One of the newer features of PowerPoint is cartoon people. They’re fun!
They are SVG files, like icons. You can resize them and recolor them. You can also ungroup them and edit them like other PowerPoint shapes. Here you see the original black along with a version in which I changed the outline color to blue.
While many of the cartoon people are complete like the one you see here, there are also “parts” so that you can combine them to make your own. I’m especially intrigued with the facial expressions that you can insert into a face.
Where to find them
You find the cartoon people in the same place you find other stock images. Go to Insert, Pictures, Stock Images. Then click the Cartoon People tab.
What you see below is just the first group; you can scroll down for many more.
For example, there’s a whole section of facial expressions, heads, and headless people (you add one of the heads) so that you can create a unique image.
As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless.
Putting the pieces together
As I mentioned, you can separately choose a body, head, and facial expression and put them together to make a unique illustration.
Here’s an example…
Maybe she’s a little sad. Maybe she’s meditating. (Not everyone meditates in lotus position!) But I love that it’s MY creation.
There are even some scenes you can use as backgrounds. On the Cartoon People tab, search for “Scenes” to find them. Here’s an example.
Now you know that she’s meditating!
When should you use cartoon people?
Today’s world is much more casual than even 10 years ago — even 5 years ago. For a more formal presentation, stick with the Images and Cutout People tabs. But I find that the Cutout People — and I love the concept — are often too formally dressed, even for a business presentation.
So a while back, I might have said that these images were only for kids or for humor, but I no longer feel that way. I think you can use them to create illustrations that more accurately convey your intent than the other types of images, without coming across as silly or unprofessional.
Of course, you’ll have to use your own judgment, considering your environment, purpose, and audience.
Will you use cartoon people? If so, how? If not, why not?
I’d love to hear your feelings about these cartoon people. Please leave a comment!