How to Create an Action Figure of Yourself with AI

by Tom Martin

Turning yourself into an action figure is now easier than ever – you can use ChatGPT's AI image generation features to create a toy-like image of yourself, complete with custom outfits and fun accessories. In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to go from a simple photo of you to a fully designed action figure character, and even how to take that design toward a 3D-printed figure.
We'll keep things simple and beginner-friendly, with clear steps, example prompts, and tips for each part of the process.
Unlock the power of GenAI with step-by-step toolkits built for real-world results.
lawdroidmanifesto.com
Why the Buzz About AI Action Figures?
Recently, everyone on the internet is hopping on an AI trend that turns people into action figures (with box art, personalized accessories and all). This viral craze took off after OpenAI's new image generator (powered by GPT-4o) launched in 2025, making it possible for anyone to create fun "life in plastic" portraits of themselves. Now you can do it too! Let's get started.
I couldn't help myself, so I jumped on the trend and created an AI-generated action figure. You can see below that my alter ego is presented as a boxed action figure with personalized accessories (such as laptop, my favorite Starbucks mug, ALTA award and more), illustrating how AI can turn a photo into a toy-like design with details reflecting one's personality.
Step 1: Capture a Great Reference Photo
Every awesome action figure starts with a good picture. Take or choose a clear photo of yourself to use as the reference. For best results:
Face and Pose
Use a photo where your face is visible and you're facing the camera (or slightly turned). A front-facing portrait or full-body shot works well.
Good Lighting
Make sure the photo is well-lit with your features clearly visible. Avoid heavy shadows or filters. Natural daylight or a softly lit room is perfect.
Simple Background
A plain background (like a blank wall) helps. This makes it easier for the AI to focus on you without getting confused by background clutter.
Tip: You can use a recent selfie or ask a friend to take a new photo. If you're helping a child create their figure, a photo of them smiling in their favorite outfit would be perfect. Pets work too; yes, people are even turning their cats and dogs into "action figures"! (It's all for fun, of course).
Step 2: Log in to ChatGPT
Next, we'll use ChatGPT's image generation to transform your photo into an action figure. Here's how:
Access ChatGPT
Log in to your ChatGPT account. (If you don't have one, sign up at chatgpt.com.) Note that the improved AI image generation a feature of GPT-4o. Make sure you have access to a version that supports image inputs/outputs.
Select Right Mode
ChatGPT has multiple modes, choose the one for image generation. OpenAI has integrated advanced image creation into ChatGPT, so you might see options like a camera icon in the chat interface. Click that to start an image-capable chat.
Familiarize with the Tools
In the chat input area, look for an "upload image" button (often a plus sign "+" or an image icon). Also ensure you know how to switch the output to image mode if needed (some versions let you explicitly request an image output).
If you're unsure, check OpenAI's help docs on image features or look for a tutorial on using images in ChatGPT. The key is that you need the ability to provide a photo as input and get a generated image as output – a feature available in the latest ChatGPT image models (the same tech behind the trending action-figure images).
Step 3: Upload Your Reference Photo
Now it's time to feed your photo to ChatGPT:
  • Attach the Photo: Click the upload/image button and select the photo of yourself that you prepared in Step 1. It will appear in the chat conversation once uploaded. Some interfaces show it as a thumbnail or filename in the chat.
  • Confirm the Upload: In your message to ChatGPT, you might say something like "Here is my photo for reference." This tells the AI assistant to use it. Ensure the image is actually inserted into the chat before moving on.
  • Check Guidelines: ChatGPT may ask for confirmation that you have the rights to use this photo (especially if it contains a person's face). Since it's your own picture, that's fine – just ensure you're following any usage policies. (The trend has people uploading their own pics or even their pets, which is generally allowed.)
Privacy Tip: Your photo is being used by the AI to generate the figure image. According to OpenAI, images you provide might be retained for a period for moderation but are not used to train models without consent. If you're uncomfortable at any point, you can always delete the conversation later. But for our purposes, using your own image is part of the fun of personalizing the figure.
Step 4: Describe Your Action Figure
With your photo uploaded, the next step is to tell ChatGPT what kind of action figure you want to be. This is where you craft a prompt, basically a text description that the AI will use to generate the image. Keep it simple and clear, covering these key elements:
Character Theme or Style
Are you a superhero, a fantasy knight, a sci-fi explorer, or maybe a retro 90s toy version of yourself? Pick a theme you love. For example: "superhero costume," "medieval armor," "anime character," "classic Barbie doll style," or even "retro Kenner action figure style with 1980s packaging." This sets the tone for your figure's design.
Outfit and Appearance
Describe any specific outfit or costume for the figure. You can base it on your interests or an alter-ego. E.g., "wearing a wizard robe and holding a staff," "in a space suit with futuristic visor," "dressed in a rock star outfit with a guitar." If you want it to look like you, mention key physical traits from your photo (hair color, etc.) just to be sure the AI includes them.
Accessories or Props
Think of 2-3 items that represent your personality, hobbies, or achievements – these will appear as the accessories in the action figure box (just like how real action figures come with extras). For instance, if you love photography, one accessory could be a tiny camera. If you're a programmer, maybe a laptop or keyboard. Sports fans might include a ball or trophy. Be creative and true to yourself.
Packaging or Background (Optional)
If you want the full "toy in package" look, specify that. Terms like "action figure blister pack" (the clear plastic front and cardboard back typical in toy packaging) or "boxed like a collectible figure" will cue the AI to put your figure in a package. You can even specify colors or a theme for the packaging card. If you prefer just the figure without a box, you can omit this.
