Importance Score: 57 / 100 🔵
The artificial intelligence craze continues, with a new trend emerging where people are transforming themselves into AI action figures. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, you can create a personalized figurine and even explore options for 3D printing it. This article walks you through the necessary steps to generate your own AI-powered action figure and potentially bring it to life.
Crafting Your Own AI Action Figure
Want to jump on the AI bandwagon and turn yourself into a personalized action figure? Follow these steps to create your own unique AI creation:
Utilizing ChatGPT for Image Generation
Step 1: Head over to ChatGPT, which provides complimentary image generation for all users. According to ChatGPT, users can generate up to 15 images daily before the service pauses image creation until the limit resets.
Step 2: Ask ChatGPT for guidance on creating your action figure. The AI will request a full-body photo, which can be uploaded directly in the “ask anything” box. Even a less-than-perfect image will suffice.
Step 3: The AI service will then inquire about your preferences for:
- Outfit or costume
- Pose or expression
- Accessories or weapons
- Name or title
- Packaging style (retro, modern, comic-book inspired, etc.)
You can input as much or as little detail as you like. For example, you might specify, “I want my outfit to resemble a rock star with a rocking pose, a guitar, and retro packaging.”
Step 4: After submitting your preferences, allow ChatGPT a few moments to generate your action figure. If you’re satisfied with the result, download and share it on your social media platforms.
Step 5 (Optional): If the initial result isn’t quite right, request adjustments. However, bear in mind that excessive alterations may lead to unexpected or undesirable outcomes.
3D Printing Your Personalized Figurine
Taking the AI action figure trend a step further, you can 3D print your AI-generated image. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Preparing Your Image for 3D Printing
Step 1: Editing the image. The initial image typically showcases your figure in a blister pack. Since a lot of the artwork won’t translate to 3D printing, crop out as much extraneous component as possible. Focus on the model with a solid color background, if possible.
Further image adjustments may be necessary for an optimal 3D render. You may need to tweak the image further to achieve a good 3D render.
Using Maker World’s Maker Lab
Step 2: Access Maker World’s Maker Lab. Bambu Lab offers some of the best 3D printers and has a website for finding 3D models to print. Maker World features a Maker Lab tab with AI projects.
The tool needed is at the bottom, labeled Image to 3D Model. You’ll need to create a free account to use this feature.
Step 3: Import your image. Click the Try it button, upload the cropped image. The AI will then generate a 3D printable model. This might take a few minutes and might not give you the perfect image on your first try. If you don’t like the output, you can try a different image or remove the background from your image to make the model pop.
This process requires Maker World credits, which you receive upon signing up. Credits are only deducted when you download the model, so feel free to experiment with different renders. Once satisfied, click export to download the model.
Finalizing and Printing Your 3D Model
Step 4: Importing to your slicer. The downloaded file will be in .OBJ format, nearly all 3D printing slicers recognize this. Tools include Bambu Lab’s Bambu Studio, Prusa Slicer, and others.
If your printer has a color system, now is the time to apply desired colors to the model. Otherwise, it will print as a single-color object.
Important Considerations
- Your model might not have flat feet. Ensure supports are active on the soles to keep the figure upright.
-
Step 5: Send your model to the 3D printer. Once all steps are complete, it’s time to print. Depending on the printer and settings, this process can take several hours, even over 10 hours. For faster printing, consider a single-color print and reduce the size as needed.
Step 6: Bask in your new Mini Me’s presence. Congratulations! You now have a small action figure made from your ChatGPT image.
Inspiration for Your AI Figurine
Looking for ideas? Here are some examples of AI action figures that others have created:
- The Royal Mail: The UK’s Royal Mail created an “action figure”, complete with an envelope and an optional safety vest.
- Seinfeldism: This fan account generated a series of Seinfeld-related images, including a pitch-perfect Kramer.
- Bear the German Shepherd: The Instagram-famous canine looks adorable as a packaged toy.
ChatGPT can transform a full-body photo into a fun approximation of a toy. Experiment, have fun, and see what unique creations you can generate!