1) All avatars should have the dimensions of 125 x 175. The exceptions are the administrators.
2) All avatars must have a 1 pixel border.
3) Post avatars in the avatar approval thread before using them.
4) You cannot use an avatar without approval of an admin or mod.
5) Avatars may be drawings or real pictures*.
6) If the drawing is done by someone who is from say, deviantART, you need to obtain permission from the artist first.
7) Black and white images are acceptable.
8) You must have 5 in-character posts before you can get an avatar.

*these pictures cannot be famous pictures such as celebrities that are well-known to the public. We do fear copyright laws here.