The portrait , a centuries-old art form , is finding new life with the masses online . Some people pay artists to paint their Facebook profile pictures and Twitter icons . They 're also essential for effective Internet communication , said Judith Donath , a fellow at Harvard 's Berkman Center for Internet & Society . Free Web sites generate cartoon pictures of people for use in social media . And some companies are even using them as marketing tools.
The portrait , a centuries-old art form , is finding new life with the masses online . Some people pay artists to paint their Facebook profile pictures and Twitter icons . Free Web sites generate cartoon pictures of people for use in social media . And some companies are even using them as marketing tools.