My AI Journey: From Curiosity to Creation
Starting an AI project can feel overwhelming. The tech moves fast and it’s easy to chase hype without a plan. The first step I recommend is to get your own website — your home base and digital shop window. It gives you credibility, a place to showcase projects, and a platform to share updates like this blog.
The Wild West of AI Avatars
AI avatars are everywhere. Ads promise “AI presenter in minutes” and “virtual influencers overnight.” Some are great, but many are over-hyped or outright fraudulent. Red flags include big up-front “lifetime” payments, unclear usage rights, and disappearing support. Do your research before you pay.
Why I Trust Canva for Images & Avatars
Canva has become my go-to for creating avatars and visuals because it’s globally recognised, affordable, and reliable. It’s often much cheaper than buying stock image/video libraries.
- Create a constant avatar for brand consistency.
- Change backgrounds, outfits, and settings per video without recreating the character.
- Design your stage look (e.g., nightclub mic stand) and reuse it across scripts.
Affiliate note: Canva’s affiliate programme is currently closed. When it reopens, I’ll place my link here so you can try Canva Pro via my referral at no extra cost.
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Talking Avatars: What Canva Can’t Do (Yet)
Right now, Canva is superb for creating avatars and visuals, but it can’t make the avatar talk. To add voice + lip-sync, export your avatar and use a partner app:
- D-ID AI Presenters — realistic talking heads; smoothest fit for “presenter” videos.
- DeepReel AI Videos — fuller video creation if you want staged scenes.
- Avatars by NeiroAI — flexible, less widely used.
- Krikey AI Animate — 3D character focus (can be overkill for stand-up style).
Workflow: Create avatar + stage in Canva → generate talking clip in one of the above apps → import clip back into Canva for titles/branding.
Where This Is Heading
AI is advancing fast. I wouldn’t be surprised if Canva bundles full talking-avatar capability in the future, making it an all-in-one solution. For now, the hybrid workflow above keeps quality high and costs sensible.
Get Your Own Website (Start Here)
Your website is the foundation. Tips:
- Choose a reputable host and a domain that’s easy to say and spell.
- Use WordPress + a visual builder (e.g., Elementor) for quick page building.
- Create core pages: Home, About, Services/Projects, Blog, Contact.
- Add trust signals: clear branding, simple navigation, and contact details.
- Post updates (like this AI journey) to build authority and momentum.
Read the full story: I go deeper into tools, workflows, and lessons learned.
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Try Canva for Yourself
Canva is my recommended starting point for AI images, avatars, and video layouts. When their affiliate programme reopens, you can support my work by using my link below.
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Disclosure: If you purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
