Imagery can be just as important to your public profile (on any platform) as any of the other information that profile contains. A good profile picture lets everyone know what you're all about, visually.
Google knows this, which is why it has launched Google Illustrations; a new way to customize your Google account with a preset profile picture.
Here's what Google Illustrations are and how you can add them to your account profile.
Google Launches "Google Illustrations"
According to a post on The Keyword, you can now use a new feature called Google Illustrations to give your Google account a more personal touch.
You've always been able to change your profile picture on your Google account (it asks you to add one when you first set the account up), but now Google has stepped in with myriad themed presets that you can use instead of your own picture.
These illustrations are fully customizable, so you can add and remove elements as you like. You can also change the color of said elements, affording you plenty of opportunity to create something that is unique to your profile.
This is an excellent idea, given that many people value their privacy and don't necessarily want their photo associated with their digital presence.
Currently, the feature is only available for Android, with plans to roll the feature out to iOS and the web. However, once you change your profile picture via Android, it should sync across all the Google Services you use.
How Do You Get Google Illustrations?
Getting the new Illustrations feature couldn't be easier.
Google states you can currently access them via Android only, as we mentioned earlier. In order to do so, open your Workspace, Gmail, or Contacts applications on your smartphone or tablet. You'll be able to see the Illustrations when you set a profile picture for your account.
Once you've launched the app, tap the circular Profile icon. If you already have a profile photo, tap that in the top right of the app; if you don't already have a profile photo or picture, you'll see the first letter of your name with a colored background. Either way, you need to select that profile icon.
This will bring up the account details screen, with links to Manage Your Account, along with another circular Profile icon, this time with a camera symbol on it. You need to tap that icon and select Add Profile Picture. You should now see the Google Illustrations option, along with adding a profile picture from Google Photos or your device.
From here you can browse, select, and customize the Illustration of your choice; just get creative!
Now You Can Customize Your Account With Google Illustrations
If you want to protect your privacy, or you just want a fun new image to represent your online presence across Google apps, you can with Google Illustrations. This is just one way Google is improving its already rich ecosystem.
