items should be added to both the middle of the avatar and the bottom. The dress adds black to the middle and the leggings add black to the bottom. The gloves were added since the arms were bare.


Total Value: 632 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Long Black Sparkle Top
Cool Starter Ninja Gloves
Icy Snug Lacy Leggings
The 4th Amigo Guappa Tie
Green Silly Hat
Cool Starter Skater Guy Shoes
Green Checker Skirt


This avatar could also be spiffed up a touch, but it would make it much more expensive. It still wouldn't be outrageous though. The Midori Cache Shades would work well with these items. So does the Dont Ask Dont Tell Olive Shirt. Try it out for yourself. =]

Total Value: 747 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Neutral Starter Khaki Shorts
Pale Green Rough Walking Shoe
Long White Socks
Castaway White Shirt

[Space]

Here's a modified version of the previous avatar.

Total Value: 1,650 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Fitted White Shorts - grey trim
Red Class Sock
Pale Green Rough Walking Shoe
Cool Starter Rocker Guy Tee




Here's a simple avatar for all you red/black/white fans out there. Our splurge here was the Red Leather Belt at 1675g. It's a very useful item to have to be able to add to any other outfit you make.

Total Value: 4,185 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Neutral Hip Starter Sneakers
Red Class Sock
Radicool Blackout Trim Shorts
Red Trim Work Shirt
Red Ceramic Mug
Stethoscope
White Wool Top
Cloud Zebra Hat
Red Leather Belt

• • • • Inspiration

Pick a favorite or interesting item and work around it.
Work off of your favorite colors.
Match the eye color and hair color you already have.

• • • • Budget Avatars

Not all avatars have to include Cash Shop items or other expensive items to look good. I won't include any Cash Shop items in these examples. Even if an item is cheap at this moment, it might not always be. Gold shop items stay the same price. You can find deals on items in the marketplace, but be sure to check that you're not paying more for a store item than you would if you bought it from a gold shop.
Gold shops are stores like Barton Boutique, Durem Depot and Gambino Outfitters.



Item List:
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
Black Leather Belt
Blue Leather Native Pants
Blue Winter Wrap
Blue Wrinkled Vest
Classic Partition Top
Cloud Zebra Shoes
Drop Dead Gorgeous Onyx Skull Hairpin
Magician's Wand
Pirate Patch
SuperStar Blue Tint Shades
Those Black 90s Gloves
Estimated Total: 13,506 Gold

[Space]

Total Value: 3,751 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Anti-Fashion Pink Anti-Accessory
Lex's White Gloves
#FFFFFF Complex Band
White Ruffled Top
Warm Female Starter Preppy Shoes
Pink Ribbon Skirt




Our hat takes up almost half the price at 1950g. The Green-Blue Winter Beanie can be substituted here for a Blue Paper Crown and a Drop Dead Gorgeous Skull Hairpin.

Total Value: 4,450 Gold
[Item Information]
Item List:
Green Checker Pants
Green Jersy Shirt
Blue Longjohns
Icy Snug Balloon Skirt
Blue Phat Sneakers
Green-Blue Winter Beanie
White Medical Gloves
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory



Total Value: 4,534 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Green Trim Work Shirt
Green Longjohns
Green Flame Shoes
Short White Socks
Charcoal Ribbed Pants
Grey Beret
Drop Dead Gorgeous Skull Hairpin




Total Value: 1,460 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
White Tennis Wristband
Grey Rough Walking Shoe
Dairy Worker Cap
Cool Starter Military Vest
Castaway White Shirt
Cool Starter Surfer Guy Shorts

[sdrawkcab]

Example Avatars
Post Six: Example Avatars- Matching

• • • • Matching

The key part of the matching style is pairing items that are the same shade of color. Hence, the style is called "matching." How clever.
Pick a color scheme. Decide what colors you want to use in your outfit. Use two to three colors. You can use more than three once you get the hang of it.
The key to matching is using items that are the same shade.

♦ ♦ See these two diamonds? Yes, they are both green. No, they do not match. They are two different shades of green. In order to match, the diamonds would have to be the same shade of green.

