Following the Action Figure Trend!
Creating a 3D model of yourself using an AI prompt in ChatGPT
Many still treat AI like a dirty word, but let’s be honest: It’s also full of fun, surprising and wildly creative possibilities.
To someone who can’t draw to save her life, I’ve found AI opens up a few irresistible rabbit holes. What is one of the most recent? Creating images that represent you in ways you never imagined - like as a toy in plastic packaging!
The new kid on the block
Chat GPT recently rolled out a new feature for Free Plan users: the ability to generate three images a day. Naturally being prone to a bit of FOMO(Fear of Missing Out) and curious by nature, I had to try it.
I was inspired by a prompt shared by SaveTheStudent’s Deal Hunter, Amy Johnson. With a few tweaks to personalise it, I uploaded a photo of myself and entered this prompt:
Create a picture of a 3D action figure toy, as if it were displayed in a transparent plastic, blister packaging model. The figure’s face and hair are like the photo; the style is a relaxed, friendly smile. She needs to wear a bright, multi-coloured 1970s-style dress. On top of the packaging is a large piece of writing: “YOLANDA BARKER,” and then below it is “JOURNALIST.” Also, some supporting work items were added next to the figure, like a notepad, pen, phone and microphone. The packaging design is geometric, multi-coloured, and pretty. It is to be sold in stores. The style is cartoon, cute but still neat and clean.
I wasn’t expecting much. Honestly, I thought it might glitch out or generate some extra limbs (as AI often does). But within minutes - Bam! There I was, as a toy. Even more astonishingly: the text was correct.
Why this feels like a big deal
Anyone who’s dabbled in AI image creation knows that getting actually readable, correct text in images is nearly impossible. Well, it has been on the free models I have experienced.
Still, the style wasn’t quite what I had hoped for. It felt a little too cartoonish compared to what I’d seen on the socials. So I used my second image credit to tweak the prompt by adding “Please change it to look like a real toy in packaging.”
And Wow! It delivered! This time, the image looked like a real boxed action figure, complete with accessories. It even picked up that I am a glasses wearing, plump woman and I am sure there is a nod to my incoming grey mallen streak. It felt… slightly weirdly accurate, and I liked that.
There is something quite delightful about seeing yourself turned into a toy, especially for someone like me who could never find anything with Yolanda on it in the shops as a child. (Yes - I am still bitter. No, I haven’t recovered.) Thankfully, today’s print-on-demand businesses can now make Yolanda mugs and pens a reality, but back then - no. It was a lonely name game!
The Flip Side
While I absolutely encourage you to give this a whirl, a little reality check is important too. According to Queen’s University Library, “Artificial Intelligence(AI) models consume an enormous amount of water and emit large amounts of carbon in their production, training, operation and maintenance. The water and energy needed continually grow along with the sophistication, size, efficiency and use of the AI model.”
So, while the tech is magical, it is not without cost.
The future is moving fast
As AI continues to evolve at lightning speed, the way we use it, whether for work, creativity, entertainment or other purposes, will be different even a month from now.
But for today! Just for fun! Make yourself into a toy. Be ridiculous. Be creative. You never know where a little AI-powered curiosity may take you.
Yolanda Barker
True colours ISSN 2977-6120
AI is a bit of guilty pleasure for me too, especially when it comes to image creation (AI conjured up a photo of what my dog would look like as a human (v. handsome man). Your toy in a box is fabulous by the way 🤩
As an assistive technology for my disabilities (deafness & sight loss) it is hugely empowering. But as you say, there are major drawbacks.. so it’s just getting the balance right I guess.