Bonnie Sandy

Bonnie Sandy is an artist, product, surface & fashion designer specializing in supporting local niche cultural businesses. She advises creative entrepreneurs on strategically leveraging technology, with a current focus on the potential of AI. Bonnie's expertise lies in helping businesses that cater to diverse communities and offer high-quality, boutique services

AI video Avatar intro Bonnie Sandy

@BadasseBs BadasseBs.T.Me

A Place Online For Everyone

Beyond the Storefront: Exploring the Power of Your Online Presence

In today's digital age, a strong online presence is no longer a luxury for businesses, it's a necessity. For independent creatives, the internet offers a powerful platform to showcase their work, connect with customers, and build a thriving community.

Traditionally, we've viewed websites as online storefronts, primarily focused on e-commerce. But the reality is, your website can be so much more.

Over the years, I've personally experienced the transformative power of the web. My own website has served as a virtual office, a digital gallery showcasing my artwork, a platform for connecting with other creatives in an artisan collective, an event calendar for workshops and exhibitions, and even a holiday pop-up shop with live shopping events.

This portfolio site is a testament to the endless possibilities of the web. I'll be exploring various web options and demonstrating how they can be leveraged by any creative entrepreneur, from simple landing pages to interactive experiences. I'll share my journey of experimentation, showcasing the "first takes" to inspire and encourage you to embrace the power of your online presence. Let's explore how to transform your website from a static storefront to a vibrant, engaging hub for your creativity and your business

AI Powered Content

So, I've been thinking a lot about how businesses can really stand out online these days, and I decided to put together this article with the help of Google's AI – specifically Gemini and NotebookLM.

We basically argue that old-school websites – you know, the ones that are just like digital brochures – are seriously lacking.

Instead, it's all about creating interactive experiences, building strong communities around your brand, and personalizing everything based on what your customers actually want. And guess what? We suggest using AI, like Google's NotebookLM, to make it all happen.

Think personalized recommendations, A/B testing different approaches to see what works best, and really understanding your audience. It's a game-changer!

Overall, it's a really insightful piece that shows how businesses can create a much more engaging and impactful online presence. Definitely worth a read

Reimagining the Web Presence: Beyond the Static Storefront

This article was written with the assistance of AI, which helped streamline the writing process and explore a wider range of ideas.

The traditional "Web 2.0" era often equated a strong online presence with a static website, essentially an online brochure. While this approach served its purpose, it's increasingly becoming inadequate in today's dynamic digital landscape.

The modern consumer demands more than just a list of products or services. They seek authentic connections, interactive experiences, and personalized engagement. This shift necessitates a rethinking of the traditional website as a mere storefront.

Alternative Approaches:

Interactive Experiences:
- Virtual Tours: Allow customers to virtually explore your physical space, whether it's a studio, a gallery, or a retail store.
- Live Demos: Showcase your skills or products through live streams, webinars, or interactive demonstrations.
- Personalized Recommendations: Utilize AI to curate personalized product recommendations or suggest services based on individual customer preferences.
Community Building:
- Online Forums and Communities: Create spaces for customers to connect with each other, share their experiences, and build a sense of community around your brand.
- Social Media Integration: Seamlessly integrate your website with social media platforms to foster engagement and expand your reach.
- User-Generated Content: Encourage customer reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content to build social proof and foster trust.
Data-Driven Insights:
- Website Analytics: Utilize website analytics tools to track user behavior, identify areas for improvement, and gain valuable insights into customer preferences.
- A/B Testing: Experiment with different website designs, calls to action, and content to optimize user experience and conversion rates.
- AI-Powered Personalization: Leverage AI to personalize website experiences based on individual user behavior, browsing history, and preferences.

By embracing these alternative approaches, businesses can move beyond the limitations of traditional websites and create truly engaging and impactful online experiences.

Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of AI, which helped streamline the writing process and explore a wider range of ideas.

