I’m hysterical with laughter. I asked
ChatGPT
To transform me into an action figure, allowing me to capitalize on the viral AI craze, and boy, did it succeed! It made me over as a rockstar figurine dressed in form-fitting leather attire, appropriate for kids aged four and older.
The entertaining action figure craze has spread throughout social media platforms. It’s also known as the “Barbie box” phenomenon.
It’s challenging to trace back to where this started, but chances are you’ve noticed people around you—friends, family members, and coworkers—posting pictures of themselves depicted as packaged toys.
Here’s how you can utilize an
AI chatbot
to create an original image, and how to
3D print
So now you can really possess that customized action figure in the real world.
How to create an AI-generated action figure based on yourself
Step 1:
Head over to ChatGPT, where you can now find
free picture creation for all
I inquired of ChatGPT about the number of free images one could generate, and it mentioned that it allows for up to 15 daily. Beyond that limit,
image generation
is put on hold for users at no cost until the limit resets again.
Step 2:
I asked ChatGPT for advice on turning myself into an action figure, and it requested a full-body picture. It’s possible to upload images using the “ask anything” feature. I located a somewhat blurry image from my photo collection and forwarded it. Close enough, I thought.
Step 3:
The AI service requested details regarding the outfit or costume, pose or expression, accessories or weapons, name or title for the action figure, along with the preferred packaging style — options included were retro, modern, or comic book themed. Feel free to provide as much detail as desired or keep it broad. I opted for brief descriptions: “Think of an ensemble resembling that of a rock star complete with a dynamic pose holding a guitar, all packaged in a vintage-style box.”
Step 4:
Hold on, then wait for ChatGPT to create your action figure. This might take a short while. Once it’s ready and you’re pleased with the result, feel free to download it and spread it everywhere on your social media platforms.
Step 5 (optional):
If ChatGPT isn’t quite spot-on, feel free to request adjustments. I tested a fresh iteration featuring blue jeans and a pink Telecaster guitar. While it succeeded, it omitted the action figure component, resulting in an image less true-to-life regarding my face. When I requested spiky blonde hair, similar to Billy Idol’s style, the second attempt veered off course. Additionally, the action figure’s leg was positioned incorrectly within the “plastic” display window. So, I gave it another go.
Don’t anticipate flawlessness. The more feedback I provided for adjustments, the stranger it became. Ultimately, ChatGPT transformed me into someone resembling Jon Bon Jovi, but with an extra finger on my left hand and a guitar featuring seven strings.
How to Print Your Design Using 3D Technology
Our in-house Sazua.com 3D printing specialist, James Bricknell, has pushed this trend even further by employing advanced AI technology to 3D print one of these ChatGPT-generated images. Here he shares the steps involved.
The moment I laid eyes on the initial action figure artwork from ChatGPT, I was determined to produce a 3D-printed rendition of it. Converting an image into a 3D model often proves complex, occasionally
involving large camera rigs
And with many sophisticated software options available, recent advances in artificial intelligence have made it simpler to develop something straightforward and enjoyable. When Scott Stein, who is the senior editor at Sazua.com, shared his
action figure
On Threads, I thought it would be a sensible starting point.
Step 1: Modify the image.
The initial picture probably shows an illustration within a blister package. It appears fantastic; however, many additional design elements might not convert well during 3D printing. Try to trim away as much non-essential content as feasible, ideally isolating the model against a plain colored backdrop.
You might discover that you need to make additional adjustments to the image for an optimal 3D rendering. I found myself having to outline a line separating Scott’s glasses from his eyebrows, enabling the modeling program to distinguish these as distinct items.
Step 2: Enter the Maker Lab within Maker World.
Bambu Lab produces some of the
best 3D printers
Available today, and it boasts an outstanding website designed for locating 3D models to print.
Maker World
Features a section titled Maker Lab, where the firm showcases an array of intriguing AI initiatives.
The one we’re looking for is at the very bottom, named
Image to 3D Model
To utilize this feature, you’ll need to set up a login; however, registration is free.
Step 3: Bring in your image.
Once you click the
Try
it
When prompted, you’ll need to upload the trimmed image from step one. Upon doing so, the artificial intelligence system will process it into a format suitable for 3D printing. This conversion might take several minutes and could require some trial and error before achieving optimal results. Should you find the outcome unsatisfactory, consider using an alternative image or eliminating the backdrop entirely to enhance the prominence of your subject.
This procedure consumes Maker World credits; however, you receive an initial amount upon signing up. Fortunately, you only incur the cost when you download the completed model. This allows you to experiment with several different renders until you achieve the desired result. Once satisfied, simply click.
export
to download the model.
Step 4: Transferring to your slicer.
The downloaded file uses the .OBJ format, which is supported by nearly all 3D printing slicers available today. While I utilized Bambu Lab’s Bambu Studio, alternatives like Prusa Slicer or another compatible with your particular 3D printer can also work well. Many slicers come equipped with a repair feature; it might be beneficial to run your design through this process as an extra precaution. Although my test runs did not reveal any issues, ensuring everything goes smoothly during slicing is always wise.
If your printer supports a coloring system, this is when you should apply your preferred colors to the model manually. Otherwise, it will only print as a solid-colored item.
Note:
The model might not have flat feet. Since this particular model doesn’t, I ensured that the supports were activated on the bottoms of his feet to maintain stability and prevent him from toppling over.
Step 5: Transmit your model to the 3D printer.
After completing all the other steps, it’s time to proceed with printing. I was using the newer version.
Bambu Lab H2D
It required slightly more than 11 hours to complete a full-color 3D print. Printing with just one color would be considerably faster. Additionally, I enlarged the model by 150%, since the version from Maker World was quite petite.
You’ll notice that I employed numerous supports to ensure his arms and glasses remained intact during the print. Now, you might begin considering possible add-ons. I went ahead with printing a tiny accessory.
VR headset
To complement Scott’s figure that I attached to the hand, I believe it finished it off nicely.
Step 6: Revel in the company of your mini replica.
That’s everything. Now you have a miniature action figure inspired by your ChatGPT avatar. The process was quick, and thanks to the Maker Lab AI, you’ve likely saved hundreds of hours that would’ve been spent learning to create it manually. Still, it isn’t flawless. A seasoned 3D modeler could produce something far superior and even add articulation. However, as an enjoyable side project, this result is fantastic.
Inspiration for your AI toy figure
Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at these entertaining and humorous AI action figures that have been circulating on social media.
The UK’s
The Royal Mail posted on Instagram
To share its charming “Postie” action figure, which comes with an envelope and a choice of adding a safety vest.
Seinfeld fan account
Seinfeldism
produced a set of Seinfeld-themed visuals. The portrayal of Kramer is spot-on.
Bear boxes aren’t just for people. Bear, a German Shepherd with 134,000 Instagram followers,
looks pretty sweet
as a toy.
ChatGPT does a decent job of turning a complete body shot into a mock-up toy. At minimum, it will likely amuse you. Feel free to let your imagination run wild with this feature. As someone who performs in a rock group, I found the outcome quite impressive: The action figure resembled my usual getup for performance nights, although it inadvertently made me resemble a feminine version of Bruce Springsteen. Keep rocking, ChatGPT.
