Generate default avatars

gistfile1.rb

#### Model
def initials
  [Person.first_letter(first_name), Person.first_letter(last_name)].compact.join("")
end

# "try" is a method Ryan showed me. It sends whatever method you specify
# and if it doesn't work, it returns nil instead of an error.

def self.first_letter(string)
  string.try(:split, "").try(:first)
end

#### Application helper
def avatar_for(person)
  content_tag(:div, content_tag(:div, person.initials, class: "initials"), class: "avatar")
end

#### Stylesheet
@mixin borderRadius($dims:200px){
  -webkit-border-radius: $dims;
  -moz-border-radius: $dims;
  border-radius: $dims;
}

.avatar {
  display: inline-block;
  margin-right: 10px;
  position: relative;
  width: 50px;
  height: 50px;
  line-height: 3.5;
  @include borderRadius(50px);
  background: #ccc;
  color: white;

  .initials {
    vertical-align: middle;
    text-align: center;
  }
}