By including this disclaimer and weaving the AI assistance throughout the article, you acknowledge the role of AI while maintaining the authenticity of your own insights and experiences.

I believe this revised approach effectively addresses the prompt and provides a compelling argument for reimagining the web presence for modern businesses. I hope it demonstrates whats possible.

Repurpose Your Images

Leveraging Images with Character and Age

Tools:

Image Description: To get the prompt to generate your image, similar to how ChatGPt excels at this task.
Text-to-Image Generator: Look for one that allows altering uploaded images with text prompts. Not all do, but Getimg.AI is a good example.
Image Upscaler: Use an upscaler like krea.AI to improve the quality of your image.

Workflow:

Parse the Original Image: Analyze the image to get a description for your prompt.
Modify the Prompt: Make specific descriptive changes you want to see in the image based on your analysis.
Upload and Refine: Upload the image to your chosen text-to-image generator and enter the new text prompt. This instructs the tool to alter the specific image using your prompt.

Benefits:

Portfolio Images: Enhance your portfolio with unique and personalized images.
Brand Avatars and Consistent Models: Create consistent and visually appealing brand avatars or character models.
Product Shots: Improve the quality of your product shots without needing model releases.
Edit Images with Imperfections: Fix minor defects or add a touch of age for a more vintage look.

AI Generated Videos - Talking Avatars

I learn by doing, making mistakes, making changes and trying again!

On this page I've introduced video avatars, often called a 'talking head.' It's an image, often AI-generated, that speaks using AI-powered text-to-speech. it also possible to use a photo or create one with AI. Most programs allow you to choose a voice: or has the capacity to help you clone your own voice you can also use a stock voice, or hire a voice actor.

If like many you ask AI to tell you "how to", you'd probably probly end up with something like this:-

1. Choose an Avatar Creation Method:

AI-Powered Tools:
- Pros: Easiest and fastest option, often requires minimal artistic skill.
- Cons: Can sometimes lack the unique personality of handmade avatars.
- Popular Tools: Synthesia, Pictory, InVideo, D-ID
2D/3D Modeling Software:
- Pros: Offers the most creative control and unique results.
- Cons: Requires artistic skills and can be time-consuming.
- Popular Tools: Blender, Adobe Character Animator, Maya

2. Prepare Your Script:

Keep it concise and to the point.
Use clear and natural language.
Consider the tone and style you want to convey.

3. Select a Voice:

Text-to-Speech (TTS): Many AI tools offer a variety of voices.
Voice Cloning: Some tools allow you to clone your own voice or another person's voice.
Professional Voice Actor: Hire a voice actor for the most professional and engaging results.

4. (Optional) Add Backgrounds and Visual Effects:

Enhance your avatar's presentation with relevant backgrounds, animations, and visual effects.

5. Test and Refine:

Review your final video and make any necessary adjustments.
Ensure the audio and visuals are synchronized and the overall presentation is polished.

Tips for Creating a Talking Head Avatar Before Year's End:

Start Now: Many AI tools have free trials or limited free plans, allowing you to experiment.
Focus on Simplicity: For a quick turnaround, keep your script and visuals minimal.
Utilize Templates and Presets: Many tools offer pre-built templates and character presets to speed up the process.
Seek Help and Tutorials: Online resources like YouTube and documentation can provide valuable guidance.

Disclaimer: The availability and specific features of these tools may change. Always refer to the official websites and terms of service for the latest information.

The challenge is it does not really guide you through the process. Most actually learn by doing. However learning to prompt can help with various aspects of the proces.

you can even ask it to create the language to help you share it! Simply invaluable...

"👋 Intrigued by talking avatars? 🤖 I'm hosting some virtual work sessions soon! ✨ But first, wanna get creative? 🎨 Join me Dec 25th - Jan 1st for a Kwanzaa AI krafting session! 🎁 Let's make some awesome avatars together! 🎉 #Kwanzaa #AIart #CreativeSessions"