Latest news with #AIcharacters
The Guardian
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
From Chimpanzini Bananini to Ballerina Cappuccina: how gen alpha went wild for Italian brain rot animals
When one of Tim's year 8 pupils asked him about his 'favourite Italian brain rot animal', he thought he'd misheard. 'My hearing is not great at the best of times – I had to ask her to repeat this probably four or five times,' he says. Tim (not his real name) was familiar with the term 'brain rot', used to describe the sense of mental decline after too much time spent mindlessly scrolling online (and voted Oxford University Press's word of the year for 2024). But what was this about it being Italian? He told his pupil to get on with her work, sat down at his laptop – and immediately turned to Google. 'Italian brain rot', he discovered, refers to a series of absurdist animal characters, generated by artificial intelligence. They have ridiculous Italian-sounding names (like Bombombini Gusini and Trippi Troppi), and typically appear in videos on TikTok accompanied by fast-paced, AI-generated and Italian-ish (though also nonsensical) narration. It is, in short, a meme beloved by the emerging generation Alpha (born from 2010 to 2025) and the youngest members of gen Z (generally those born from 1997 to 2012). And if you are any older – even if you fancy yourself as highly online, or a meme connoisseur – it is all but certain to make very little sense to you, as Tim found out at his laptop. He shares his discoveries, sounding trepidatious. 'So there's Chimpanzini Bananini, which is a chimpanzee fused with a banana. Bombardiro Crocodilo, which is a crocodile fused with a bomber plane. There's one who's just a cappuccino with legs …' That's Ballerina Cappuccina: a female ballet dancer spliced with a cup of coffee, often depicted as being in a relationship with Cappuccino Assassino (you can figure it out). 'There's history – lore – behind all these animals,' continues Tim wonderingly. 'Like, some of them are at war with each other. And there are songs about them.' And children in his class are into it on a scale he has not previously seen with a trend or meme. 'As soon as it's mentioned by one person, the entire class starts talking about it,' he says. 'They are obsessively focused on Italian brain rot.' If, reading this, you can feel your own brain decaying, that's understandable. Really, if you were born in a year that starts with the figure 1, 'Italian brain rot' is not for you. Yet its massive popularity with young people is worth at least attempting to wrap your head around as an indicator of the direction of travel of online culture. The first character to take off was a shark sporting Nike sneakers (three, one for each fin), called Tralalero Tralala. The audio – of a man's voice, speaking garbled Italian – surfaced first, on TikTok in early January, before being paired with the AI-generated image a few days later. More characters swiftly followed, spreading across TikTok. Don Caldwell, editor-in-chief of the site Know Your Meme, namechecks Brr Brr Patapim, 'a proboscis monkey that is also a tree', as one who made it to YouTube. There is also Indonesian brain rot, notably Tung Tung Tung Sahur ('which is like a stick figure with a bat, telling people to wake up for a meal during Ramadan') and Boneca Ambalabu ('a frog with a tyre for a body, and human legs'). Both are accompanied by an AI-generated voice speaking Indonesian that, like their Italian counterparts, seeks to confuse rather than convey meaning. 'The audio is at least as important, if not more important than the imagery,' says Caldwell. 'They'll be doing it really over-the-top, like 'Tra-la-lero! Tra-la-lala!' – it really goes for the whole Italian sound.' Is it offensive to Italians? 'It seems Italians have been all over this,' Caldwell says, 'so I don't think so.' Indeed, the appeal of Italian (and Indonesian) brain rot is not that it's offensive, or even subversive – but that it's so silly. After 15 years at Know Your Meme, Caldwell admits he doesn't connect with all the online ephemera that crosses his desk – 'but I really like this one,' he says. 'The dumber the meme, the better, in my opinion.' The ease and speed with which these videos can be produced on accessible tools such as ChatGPT has helped with the meme's spread. You can prompt the AI to visualise Bombardiro Crocodilo (just for example!) in a setting or scenario of your choice, or come up with a new character in that Italian brain rot style. 'You don't need to have tons of video editing ability, or even to use your own voice,' says Caldwell. For adults tired or even afraid of the rapid advance of AI, Italian brain rot may be almost reassuring in its banality. 'This is a non-threatening use of AI, not one that induces feelings of either doom or being replaced.' For young people, of course, it's not that deep. They are spending more time online now than in past generations, and from younger ages, with the result that they are influencing digital culture. 'Now you have children who are super-online,' says Caldwell, 'raised by iPads and on TikTok all the time, creating content, determining what are the biggest cultural phenomena of the time.' The last evidence of this, before Italian brain rot, was skibidi toilet: a similarly witless meme that spread from YouTube in 2023 to spark a sensation among the youngest members of gen Z. If you somehow missed it, it features (to quote from Know Your Meme) 'an army of sentient toilets with men's heads coming out of them, fighting for dominance against a bunch of men in suits with cameras for heads, and each video is gaining tens of millions of views'. Tim remembers that washing up in his classroom, too. 'The kids love it so much, the word 'skibidi' is now part of gen Z and gen Alpha vernacular.' Its meaning, however, is far from straightforward, and steeped in ambiguous irony. 'It can mean something good, something bad, something weird … If they call something 'skibidi', it's both a good thing and they're laughing at it the same time.' Taken together, skibidi toilet and Italian brain rot gleefully defy explanation, titillating young minds with their surrealist imagery and crude-seeming humour – and catch adults short in their feeble efforts at understanding. 