Workshop Secrets #1 – How to make a unique 3D model of you

If you've ever wondered how to turn a single photo into a tangible, mini action figure, then this article is for you! Below we'll show you in detail how the soul of ActionDoll figures is made: the 3D model .

🧠 1. The photo as a starting point

Every figure starts with a good photo.
This can be a portrait or a full-length image – the main thing is that it is sharp, well-lit and has character . The full body shape, facial expression, hairstyle and clothing are created based on the photo, so this is the first and perhaps most important basis. Depending on the target style (e.g. Funko, Pixar, Marvel), we choose what remains proportional and what will be stylized.

Tip: a neutral background, front-facing photo is best for AI modeling.

⚙️ 2. Artificial Intelligence-based Modeling

The first digital step is to generate a 3D model based on the photo . We use different tools for this:

  • We use AI-based software that can create a full-body 3D model from even a single photo.
  • The generated model contains basic body shape, facial features, clothing details

The AI ​​produces a gray, neutral, low-detail humanoid model in which:

  • The body proportions roughly match the photo.
  • The basic shape of the face is now recognizable
  • No accessories – these must be modeled by hand

But this is just the beginning…

✏️ 3. Model Repair and Detailing in Blender

The generated 3D model is never perfect. Therefore, the next step: manual post-processing in Blender. This is the most labor-intensive part, this is where the magic happens:

  • Retopology: cleaning the surface of the model, removing defective or unnecessary points

    • Delete unnecessary internal geometry
    • We improve the geometry of the face, hands, fingers, and hair
    • We switch to quad topology if painting or animation is also the goal

  • Posing / Rigging:
    • The model is inserted into a basic skeleton (rig)
    • Standing posture, arms slightly bent (native action figure pose)
    • For Funko/Pixar figures: we intentionally distort the proportions – larger head, smaller torso, fabulous shape

  • Add details
    • Clothes: t-shirt, jacket, pants, shoes – based on your own mesh or sculpt
    • Hair: resculpted or textured shape
    • Add-ons: are created in a separate file and then attached

  • Sculpture
    • Highlighting facial features (e.g. nose, eyebrows, smile line)
    • Clothes folds, shoe details, seams
    • Skin and hair surface texturing

🧽 4. Cleaning and preparation for printing

The next step is to “slice” and export the model :

  • Boolean union
    • We combine the separate parts (body + head + clothes + accessories)
    • We pay attention to ensuring that no internal cavities remain.

  • Manifold geometry:
    • We use surface sealing to ensure that the model is solid and waterproof – meaning it can be printed.

  • Scaling:
    • The size of the figure is set precisely: e.g. 150 mm total height
    • We adjust accessories proportionally

  • Export:
    • Finally, the finished model is saved in .STL or .OBJ format
    • If there will be multiple colors of painting, a UV map can also be created.

5. Preparing for slicing

  • The file is fed into a slicer program
  • We generate supports for resin printing
  • We set the layer height, exposure time, lift speed, etc. parameters

🧠 Did you know?

A single character model can take up to 2-4 hours to complete – especially if there is a lot of detail on the face or clothing. Each figure is truly unique !

✅ In summary – the steps of 3D modeling:

  1. Request a photo from the buyer
  2. AI generation based on photo
  3. Model correction, posing in Blender
  4. Add accessories
  5. Create a printable file
  6. Export and slicing
  7. Preparation for 3D printing
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