A few weeks ago, I found myself laughing out loud at my computer screen, watching video clips of a cartoon version of myself and my Sidecar Sync co-host Amith. As I experimented with this new AI tool, I couldn't help thinking, 'I can't believe this is my job!'
Many conversations around AI rightfully center on serious topics—ethics, job impacts, governance, and technical capabilities. These discussions are crucial as we navigate this technological revolution. But it's equally important to carve out space to enjoy the creative possibilities these tools unlock.
The process of creating an animated version of myself using the Hedra platform wasn't just impressively efficient—it was downright enjoyable. That blend of fun and function represents something valuable about where AI tools are heading. Finding tools that bring joy to the creation process while delivering practical results creates a powerful combination.
Let me walk you through how this technology works and what it might mean for your association's content strategy.
Hedra is an advanced AI-powered content creation platform designed to make video production accessible regardless of technical expertise. At its core, Hedra allows users to transform static images—whether photographs, AI-generated images, or illustrations—into speaking, animated characters with synchronized facial expressions and body movements.
The platform processes multiple inputs simultaneously through its omni-modal approach:
What makes Hedra particularly impressive is its focus on creating lifelike, expressive animations. The characters don't just mouth words—they gesture, blink, and emote in ways that feel surprisingly natural. Unlike basic lip-syncing tools, Hedra creates a more complete animated presence.
Key features include:
The result is animated characters that move beyond the uncanny valley that has plagued many AI animation attempts, creating presentations that feel engaging (and fun!) rather than awkward.
For our experiment, we wanted to test how Hedra would handle AI-generated cartoon images. This required combining two cutting-edge AI tools:
First, we used OpenAI's ChatGPT 4o image generation feature to create cartoon versions of ourselves. I uploaded my professional headshot and provided a simple prompt: "Turn me into a cartoon wearing a yellow cap that says Sidecar Sync." The results were impressive—the AI captured details like the leaves in my background, my earrings, and even the style of my outfit, creating a recognizable cartoon version of me with a perfectly rendered Sidecar Sync cap.
We repeated the process with my co-host Amith's photo, again with excellent results, including details like the brick background from his original headshot and the stripes on his shirt.
Next, we uploaded these cartoon images to the Hedra platform. The process was straightforward—Hedra's interface guides you through the necessary steps with minimal complexity.
We worked with Claude to help generate a short, engaging script for our cartoon avatars. This collaborative approach to script creation allowed us to quickly develop content that would showcase the technology while delivering actual information about AI tools.
Hedra offers various voice options through its integration with ElevenLabs (one of our favorite tools here at Sidecar). We selected voices that matched our personalities and the energetic tone we wanted for our demonstration.
One of Hedra's more interesting features is the ability to set a personality for your character. We specified that my cartoon should be an enthusiastic podcast host within our prompt, which influenced the animation's gestures and expressions.
After setting these parameters, we hit "Generate" and waited approximately 3-5 minutes for each clip. The results were remarkable—our cartoon images came to life with natural facial expressions, appropriate gestures, and perfectly synchronized lip movements that matched the scripted dialogue.
I had to go through each of the steps above separately for my cartoon and then again for Amith's cartoon. After generating both animated clips, I dropped them into a simple video editor so I could combine them into a single cohesive video for our podcast. The entire process—from initial image creation to final edited video—took less than an hour, requiring no specialized animation skills or expensive software.
The combination of GPT-4o's image generation and Hedra's animation capabilities represents a significant shift in content creation workflows. Consider what this process would have entailed traditionally:
This traditional approach would likely cost thousands of dollars and require weeks of lead time. Our AI-powered approach:
The current limitations—60-second maximum duration, square format, and some constraints on image types—are real but relatively minor for many use cases. As with all AI technologies, these limitations will likely diminish over time.
For associations, this technology opens up numerous possibilities:
Create personalized welcome messages from leadership or staff members without requiring them to be on camera. This addresses a common challenge—many subject matter experts and leaders have valuable insights to share but may be camera-shy or lack the time for traditional video production.
Develop animated explainers for complex topics or processes. These can help break down difficult concepts in an engaging, visual format that maintains consistency across your educational materials.
Create the same visual presentation with multiple language tracks. This is particularly valuable for associations with international membership, allowing you to create inclusive content without multiplying production costs.
Build excitement for upcoming events with animated announcements from speakers or board members. These can be created quickly and distributed across social media channels to drive registration.
The accessibility of these tools means that associations of all sizes can now produce professional-quality animated content. What was once the domain of organizations with substantial production budgets is now available to virtually any association.
Our experiment with Hedra exemplifies a concept we've discussed previously at Sidecar: the importance of breaking your brain regarding AI capabilities. This involves consciously challenging your assumptions about what AI can and cannot do.
Just a few months ago, the idea of creating a professional-quality animated spokesperson from a static image in minutes—with accurate speech, natural movements, and emotional expression—would have seemed far-fetched. Yet here we are, not only witnessing this capability but using it ourselves with minimal effort.
This represents exactly the kind of creative tool chaining we've advocated for in our Breaking Your Brain framework. By combining GPT-4o's image generation with Hedra's animation capabilities, we've created a workflow that delivers results that neither tool could achieve independently.
The lesson here extends beyond these specific tools. When approaching any challenge or opportunity:
This mindset of continuous exploration and creative experimentation is essential for associations looking to leverage AI effectively. The most valuable opportunities often lie not in using a single AI tool exactly as designed, but in orchestrating multiple tools in novel ways.
What began as a playful test with cartoon versions of ourselves revealed something significant about content creation today. These animation tools fundamentally change what's possible for associations of all sizes.
The ability to quickly create engaging, animated content opens doors to communication approaches that were previously impractical. It democratizes a form of content creation that was once available only to those with substantial production resources.
Remember: start small, experiment freely, and focus on creating genuine value. The technology is impressive, but what matters most is how you use it to advance your mission and serve your community more effectively.
Oh yeah! And don't forget to have some fun along the way. 😄