'AI art' is no longer solely for fooling older people primarily active on Facebook, Caldwell says, giving the example of Shrimp Jesus (look it up). It is developing its own shorthand, conventions and sense that will inevitably – increasingly – go over many of our heads. It's tempting to say that memes were better in the old days. Look at the inventiveness of templates such as Distracted Boyfriend, the layered visual jokes, the endless possibilities for meaning-making. But Caldwell – himself a millennial – is more sanguine, suggesting that Italian brain rot is just another evolution of human creativity. 'The AI is making the image, there's a text-to-speech voice, but the joke itself is being invented by an actual person behind a computer.' Tim is not so sure. He's noticed, when he sets his class creative writing assignments or another imaginative task, that they leap to their favourite Italian brain rot creature. 'I think the AI generation is not having those moments of sitting down and letting their imagination run wild, because AI does it all for them – all they have to do is use ChatGPT,' he says. 'I'll say, 'This has to be completely our own; I don't want any Chimpanzini Bananini'.' But he has also started using the class's enthusiasm for Italian brain rot to engage them in lessons. In multiple-choice quizzes, every now and again, one of the four possible answers will be Tung Tung Tung Sahur, Tim says – 'just to try and grab their attention'. He also now has an answer to that year 8 pupil's question. 'My favourite is Blueberrinni Octopussini,' he says, 'which is an octopus fused with a blueberry.' Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Geeky Gadgets
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Create Realistic and Consistent Characters & AI Avatars with These Pro Tips
What if you could design a character so lifelike, so consistent, that it feels like they could step off the screen and into the real world? In an era where AI-generated avatars are reshaping industries like marketing, entertainment, and advertising, the ability to craft realistic and emotionally engaging digital personas isn't just a creative pursuit—it's a competitive edge. Yet, many creators struggle with the same pitfalls: characters that lack coherence across scenes or fail to connect with audiences. The good news? With the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and create AI characters that not only look stunning but also tell a story. This quick-start guide, brought to you by Sirio, will show you how to turn your vision into a professional-grade reality. In the following workflow created by Sirio, you'll uncover how to blend consistency and realism to create avatars that stand out. From the art of planning and mood board creation to mastering tools like Midjourney and Comfy UI, this guide walks you through every step of the process. You'll also explore advanced techniques for refining details and making sure your character remains cohesive across multiple scenarios. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, this guide offers insights that will elevate your skills and help you avoid common missteps. After all, the magic of AI character creation lies not just in the tools but in the intentionality behind every choice. Ready to discover what's possible when creativity meets precision? AI Character Creation Guide TL;DR Key Takeaways : Consistency and realism are critical for creating effective AI-generated characters, making sure emotional connection and credibility in storytelling and branding. Preparation and planning, including reference images, mood boards, and style anchors, are essential for defining a character's purpose, appearance, and personality. Choosing the right tools, such as AI image generators, Enhancer AI, and Comfy UI, is crucial for achieving high-quality, consistent, and realistic results. A structured workflow, from research and prompt generation to skin enhancement and upscaling, ensures seamless and professional-grade character creation. AI-generated characters have diverse applications, including digital brand ambassadors, cost-effective A/B testing, and long-term assets, with significant monetization potential in industries like marketing and entertainment. The Importance of Consistency and Realism Consistency and realism are the cornerstones of effective AI character creation. A consistent character ensures emotional continuity, allowing audiences to form a connection with the avatar across various scenarios. Realism, on the other hand, enhances credibility, making the character relatable and engaging. Without these elements, AI-generated characters risk appearing artificial, undermining their impact and failing to meet commercial expectations. By prioritizing these qualities, you can create avatars that resonate with audiences and align with professional standards. Step 1: Preparation and Planning Before diving into tools and workflows, it is crucial to begin with a well-defined plan. This foundational step involves shaping your character's purpose, appearance, and personality. Think of this phase as akin to a director crafting a protagonist for a film. Use the following strategies to guide your preparation: Reference Images: Collect visual references to clarify the character's aesthetic and ensure alignment with your vision. Collect visual references to clarify the character's aesthetic and ensure alignment with your vision. Mood Boards: Develop mood boards to establish a cohesive visual style. Platforms like can simplify this process by offering intuitive tools for organizing ideas. Develop mood boards to establish a cohesive visual style. Platforms like can simplify this process by offering intuitive tools for organizing ideas. Style Anchors: Identify key design elements that will serve as anchors throughout the character's development, making sure consistency. Approaching this step with intentionality