♦ ♦ These diamonds match.
It's not easy to find items that are the same shade. Just try to get as close to the same shade as possible.


As you can see, this avatar follows the rule of color balance, but doesn't follow the matching rule. The shades of the colors are off. The avatar is interesting, but lacking at the same time.

[Space]

As you can see, each of the colors used in this avatar are close in shade.

[Space]

Total Value: 23,566 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Gold Hoop Earrings
Black Tennis Headband
Blue Leather Native Pants
Fairy Wand
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
Black Leather Belt
Cloud Zebra Shoes
Blue Winter Wrap
Blue Wrinkled Vest
Decorative Daisy
Egyptian Gold Armlet
Gold Pocket Watch
Pirate Patch
SuperStar Blue Tint Shades
Those Black 90s Gloves
Classic Partition Top

• • • • Here's an easy way to make avatars with three or more colors. There are a lot of white items and black items on the site. You can pick a couple colors, and then add white or black to the avatar. You can also add both white and black.

The blue and purple items in this avatar were balanced with black items. The purple items aren't exactly the same shade and the pants are a little too light blue. I hesitate to use this avatar as an example, but I think the overall avatar is very cute. ;3

[Space]

Total Value: 23,549 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Black Leather Belt
Black Tie
Royale Purple Pimpin' Cane
Lex's Dark Gloves
Crinkle Drawstring Top Pansy
Flashion Purple Shoes
Dark Slate Gunner Hat
Acid Wash MehTRO Jeans
Colonial Stockings
SuperStar Purple Skirt
Pop Top Orchid Coat
Platinum Record Earrings

In this avatar, pink and red items were balanced by white items. The red leather belt would equip over the skirt. The labu necklace from the 2007 Valentine's Day event would look very nice with this avatar.

[Space]

Total Value: 21,616 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Pink Ribbon Skirt
Anti-Fashion Pink Anti-Accessory
Thick Pink Winter Socks
Red Phat Platform Sneakers
Elegant Snowy Leggings
Crimson Red Pimpin' Cane
Clot Glamrock Headband
White Wool Top
Red Leather Belt
Doll Ears
Flashy Summer Top
Red Tie
Roco Rochel Costume Bracelet

• • • • It's easy to add the color gold to just about any outfit. A lot of gold jewelry and accessories exist. Just remember to spread the gold items evenly around the avatar.

Total Value: 14,563 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Lovely Genie Gold Arm Bangle
Gold Tiara
Gold Pocket Watch
Egyptian Gold Anklet (right)
Light Grey And Grey Reversible Hair Pins
White Zoot Suit Tie
Emerald Galaxy Headset
Cool Starter Skater Guy Shoes
Peacock Blue Polyester Suit Jacket
Green Wool Top
Neutral Starter Surfer Girl Board Shorts
Neutral Starter Pirate Bandana
Split Teal Socks

• • • • If you're playing around with what colors to use, here's a tip. Bright colors pop off the screen. Make as many odd color combinations as you want as long as the shades match and are evenly balanced around around the avatar.

[sdrawkcab]

Example Avatars
Post Seven: Example Avatars- Color Balance / Overall Flow

• • • • Color Balance

Now that you have a color scheme, distribute the colors evenly around the avatar. This goes along with the layering section, but take advantage of the different item layers. That way you can equip more items in order to spread the color around. The avatar doesn't flow if a whole chunk of color is missing from some area on the avatar.

While the green catches your eye... it draws your eye to the bottom half of the avatar. The avatar looks unbalanced. In the matching style, you want the color to be spread evenly around the avatar.

[Space]

In this avatar, the green and black items are spread around evenly.

[Space]

Total Value: 6,952 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Fat Lace Sneakers Fuzzy Green
Green Hibiscus Pajama Shirt
Neutral Punk Starter Pants
Those Black 90s Gloves
Black Tie
Sacred Leaf

• • • • Pay attention to the colors on the items you use. If an item adds a new color to the outfit, be sure to match that color too. The new color will draw all of the attention and be distracting if it is not matched also.
Note the skirt in the example below. It was added to match the yellow items. However, it also added cyan to the avatar.

