Generation of parameterized avatars is described. An avatar generation system uses a trained machine-learning model to generate a parameterized avatar, from which digital visual content (e.g., images, videos, augmented and/or virtual reality (AR/VR) content) can be generated. The machine-learning model is trained to identify cartoon features of a particular style—from a library of these cartoon features—that correspond to features of a person depicted in a digital photograph. The parameterized avatar is data (e.g., a feature vector) that indicates the cartoon features identified from the library by the trained machine-learning model for the depicted person. This parameterization enables the avatar to be animated. The parameterization also enables the avatar generation system to generate avatars in non-photorealistic (relatively cartoony) styles such that, despite the style, the avatars preserve identities and expressions of persons depicted in input digital photographs.