well said. as a perpetually broke oc player, i used to think ai art was an acceptable answer a few years ago but have learned everything in this comment since and am now instead happily using PBs for all of my characters. because there are a zillion options that do not require money already out there.

just note your icons don't match your character exactly and use a good combo of image refs and descriptions of the differences and your rp will be even more immersive than with accurate icons because of using a multimedia approach etc.