I’ve been reflecting on the power of an individual’s profile picture online. I don’t know if this happens to you as well, but when I see someone’s profile picture, I imagine how it connects to the real person—their tone, their mannerisms, even their charisma.

Beyond the potential for online catfishing, I’m specifically referring to the world of Web3, where the profile picture (PfP) has become an integral part of the culture itself. It’s not that different from the boom of the social media era. I remember how, on messaging platforms like AOL or MSN, it was crucial, almost vital, to carefully choose your profile picture. It had to convey your mood at the time, tell your story before you even started chatting. Just like in the real world, where we express ourselves through style, colors, and clothing, online, our profile picture often speaks for us.

Profile pictures hold incredible power, and in Web3, this power is fully harnessed thanks to NFT technology. While those outside this space might completely overlook the images they encounter during their online navigation, it’s equally true that more informed users love to admire and discover new PfP collections, trying to uncover the personalities behind these images.

I’m one of those users. And here, I want to focus on Azuki, the PfP collection I favor above all others.

This may sound amusing to some and make others smile, but I’ve associated various profile pictures with the most active users, and it’s astonishing how much these images have influenced my perception of the personalities of those who “wear” them. It almost scares me to meet the real person behind these images because the myth these figures have created is so strong. Of course, I’m not referring to the entire collection, but only to the image someone has chosen as their PfP on X.

I can’t mention them all; there are too many, and I’d like this reflection to be taken for what it is: a simple stream of thoughts, free of judgment and malice. Moreover, I want to clarify that I don’t actually know any of the people I’m talking about.

The first that come to mind are:

• Seraph: I could say I’m "in love" with this entity. Elegant, charismatic, and with traits (the characteristics that make the image unique) that are refined and rare. The idea that he’s our product development strategist is a point of pride. And on top of that, he’s a Spirit. Need I say more?

• AEZ: the legendary Rice Riddler, a golden bean, teased by his colleagues at work. His image exudes kindness, value, but also simplicity. Definitely someone you’d want to spend an evening with.

• SuperJustin: Even though he recently changed his image, for me, he’ll always be the dark-haired guy with the backward cap, an exemplary father, always ready to help other users, kind and approachable. You’re what many would want to be when they grow up.

• NiQ: Smiling, colorful, and carefree. I’m a bit biased here since I’ve met the person who owns this PfP in real life, but I have to say it perfectly reflects his lightheartedness and sunny disposition.

There are many others I could mention, like MINH, the neighborhood tough guy, a bit cocky but with deep reflections and messages that sound like judgments but, if you dig deeper, reveal generosity and a desire to demonstrate great creative abilities. Rose, the community manager who puts her heart into it: feared but respected, and the leader of the Garden. Her image is elegant, fierce, stylish, reflecting a strong person. Zagabond, for whom no words would be enough to describe the value and dedication he brings to the project, with an iconic image that has become a symbol. His style, his class, the iconic round glasses, and the toothpick that gives him that “bad boy” vibe you see in anime.

Then, more generally, there are all those Beanz that automatically remind me of lively, cheerful, and vibrant personalities. The Elemental give me the sense of the “young,” the newcomers. And more broadly, anyone with an OG, who, just for owning one, gains an incredible aura that always makes you feel small and wonder, “Who’s behind that?” Not to mention the Golden or the Spirits. Sometimes I’ve even thought, after reading thoughts and posts online, “They don’t sound like an Azuki from the way they speak,” so strong and respected is the name behind these images.

In short, all of this is fascinating, incredible, and the result of an enormous effort by a team of talented people who have dedicated a lot of time to the success of this project.

I often wonder what others think of me—if they think anything at all—or if they can guess my true personality based solely on my image. I hope they can. After all, I am my Azuki, and my Azuki is me.