Hello,
It is Yannick Lyons from The Teaching Twin Newsletter.
Today, I will walk you through how to design your avatar correctly from the start.
Step 1: Start With This Exact Prompt
Open GPT, upload a clear, front-facing photo of yourself.
Then paste this:
“I uploaded a photo of myself. Please create a detailed text to image prompt that would generate a realistic digital avatar of me for academic video content. The setting should feel professional and appropriate for teaching.”
Add details like:
Clothing (blazer, sweater, collared shirt, etc.)
Demeanor (calm, confident, reserved, energetic, etc.)
GPT will now produce a structured prompt that captures:
Facial proportions
Hair texture
Skin tone
Expression
Clothing style
Professional setting
This is significantly more accurate than describing yourself from memory.
Step 2: Generate
Copy the prompt it generates, open a fresh GPT chat and paste the prompt along with your front facing photo for reference.
Optional: Upload a second image of your classroom or lecture hall and have GPT place your avatar in that setting.
Step 3: Refine
Your first result will likely be close, not perfect.
That is normal.
Instead of regenerating randomly, refine deliberately.
Use targeted corrections:
“Reduce the smile slightly. I prefer a more composed expression.”
“Make the clothing slightly more formal.”
“Remove glasses.”
“Adjust the posture to feel more authoritative.”
“Make the lighting more neutral and academic.”
You are not chasing perfection.
You are aiming for recognizable authority.
Think of this like choosing a professional headshot.
Step 4: Regenerate
If the output feels off, do not rewrite everything.
Instead, ask GPT:
“Improve this prompt to increase realism and facial accuracy while maintaining a natural academic appearance.”
Then regenerate.
Small adjustments compound.
Avoid making ten changes at once.
Change one dimension at a time.
That keeps control in your hands.
Step 5: Choose the Most Accurate Representation
Do not select the “coolest” version.
Select the one that:
Looks like you on your best teaching day
Feels aligned with your real-world classroom presence
Maintains your authority
Step 6: Improve Image Quality Before Animation
Higher-resolution images animate better.
If your final avatar image looks slightly soft or compressed, run it through a free image upscaler like:
Cutout.pro (free, no signup required)
Download the enhanced image.
This becomes your master avatar file for animation.
Skipping this step often results in:
Blurry lip sync
Flat facial movement
Less professional final video
Image quality compounds downstream.
Practical Takeaway
If you do nothing else this week:
Upload a clear photo to GPT.
Use the structured prompts above.
Refine deliberately.
Upscale the final image using Cutout.pro.
That alone will give you a viable teaching avatar to work with.
No paid software required.
I hope this helps.
Talk later,
Yannick
How We Can Help
For professors who want professional AI avatar videos without dealing with tools, setup, or editing, we will handle the entire process:
Get started at LyonsMediaProductions.com and submit your requirements.
See real examples of AI avatar videos we’ve created being used here (Link)
Prefer to experiment first? Create and test your own avatar using free tools with my free guide: (Link)
Reply to this email with any questions or suggestions you have. I respond to everybody.