In the first avatar, the cyan stripe in the skirt draws in the eye. The second avatar spread out the cyan color and is more evenly balanced to the eye.

Item List:
#FFFFFF Complex Shirt
Canary Yellow Pimpin' Hat
Daisy's Sunny Gloves
Flashion Yellow Skirt
Kill Lanzer Sneakers
Marine Neck Ribbon
Outlaw Biker Pants - Ashe

Estimated Total: 29,995 Gold
(Estimated with known item values on 10 May 2007)

• • • • There's another thing you want to keep in mind. Skin tone. Hair and eyes are considered to be like items you have to match. Well, so is your skin tone.
This concept can be intermediate to advanced. It's not easy for beginners to do, but maybe you'll grasp it quickly. If not, ignore skin tone for now and return to this idea later.
Treat the skin like another color. The skin tone must be distributed evenly around the avatar. If you have any flesh-toned items, you can use them to match your skin. It's also easier to match skin tone if you use a skin item that changes your skin color.
Lots of the examples in this guide don't follow this concept.

In this example, the skin tone has been balanced. You can see the skin tone at the bottom third, the middle third and the top third of the avatar. To do this, you'll usually need to use shorts and skirts. Pants with holes in them also work. Just try to leave spaces between the items for skin to peek through. I'm not advertising any peep shows, here.

Total Value: 10,210 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Black Zoot Suit Tie
Dairy Worker Cap
Brown And Black Reversible Bracelets
Emo Glasses
Black Tennis Socks
Neutral Starter Rocker Guy Tee
Grey Rough Walking Shoe
Black Glamrock Belt
Fitted White Shorts - grey trim

space

You can also use a skin item that matches one or more of the colors you're using in your outfit. Just treat the skin color as if it were just another item. You could also cover up every bit of skin that's showing. In this example, the purple skin tone is treated as if it were another item.

Total Value: 24,946 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Antarctic White Polyester Necktie
White And Ice Reversible Bracelets
Lavender Frilled Hat
Waste Glamrock Headband
Black Wool Top
Orchid Partition Top
Blade's Leggings
Gentle Lavender Sweet Lace Knee Socks
Dapper Gent's Light Lavender Spatted Shoes
Lavender Pleated Tennis Skirt

• • • • Overall Flow

Pay attention to the general shape and size of the items you use. Oftentimes the items that will make your avatar match will throw off the balance of the overall avatar. The avatar can become too top heavy with items, or even too bottom heavy. At the same time, you don't want the avatar to look like a gangly stick. The best way to deal with this is to learn about what types of items are out there and try to balance a large head with large feet. It sounds funny, but works out better in the end. =]
[This thread] contains further information on the idea of overall avatar balance.

This avatar is top heavy. It gives the impression that it's going to tip forward at any second.

[Space]

The lolita hair is notorious for making avatars top heavy. Here, the avatar is balanced by tundra boots. The cane also aids in this visual balance. Notice that the Ska Prism Belt was used with this avatar. We don't want the bright red top of the belt showing, so it was hidden under the vest.

[Space]

Total Value: 30,100 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
G-LOL Bruise Mistress Stockings
Royale Purple Pimpin' Cane
Green Goth Skirt
Purple Pinstripe Vest
Purple GetaGRIP Gloves
Platinum Record Earrings
Lichen Tundra Boots
Green Tartan
Yellow Torque Shades
Gold Pocket Watch
Gold Locket
Mid day Yellow Wrap
Dark Slate Gunner Hat
Fairy Wand
Blue Longjohns
Elegant Blue Gloves
Ska Prism Belt

[sdrawkcab]

