diff --git a/lib/models/user.js b/lib/models/user.js
index 14c30bc..e59b86c 100644
--- a/lib/models/user.js
+++ b/lib/models/user.js
@@ -104,8 +104,12 @@ module.exports = function (sequelize, DataTypes) {
             break
           case 'gitlab':
             photo = profile.avatarUrl
-            if (bigger) photo = photo.replace(/(\?s=)\d*$/i, '$1400')
-            else photo = photo.replace(/(\?s=)\d*$/i, '$196')
+            if (photo) {
+              if (bigger) photo = photo.replace(/(\?s=)\d*$/i, '$1400')
+              else photo = photo.replace(/(\?s=)\d*$/i, '$196')
+            } else {
+              photo = letterAvatars(profile.username)
+            }
             break
           case 'dropbox':
             // no image api provided, use gravatar