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*You are looking at a blog, written by a designer with leesniveau 2. Hope you're cool with that! (note to self: need to spice this space up)

*You are looking at a blog, written by a designer with leesniveau 2. Hope you're cool with that! (note to self: need to spice this space up)

*You are looking at a blog, written by a designer with leesniveau 2. Hope you're cool with that! (note to self: need to spice this space up)

YOU don't need a professional profile picture.

You don’t need a professional headshot to show up online. Let me explain why I use a green smiley face as my profile picture — and why it works.

The green smiley instantly sets me apart from the crowd. It signals creativity, approachability, and a willingness to stand out. In a sea of corporate, buttoned-up profiles, it catches the eye — and maybe you’re someone who’s tired of all that formality too.


For me, simplicity matters. A bold, distinctive graphic is easier to remember than yet another face in a sea of faces. The bright green color makes it instantly recognizable and hard to forget — which is crucial when you’re building a memorable online presence.


Over the years, I’ve learned one key thing: emotions drive engagement. And smiley faces? They tap into something universal and positive. In casual spaces like Threads, a formal headshot can feel distant or cold. The smiley keeps things light, friendly, and human.


As a designer, I also value flexibility. A smiley doesn’t need constant updating. It’s a practical, low-maintenance way to stay consistent across platforms, without worrying about finding the perfect photo every six months.


In short:

☞ It helps me stand out
☞ It builds a memorable online identity
☞ It projects a friendly, open vibe
☞ It’s easy to maintain and endlessly flexible


With a personal mission to inspire more people to explore design, I want my presence to feel fun, approachable, and inviting. It’s not about me, Bram. It’s about sharing ideas, encouraging creativity, and making the design journey feel accessible to anyone.

Written by

Bram Vanhaeren

Published

22 Oct 2024

Reading time

2m 26s

Original

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