Example Avatars
Post Eight: Example Avatars- Originality

• • • • Originality

Don't use sets of items. A set of items is a group of items that were made to pair with each other. These items usually share a key word or string of words in their titles. For example, all of the items with the word "glamrock" in their title are considered to be a set.
Two sets that are overused are the g-lol and pimpin' sets. It looks like you have no creativity and can't think for yourselfwhen you wear a whole set. Anyone can put a set of items together and everyone has seen that set of items together. Boring. Use items from different sets and show off your creativity.
Choice of color plays a big part in originality. You'll see a lot of avatars in red and black. You'll also see a lot of avatars in light blue and gold. Try pairing items of various different colors together. Use color schemes with lesser used colors like teal, maroon, orange, brass.
If your favorite colors are red and black and you want a red and black avatar, make careful item choices. Try to use items that other people rarely use. That way, your avatar won't look like every other avatar out there on Gaia.
The most items from a set that you can wear at once and get away with it is two or three. If the items don't look like they were made to be paired together, then it's all good. Or, if you can use a set of items and make them not look like a set, then it's also all good. :]

These avatars consist mostly of items from sets. These avatars are actually typical of many avatars that are seen around the site.
Please take a look at the avatars I've made throughout this thread. I use items that come from different sets. =]

[Space]

The most eye-catching avatars are those that are original. If it's been seen a hundred times before, people will just skim over it. Red and black is a common theme around the site. A red and black avatar can still look spiffy without being hackneyed.

This avatar is a common sight around Gaia.

[Space]

Many Gaians wear red and black. The problem is, they tend to wear the same black and red items. Common red and black items can still be combined in a way that looks good.

[Space]

Total Value: 17,954 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
KoNfuZeD ReD SHoEz
Asphalt Plaid Ska Pants
That 70s Red Shirt
White Leather Belt
Coal Gunner Hat
Those Black 90s Gloves
Crimson Red Pimpin' Cane
Buck Teeth
Romani Glasses

[Space]

Here's another example of an avatar in red, black and white. This outfit is on the borderline of unoriginal. It uses items from different sets. However, these items are common because many people on the site wear them. If you want an original outfit, try to use items that people do not use very often.

[Space]

Total Value: 20,775 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Black Leather Belt
Audrey's Black Long Gloves
Noir Criss Cross Swim Top
Neutral Starter Rocker Girl Flats
Red Class Sock
Black Cobweb Headpiece
White Hachimaki
G-LOL Dark Dollie Skirt
Ribbon Luv Sleeves White
Buddhist Monk's Rosary Red
Berry Tavern Wench's Bustier
Red Cat Collar
Blush Clown Makeup (high)
Crimson Red Pimpin' Cane

[Space]

[sdrawkcab]

Example Avatars
Post Nine: Example Avatars- Layering Vs Clutter

• • • • Layering Vs Clutter

Many dream avatars are a blob of angelic or demonic items. Yes, expensive Cash Shop items often get you noticed. Giant blobs don't. (That is, unless you set out to make a giant blob that looks interesting.) If you're set on including expensive Cash Shop items, pick one or two and highlight them in the avatar so that they stand out. Or pick on or two and place them on as a subtle hint of class. Giant blobs of expensive Monthly Collectiblesor other 'elistist' items label you as a show off. Wearing giant blobs of MCs or EIs that have been released within the past few months make people chuckle because you're trying hard to be a show off. Just don't do it.
By all means, be proud of your items. But do them justice by showcasing them in an eye-catching outfit.
You can still wear quite a few expensive items on your avatar, but do so tastefully.

The first two avatars are common "dream avatars" found in signatures around the site. Not only are they nearly impossible to complete, they just look like blobs of items.
The third avatar is a common avatar seen around the site. Many people spend all their time saving up for Cash Shop items and can't spare the gold to buy gold shop items. I'm all for saving up for Cash Shop items first because they inflate. However, avatars don't look good with a bunch of random Cash Shop items built upon random clothing items.

Space

While these avatars are very close to being cluttered, I believe they have more flare than their blobby counterparts above.
The first female avatar is built around angelic items, while the male avatar has used the monthly collectibles more like accessories. The third avatar was built around the Celestial Wrap.

[Space]

• • • • As I mentioned before, take advantage of the different item layers. Wear multiple head items. Wear accessories. Wear socks and shoes. This way you can play with your chosen colors. But watch out, do not add to much items or it just ends up looking cluttered and the flow of your avatar will be lost.

These avatars haven't taken advantage of the different item slots. Neither of them have enough items on. The first one is top heavy and cluttered... but still lacking items in the lower half of the avatar. The second avatar has potential, but more items should be used because the avatar is rather bare.

