Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
I prompted ChatGPT to transform me into an action figure, joining the viral AI trend, and the results were hilarious. It crafted a rock star figurine of me in form-fitting leather, labeled suitable for ages 4 and up.
The amusing personalized action figure trend, also recognized as the “Barbie box” trend, has gained remarkable momentum recently across various social media platforms. Although tracing its exact commencement is difficult, it’s highly probable that you’ve come across friends, family, or colleagues sharing digitally altered images of themselves reimagined as packaged toys.
Here’s a guide on leveraging an AI chatbot to generate your own reimagined image, and instructions to 3D print it, allowing you to possess a tangible, personalized action figure in real life.
Crafting Your AI-Generated Action Figure
Step 1: Access ChatGPT
Navigate to ChatGPT, which now features complimentary image generation accessible to all users. Upon querying ChatGPT about the extent of free images I could generate, it specified a daily cap of 15. Beyond this threshold, image generation is temporarily paused for free users until the limit resets.
Step 2: Provide a Full-Body Photo
I sought advice from ChatGPT regarding transforming myself into an action figure, prompting a request for a full-body photograph. Images can be uploaded through the “ask anything” interface. I uploaded a somewhat indistinct image from my archives, deeming it adequate for the purpose.
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Step 3: Specify Your Preferences
The AI service inquired about my preferences concerning attire or costume, pose or expression, accessories or weapons, the designation or title for the action figure, and packaging aesthetics, spanning retro, modern, or comic-book-inspired themes. Specificity is optional. I opted for ambiguity, stating, “I’d like my outfit to resemble a rock star with a dynamic pose, a guitar, and a retro packaging style.”
Step 4: Await and Share Your Creation
Expect a brief delay for ChatGPT to generate your action figure. Upon satisfaction with the visual outcome, proceed to download the image and distribute it across your social networks.
Step 5 (Optional): Request Refinements
In instances where ChatGPT’s rendition falls short of expectations, solicit alterations. I experimented with a tweaked iteration featuring blue jeans and a pink Telecaster guitar. Though executed, the action figure aspect was omitted, and the resulting image bore a diminished resemblance to my actual facial characteristics. A subsequent adjustment, seeking spiky blonde hair, propelled me into Billy Idol territory. My action figure’s leg inadvertently trespassed beyond the confines of the “plastic” packaging window, prompting another attempt.
Do not anticipate perfection. The more alterations I requested, the stranger the outcome. Eventually, ChatGPT morphed me into a Jon Bon Jovi-esque character, complete with three fingers on my left hand strumming a guitar with seven strings.
3D Printing Your Digital Creation
Our in-house 3D printing authority, James Bricknell, has propelled this trend further by 3D-printing a ChatGPT-generated image, employing sophisticated AI technology. He will elucidate the process.
Step 1: Image Editing for 3D Printing
Upon initial observation of the AI action figure images from ChatGPT, the desire to materialize a 3D-printed variant arose. Converting an image into a 3D model can entail complexity, potentially necessitating elaborate camera setups and advanced software, but the latest AI breakthroughs have streamlined the fabrication of simple and engaging creations. Initial images often display the figure in blister packaging, which may not translate effectively to 3D printing. Crop away excessive artwork, emphasizing the model against a solid-colored backdrop where feasible.
Tweaking for Optimal Rendering
Further fine-tuning may be required to secure a quality 3D render. For instance, delineating the separation between glasses and eyebrows could aid modelling software recognition.
Step 2: Access Maker World’s Maker Lab
Bambu Lab, renowned for producing top-tier 3D printers, hosts an exemplary portal for discovering 3D models primed for printing. Maker World incorporates a Maker Lab tab, showcasing a medley of riveting AI endeavors.
The applicable tool is labeled Image to 3D Model, situated at the bottom. Registration is requisite to access this feature, though signup is free.
Step 3: Image Importation for 3D Model Generation
Subsequent to clicking the Try It button, you’ll be prompted to upload the cropped image from Step 1. The AI algorithms then initiate, forging a 3D printable design, which may require several minutes and multiple attempts to perfect. If dissatisfied with the initial result, experiment with different images or eliminate the backdrop to accentuate the model.
This operation consumes Maker World credits; however, new registrants receive complimentary credits. The credit deduction occurs solely upon downloading the completed model, encouraging unfettered experimentation. Upon satisfactory completion, select Export to download the design.
Step 4: Importation to Your Slicer Software
The downloaded item adopts an .OBJ file structure, universally accepted by virtually every operating 3D printing slicer. Bambu Lab’s Bambu Studio was employed, but Prusa Slicer or alternative slicers compatible with your printer are viable alternatives. Most slicers feature a repair function; enlisting this utility is advisable. Tests did not reveal errors, but preventative maintenance is prudent.
If your printer boasts a color system, allocate hues to your model at this juncture; otherwise, the object will print as a monochrome entity.
Note on Model Footing
The model may lack flat feet. Ensure that the supports are enabled on the soles to maintain upright stability.
Step 5: Send to the 3D Printer
Following completion of all prior actions, initiate the printing process. A complete color 3D print using the Bambu Lab H2D spanned slightly over 11 hours. A single-shade print would drastically curtail this duration. You can also increase the size of the model as necessary.
Extensive support structures were deployed to forestall arm and spectacle breakage during printing. Contemplate potential accessories. Then, consider incorporating supplemental accessories. A diminutive VR headset was fabricated and affixed to the figure’s hand.
Step 6: Revel in Your Mini-Me
Voilà! A miniature action figure predicated upon your ChatGPT image. Minimal time investment with the AI-driven Maker Lab circumventing potential hundreds of hours invested in manual modelling. A professional 3D modeller could accomplish a superior, articulated replica, but this is an excellent project.
AI Action Figure Inspiration
Seeking inspiration? Explore these entertaining AI action figures shared across socials.
- Royal Mail disseminated its endearing “Postie” action figure via Instagram, outfitted with an envelope and an optional safety vest.
- Seinfeldism, a Seinfeld fan platform, conceived a barrage of Seinfeld-themed visuals. The Kramer rendition is flawless.
- “Barbie boxes” are not exclusive to people. Bear, a German Shepherd with 134,000 Instagram devotees, exudes charm as a toy.
ChatGPT impressively captures full-body photographs and transmutes them into mock toys. At a minimum, expect amusement. Embrace innovation! I participate in a rock band. ChatGPT showcased surprising precision: My action figure donned attire reminiscent of my performance on stage, even though it evoked a semblance of a female Bruce Springsteen.