Example Prompt (Front View): A full-body action figure of ME inside a toy package: front view. The figure looks like me (short brown hair, glasses) dressed as a superhero in a blue and silver suit with a cape. Accessories in the box: a laptop, a small guitar, and a coffee mug. Vibrant comic-book-style packaging with my name on top.
In the above prompt:
  • ME would be understood as the person in the photo (ChatGPT knows you uploaded an image of yourself, so it will base the figure's face on that).
  • We asked for a full-body action figure inside a toy package, front view. We described the outfit (superhero, blue/silver suit, cape) and the accessories (laptop, guitar, coffee mug) that reflect our persona. We even added a note about packaging style.
Feel free to adjust the wording to fit your desired persona. If you want a fantasy theme, your prompt might say "dressed as a knight in armor, with a sword and shield accessory, fantasy-style packaging." If you want a fun Barbie-like vibe, you could say "looks like a Barbie doll version of me, with a fashionable outfit and hairbrush accessory, in a pink toy box." It's your action figure, so have fun describing it!
Step 5-7: Generate and Refine Your Action Figure Images
Step 5: Generate the Front View Image
With your prompt ready, hit Enter and let ChatGPT work its magic. The AI will now generate an image based on your photo + description. This might take a little time (several seconds to a minute). Once it's done:
  • View the Output: The result should be an image of you as an action figure from the front. You'll likely see yourself (or a close likeness) in the outfit and setting you described.
  • Initial Reaction: Don't worry if it's not perfect on the first try! This is AI-generated art, so sometimes the face might not be exactly like your photo.
  • Cool Factor: It's pretty exciting to see yourself in plastic form. You've basically created a custom toy concept of you!
Step 6: Generate the Back View Image
Real action figures aren't one-dimensional. A back view of your figure will show details that were hidden in the front view. Example prompt:
Now show the back view of the same action figure of me in the blue and silver superhero suit, from behind. Include the cape flowing and any details on the back of the costume. The figure is still in its packaging, back turned.
This gives you a more complete blueprint of your character. If something was unclear in front (like how a skirt or coat looks in the back), now you have that info.
Step 7: Review and Refine the AI Outputs
You now have at least two images: front and back views of your personal action figure. It's important to review them and make any needed tweaks before moving on, especially if you plan to use these for a physical model.
Check Details
Compare the images to your expectations and to each other. Is the face likeness satisfying? Are the accessories correct and clearly depicted? Is the outfit accurate and matching between front/back images?
Common AI Quirks
Watch for weird text or logos, facial oddities, accessory placement issues, and unusual proportions or poses. These are normal in AI-generated images.
Refine if Needed
Don't hesitate to go back to ChatGPT with adjustments. You can say: "Please regenerate with these changes..." or start a fresh prompt incorporating fixes.
Save Your Images
Once you're happy, save the final images. Name them clearly (e.g., "MyActionFigure_front.png" and "MyActionFigure_back.png").
At this stage, congratulations, you've successfully created your action figure design using AI! You have images that showcase your figure like a real toy. This might be all you need if you just wanted a cool profile pic or something fun to share. But if you're feeling ambitious and want a physical figure, read on.
Step 8-9: From Digital Design to Physical Figure
Step 8: Convert Design into 3D Model
The AI images you generated are 2D pictures. To actually 3D print or manufacture a figure, you'll need a 3D model. Here are a few paths:
Option A: Use an Avatar Creator
ReadyPlayerMe is originally a VR avatar tool, and it now offers 3D printable figure exports. On their website, you can upload a selfie to create a basic 3D avatar resembling you.
Option B: Design with Figure Builder
HeroForge is a popular online character design tool where you can pick a base model and then choose face shape, hair, clothing, pose, and accessories.
Option C: AI-based 3D Generation
Some newer tools like Luma AI try to generate 3D models from images using AI. You might need multiple views for better results – good thing you have front and back!
Option D: Hire a 3D Artist
If all the above sounds like too much work, you can seek out someone with 3D modeling skills to create a custom 3D model based on your design.
Step 9: Print or Order Your Custom Figure
This is the final (and most rewarding) step – getting a tangible action figure you can hold. There are several ways to bring your digital model into the real world:
  • Home 3D Printing: If you or a friend has a 3D printer, you can try printing the model yourself. Most home 3D printers use either PLA plastic or resin.
  • Online 3D Printing Services: Services like Shapeways, Sculpteo, or Treatstock can print the model for you. You upload your file, choose material, and they'll ship the finished print.
  • Specialty Custom Figure Services: Companies and hobbyists on platforms like Etsy offer services where you send them images or a 3D file, and they will 3D print and hand-paint a figure for you.
  • Using HeroForge: If you went the HeroForge route in Step 8, you have the option right on their site to order a print in full color plastic or plain materials.
Once you have the printed parts, if they're not colored, you can paint them using acrylic model paints and small brushes. You can even create custom packaging by printing your AI-generated images as a box or card back.
Additional Tips and Next Steps
  • Sharing Online: Share the AI-generated images or photos of your final figure on social media with hashtags like #AIActionFigure.
  • Experiment with Themes: Repeat the process with different themes like Medieval Knight You, Cyberpunk You, or make figures of family members (with permission) as gifts.
  • Stay Updated on AI Tools: AI is evolving rapidly. New apps and services might streamline this process even more in the future.
  • Enjoy the Creativity: The most important part is to have fun. This blend of technology and imagination lets you play toy designer of your own persona.
By following this manual, you learned how to capture a photo, prompt ChatGPT to generate a custom action figure image of yourself, and then turn that concept into a tangible model. From describing your superhero (or any other) persona to choosing accessories that showcase your personality, you've designed something truly personal. We hope you found the process accessible and exciting. Now "life in plastic" can indeed be fantastic – especially when the character in the box is you!