[Space]

These two avatars have too many items equipped in a sporadic way. There's no focal point.

[Space]

• • • • The following avatars take advantage of layers. Each avatar has items equipped in many different slots, but they aren't unbalanced.
If you are unsure of how an item layers, [this thread] might help you.


Total Value: 10,868 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Green And Emerald Reversible Hair Pins
Green Silly Hat
Green PomPom Scarf
Jadeleaf Dragon Slippers
White Pinstriped Polyester Shirt
Dapper Gent's Royal Purple Vest
Green Checker Skirt
Amethyst Galaxy Headset
Purple Wool Top
Purple Baseball Socks

[Space]

Total Value: 27,479 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
White Spacey Body Suit Leggings
Grecian Shorts Green
Daisy's Sunny Gloves
Aqua And Blue Reversible Hair Pins
Yellow Baseball Cap
Kill Lanzer Top
White Leather Belt
Canary Yellow Pimpin' Platforms
Thick Blue Winter Socks
Blue Glamrock Jean Skirt
Blue SP Work Jacket

[Space]

Total Value: 27,213 Gold, 3,500 Tickets
[Item Information]

Item List:
Elegant Brown Knee-Length Trousers
Tan Rough Walking Shoe
Long White Socks
Dont ask Dont tell Brown Shirt
White Wool Top
White Leather Belt
.-_.- Glasses
Dairy Worker Cap
Buck Teeth

[Space]

Total Value: 9,031 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
White Punk Band
Doctors Parabolic Reflector
White Wool Top
Blue Paper Crown
Icy Snug Balloon Skirt
Blue Flame Shoes
Inverse Yellow Pants
Guys Flashion Yellow Top
Black Class Sock
Black GetaGRIP Top
Anti-Fashion Blue Anti-Accessory
Bompin' Blue Head Gear
REBEL YELLO! Bottled Cooler

[sdrawkcab]

Empty
Post Ten

This post has up and hopped locations. o:
You can now find it [here].

It provides a cheat sheet for deciding what type of item you need to add to your avatar in order to have the colors evenly balanced. It's located in a thread that gives more tips on creating evenly balanced avatars and mixing and matching items.

[sdrawkcab]

Avatar Arena Entries
Post Eleven: Avatar Arena Entries

This post contains a few pointers to think about before submitting your avatar into the Avatar Arena.

• • • • Description

• Always have a description. Do not leave that box blank.
  
• Proofread your description. Don't use chat speak or internet shorthand unless it goes along with your theme. Many users don't catch the satire of speaking this way on purpose, so be careful.
  
• Voters usually like to see stories written about the avatar. Try to keep the story moderately short. Voters don't want to spend all their time reading a looong story. They want to move on to the next entry. Many avatars win because their descriptions are good.
  
• If a reference picture is necessary, add one. If you're cosplaying, reference pictures are usually needed. Not everyone will know the character, no matter how popular you think the character may be. Plus, you want to show off just how close your cosplay is to the real deal.

• • • • Item Connotation
The following is a list of things to keep in mind when choosing items for your avatar. It's not a complete list, but it'll do. :]

• cig/buck teeth/clown nose/the mistake - No matter how well these items fit your avatar, many people will give low votes because they don't like these items in general. The cig might get down voted for advertising smoking.
  
• Expensive Monthly Collectibles (Or any other very expensive item) - These items either gain points or lose points depending on a voter's personal feelings towards the item. No matter how well the item matches or fits your theme, you could be downvoted for 'showing off.' On the other hand, a stray MC that does not match or fit your theme could gain you points because the voter likes that item.
  
• Newbie/N00b Items - You can either get big points for using these items in an interesting way, or lose points for using them at all. Examples include peasant clothes, starter set and the flame set.
  
• Some people are sticklers for using the item for what its intended for. For example, the magician's wand is a great item. It's a rather inexpensive handheld that aids in adding black and white to wherever you need it. It can polish off an outfit. You can even pretend that it's something other than a magicians wand. But some Gaians believe that you should only hold the wand if you are dressing up as a magician and will give you lower points for adding an item that doesn't fit your avatar.

