30 in 30: Day 13 - Gmail: Personalize with a Signature and Profile Picture

Day 13 in the 30 in 30 series will help you add a little customization to Gmail.  Creating a custom signature that will automatically be added to the bottom of every email sent and adding a profile picture so that when people get an email from you it is more than just a member of the Blue Man Group.  Both of these features can be done from the same Gmail settings screen.

Default Gmail
profile picture

We will first talk about adding a signature.  Most teachers have already figured out this feature.  It's great for adding any of the redundant information at the bottom of any email that you send.  Name, phone number with extension, email address, grade level and maybe even when the best time to call you.  The second feature, setting a profile picture, is something that most teachers don't have.  Either by choice or because they don't know where to set.  Knowing where to set it....that is an easy one.  Inside of Gmail, click on the Settings gear in the upper right corner and choose Settings.  On the General tab if you scroll down you will see the section that says My Picture.  Click on Change Picture, locate and upload your photo and BAM, profile picture update.

For those of you that don't want to use an actual photo of yourself, may I suggest a couple of online Avatar makers.  This is a fun way to customize your profile picture without having to use an actual picture.  A couple good ones are Pickaface and Avatar Maker.  Both are pretty straight forward and allow a ton of customization.  Create one that looks like you or get a little crazy.  Either way, it will make it a little more personal.

For those of you that are looking for the video tutorial, click here to watch how to add a signature or change your profile picture.

Avatars created with Pickaface