There are several sites offering
avatar creation ranging from cartoons to photo-based representations.
For the audio enthusiast, speaking
avatars can be created at
Voki. Political, VIP or classical characters can be selected and detailed changes made to the hair, skin and eyes. You can also select different clothes and backgrounds. Speech or other audio is easily added. A simple 'text to speech' converter is included and was used in the example above. The
Voki also displays some animation as it follows the movement of the mouse when moved inside the player.
With
Yahoo Avatars you can create and save up to twelve different
avatars. For each one, you can change their appearance, clothes and backgrounds. You could create different
avatars for different occasions such as holidays, start of term, exam time etc.
Your
avatar can be exported or downloaded to use where you wish - from website to mobile phone.
The
Befunky site allows you to create Uvatars or Cartoons.
Befunky is currently invite only and after submitting your email address you must wait for a confirmed invitation. I am still waiting for mine!!
The
SimpsonizeMe site creates your simpson character based on a photo that you upload to the site.
Yes this is me!
You are allowed to fine tune your
avatar by making several changes before downloading the final image.
Thanks to
Mike Qaissaunee for the heads up on
Befunky and
SimpsonizeMe.
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Patricia Donaghy is an ICT Teacher in Dublin, Ireland. You can read some more information 