• • • • Remember

• If you just want to see other peoples' opinions on your avatar, make a thread in the Chatter Box or the Avatar Talk forum. Users will rate and give suggestions for free. There's no use paying 1000g.
  
• Making a thread in the CB or AT is a good thing to do first. You can generally see what people think of your avatar and if you need to tweak anything. But remember, if your idea is very original, don't show it for risk of someone else copying your idea before you get the chance to enter the arena. Also, by default, AT rates according to their preferences. If you're going for a cetain theme, let them know before you ask for a rate.
  
• The voters, for the most part, vote on originality and theme. They also vote depending on whether they like the description or reference image.
  
• Be sure to have a description.
  
• Unless you have something that you know will blow their socks off, the voters have seen it all.
  
• Don't enter the arena if you know your avatar is not complete yet. The voters can see that too. Use the 1k t'wards your avatar.
  
• Don't say that it is your first time and expect the voters to go easy on you... It's no excuse for a poor avatar. It doesn't get you sympathy. Many first-time entries have placed.
  
• Don't add on items like a kiki, yeti and/or mimzy just because you like them. Also, it goes over better if you refer to the mimzy as a stuffed animal bunny. Calling it a mimzy usually doesn't fit along with your story.
  
• Advertise, advertise, advertise! Show in your sig that you're in the arena. Maybe even post it in a bump thread. The more people you can get to vote for you, the better. Making an eye-catching picture for your sig often attracts more people to vote.
  
• Have fun. =]

[sdrawkcab]

Extra Avatars
Post Twelve: Extra Avatars

This post will house avatars that were made for this thread, but didn't make it into the final cut. Feel free to use them. :]


Total Value: 6,043 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Burnished Brown Kukui Necklace
Thick Brown Winter Socks
Pink PomPom Gloves
Fitted White Shorts - grey trim
White Wool Top
Wingin Black Shoes
Gray Sleeping Cap
Neutral Starter Rocker Guy Tee



Total Value: 31,881 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
#0000FF Complex Shirt
G-LOL Dark Dollie Skirt
Cloud Zebra Shoes
Raptor Wind Horns
Midori Cache Pants
Green Snowflake Scarf
Forest Troll Ears
Classic Margarita

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1508/tek070603519592ge3.png
Total Value: 86,473 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Elegant Red Satin Corset
Pink Ribbon Skirt
Rouge Hot Pants
Thick Pink Winter Socks
Clot Glamrock Headband
White Wool Top
Gold Pocket Watch
Decorative Daisy
Monocle
Elven Ears
Crimson Red Pimpin' Cane
Labu Necklace
White Leather Belt
Ballet Toe Shoes
Egyptian Gold Anklet (right)
Gift of the Goddess


http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/3048/tek070603109493cn5.png
Total Value: 27,979 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Purple Pinstripe Vest
White Wool Top
Royale Purple Pimpin' Cane
Elegant Snowy Cravat
Blue Torque Shades
Dark Slate Gunner Hat
Blue Forbidden Skirt
White Leather Belt
G-LOL Bruise Mistress Stockings
Blue Grecian Sandals
White Neon Hoochie Pants

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5519/tek070603983e91kb9.png
Total Value: 27,758 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Daisy's Breeze Dress
Purple Pinstripe Vest
White Wool Top
Royale Purple Pimpin' Cane
Elegant Snowy Leggings
Elegant Snowy Cravat
Blue Torque Shades
Dark Slate Gunner Hat
Flashion Purple Shoes

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1391/tek07052597a63vw9.png
Total Value: 33,749 Gold
[Item Information]

Item List:
Elegant Feathered Mask (Lavender Pinions)
Light Violet Scarf
Light Purple Leg Warmers
Purple Pinstripe Vest
G-LOL Bruise Mistress Stockings
Royale Purple Pimpin' Cane
White Glamrock Jean Skirt
Neutral Hip Starter Sneakers
Black Leather Belt
#FFFFFF Complex Shirt
Blacklight Gloves
Basic Black One Piece Swimsuit
Zorro Mask

[sdrawkcab]

Thread Info
Post Thirteen: Updates / Affiliates

• • • • To do List

Update examples since better matching items have come out since the thread was made.
Make balanced skin avatar examples


• • • • Updates

• 12/23/07:
  • This update post was made. Up until now, the updates have just been posted in the thread. The old updates will be found and placed in this post.
    
