A portable device comprises a data storage for storing avatar data defining a user avatar. The user avatar is formed by a plurality of visual objects. The portable device further comprises a camera for capturing an image. A visual characteristic processor is arranged to determine a first visual characteristic from the image and an avatar processor is arranged to set an object visual characteristic of an object of the plurality of visual objects in response to the first visual characteristic. The invention may allow improved customization of user avatars. For example, a color of an element of a user avatar may be adapted to a color of a real-life object simply by a user taking a picture thereof.