will provide a clear roadmap for the subsequent stages of character creation. Building Consistent & Realistic AI Characters Full Workflow Learn more about creating consistent characters with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Step 2: Selecting the Right Tools The tools you choose play a significant role in achieving high-quality results. Using a combination of AI platforms tailored for character creation can help you meet your goals. Consider the following options: AI Image Generators: Platforms like Midjourney, Creams 3.0, and Reeve specialize in generating photorealistic avatars. Experiment with multiple tools to identify the one that best suits your project's needs. Platforms like Midjourney, Creams 3.0, and Reeve specialize in generating photorealistic avatars. Experiment with multiple tools to identify the one that best suits your project's needs. Enhancer AI: This tool is designed to refine skin textures, correct imperfections, and enhance overall realism, making sure a polished final product. This tool is designed to refine skin textures, correct imperfections, and enhance overall realism, making sure a polished final product. Comfy UI Workflow: Ideal for maintaining consistency across multiple images, this tool integrates advanced APIs such as Google Gemini 2.0 and Redux Flux upscaler for superior results. Selecting the right combination of tools is essential for achieving both consistency and realism in your AI-generated characters. Step 3: A Structured Workflow for AI Character Creation A well-organized workflow is key to creating consistent and realistic AI characters. Follow these steps to streamline the process: Research and Mood Board Creation: Begin by gathering curated references and creating mood boards to define the character's aesthetic and guide the design process. Prompt Generation: Craft detailed prompts tailored to your chosen AI platform. Specificity is critical to achieving high-quality outputs that align with your vision. Image Generation and Comparison: Generate base images using multiple platforms. Compare the results and select the image that best matches your intended design. Skin Enhancement: Use tools like Enhancer AI to refine skin textures, add sharp details, and enhance the overall realism of the character. Consistency Across Images: Use features such as Midjourney's Omni Reference or Comfy UI to ensure the character remains consistent across different poses and scenarios. Upscaling and Final Touches: Apply advanced upscaling workflows to enhance resolution and add intricate details, resulting in a professional-grade finish. This structured approach ensures a seamless and efficient workflow, allowing you to produce high-quality results. Applications and Use Cases AI-generated characters have diverse applications across various industries, particularly in marketing and entertainment. These avatars can serve as: Digital Brand Ambassadors: Representing companies across campaigns and platforms, enhancing brand identity. Representing companies across campaigns and platforms, enhancing brand identity. Cost-Effective Solutions: Facilitating extensive A/B testing to determine which designs resonate most with target audiences. Facilitating extensive A/B testing to determine which designs resonate most with target audiences. Long-Term Assets: Providing consistent representation for brands over extended periods, making sure continuity. For instance, brands can use AI avatars to test multiple designs, optimizing their campaigns for maximum audience engagement. This flexibility makes AI-generated characters a valuable asset in modern marketing strategies. Advanced Techniques for Professionals Experienced creators can take advantage of advanced tools like Comfy UI to customize workflows and achieve highly detailed results. By integrating APIs and open source tools, you can tailor the process to meet specific project requirements. These advanced techniques are particularly useful for complex projects that demand a high level of precision and consistency. Professionals can also explore additional features, such as dynamic lighting adjustments and texture mapping, to elevate their creations further. Overcoming Common Challenges Creating realistic and consistent AI characters often involves addressing specific challenges. Here are some common issues and strategies to resolve them: Lack of Realism: Refine your prompts and use enhancer tools to improve image quality and achieve a more lifelike appearance. Refine your prompts and use enhancer tools to improve image quality and achieve a more lifelike appearance. Inconsistent Outputs: Use tools like Comfy UI to maintain consistency across different images and scenarios. Use tools like Comfy UI to maintain consistency across different images and scenarios. Technical Complexities: Engage with online communities, consult detailed guides, and experiment with different tools to overcome technical hurdles. By proactively addressing these challenges, you can ensure a smoother workflow and produce high-quality results. Monetization Opportunities The demand for high-quality AI avatars is growing rapidly, offering significant monetization potential. These digital characters are increasingly sought after for commercial projects in advertising, entertainment, and beyond. Brands are willing to invest in AI-generated content to enhance their campaigns and engage audiences effectively. Successful examples include AI avatars serving as spokespeople for major brands, showcasing their commercial viability and potential for long-term use. Mastering AI Character Creation Creating consistent and realistic AI characters requires a combination of careful planning, the right tools, and a structured workflow. By focusing on consistency and realism, you can produce avatars that resonate with audiences and meet professional standards. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced creator, this guide provides the insights and techniques needed to excel in this rapidly evolving domain. Media Credit: Sirio Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