  • The Avatar Arena entry was cut down and tightened up.
    
  • The Anti-Boredom Thread was added to affiliates. Go hang out there. ;3
  
  
• 02/19/08:
  • The banner made by N3V3RM0R3 was added.
    
  • The beginning avatars section was added to since we got the release of the new starting item set, eyes, mouths and hair. The update will be finished as soon as tektek adds the new eyes and mouths.
  
  
• 02/23/08:
  • The expensive items section was updated. To make it a little more clear, a wig and base section was added.
  
  
• 03/07/08 // 03/15/08:
  • The item lists throughout the thread were updated.
    
  • A base modifiers section and a wig section was added to the key items post. These items are kept separate in an expensive items area because they do not have static prices.
    
  • Icrat randomly made a banner. <33 Wootness. ;3
    
  • New example avatars added to beginning avatars section.
  
  
• 3/23/8:
  • o: Spazztic Duckies make a banner. <.< >.> My username's misspelled, but it's all good. ;D
  
  
• 07/06/08:
  • Added the lovely banner by Vulpus. :]
  
  
• 08/07/08:
  • Updated item lists.
  
  
• 08/15/08:
  • Switched out the gold outfit for the brown outfit in the avatar making section.
  
  
• 09/20/08:
  • Updated item lists.
    
  • Updated Banners List.
  
  
• 12/24/08:
  • I've kept up with updates, just not this list. Items have been updated.
    
  • Added an affiliate: Miz's Official Item Review. It's a fun, quirky review on a new item each day.
  
  
• 03/14/09:
  • Various items have been added to the lists over the past couple months as they were released.
    
  • A new affiliate was added a couple days ago. Want art? Check it out. x3
    
  • An example was tweaked, more examples were added and a bit more text was added. Sorry about more text. xDD I still have more work to do when it comes to updating the samples. They were made before better items existed soo they're outdated now.
  
  
• 06/19/09:
  • Item lists updated and new gold color group sample models. Also added banner to first post.
  
  
• 08/06/09:
  • Bowties updated. The comment on avatar bases versus skins was tweaked since we have a lot of base changing potions in Skin Tyte and it didn't reflect that. Item lists were quickly updated. As of today we can buy new eyes from Salon Durem. Statements were changed to reflect this. I'll have to go through it more later to find my other comments about avatar deletion being the only way to change avatar eyes.
  
  
• 09/18/09:
  • Avatar Making Guide: The Guild was officially opened.
    
  • Posts 1, 2, 3, and 5 were updated. I cut out a bit of rambling. This guide was written before we had EIs, RIGs, and Lucky Chests. I've updated some of the lingo since all I mentioned were MCs.
  
  
• 09/19/09:
  • More posts are being edited... Post 4, 6, and 13. ;D
  
  
• 09/20/09:
  • Updated posts: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
  
  
• 09/21/09:
  • Skin tone examples made for post seven. The undertaking of updating the main thread can now be called DONE. Finally. Now I can concentrate on the guides in the AMG guild for a while.
    
  • 10/25/09:
    • Recycle That Roadkill made an awesome button.
    
    

• • • • Banners
:3 This banner was given to this thread by the Anti-Boredom thread. They rock. B]


o: Cute little banner made by Spazztic Duckies.
http://i25.tinypic.com/2hrfzgi.png

Ha. Isn't this a fun banner? :3 Made by Vulpus.


I can't stop looking at this awesome button. :3 Made by Recycle That Roadkill.





• • • • Affiliates
This post is so far down at the end. </3 Thank you for checking out this post and please do check out these nifty affiliates. :3


http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6716/dtcaffilliatefl4.png





http://tinyurl.com/5fzmle

[`Kumi]

Great thread ^.^

[JeeszyCreezy]

*claps* great work raw.