Way back in 2014, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I got the chance to be turned into a 3D model. Unfortunately, they wanted several hundred dollars for a 3-inch model that would have taken a few months to get to me. I didn't splurge at the time, but my fascination for the idea has never disappeared. Recently, I was lucky enough to have a similar experience, and in 2024, I think we have reached the point where I can recommend the experience to everyone. It's much easier to do, much more affordable, and with a few tips from me, you can get fantastic results.

There are many ways to get a figurine that is personalized to you. Hasbro makes the Selfie Series, which puts your scanned head on an action figure, and Funko has the Pop! Yourself system, which lets you make a facsimile of yourself with various accessories. Both are a lot of fun, but both lack true customization.

With more and more people investing their time and money into cosplays, renaissance faires, and other amazing outfits, having even a small figure that accurately replicates the look and feel of your entire outfit as a keepsake is worth some time. You could even, as I saw several people do, have your pet scanned and printed to keep them with you no matter what happens.

What is 3D scanning?

3D scanning uses imagery to create a mesh that can be 3D printed using different techniques and materials. If you have a scanner at home—something like the Revopoint Miraco, for example—you can scan objects using infrared light to build a model and then use one of the best 3D printers to print a model of yourself. This is a good choice if you only want the raw model or if you are scanning a lot of objects for your job or for fun.

The other option is Photogrammetry, which uses lots of photos to create a 3D model of you. The great thing about photogrammetry is that it requires no special equipment other than a camera and some good software like Polycam so it's easy to scan just about anything that isn't moving.

The booth I used is a company called Shrunk3d, and they use photogrammetry to capture not only your physicality but also your clothes, skin tone and any props you might have, making it perfect for cosplayers, sports people and couples, to name just a few. The advantage of using a service like Shrunk 3D is that you don't need a scanner, 3D printer or anything else to have a fantastic model in just a few weeks.

The process is incredibly simple. I stepped into the center of the booth and struck a pose. Surrounding me is an array of 96 cameras powered by Raspberry Pi computers that instantly took pictures of me from every angle. This is especially helpful when doing this with small children or pets, as asking them to stand still as you walk around them can be difficult. Once the images are taken, you can see them on the screen as the Shrunk 3D technician works to upload them.

Because I was at a 3D printing event, we could buy just the images, the 3D model file, called an STL, or the actual model in various sizes. Normally, however, you would purchase just the model. Prices vary from $90 for the smallest, 3-inch model of a single person to a whopping $580 for a family of two adults and one child or pet at 9 inches tall.

Of course, using photogrammetry at home is much cheaper and we've explored how to make 3D models with your phone before, but the downside to printing at home is that you can't apply the level of detail to the model that you can with a high quality industrial 3D printer. This image is a prime example. The tattoo on her leg would be impossible to recreate at home, but using a booth allows you to capture the details that make you, you.

Why would you want a 3D model of yourself?

A couple of years ago, my elderly neighbor's pet passed away. A little spaniel named Reggie. We knew it was coming for a while, but it was sad all the same. Afterward, I 3D printed her a model of a spaniel that I found on the internet and painted it gold as a little keepsake. It didn't look exactly like Reggie, but it was close, and she loved it. Having a 3D model of your dog, in full color, that you can keep forever is pretty great, and I saw multiple people using it for that reason at the convention.

My favorite reason, though, is way more nerdy. Whenever I go to a convention or a Renaissance faire, I spend a lot of time and money on my outfits, and I'm not even fanatical about it. If you spend a huge amount of time making your own Mandalorian or Iron Man suit, wouldn't it be great to have a little 4-inch model to keep track of it? With every little detail captured forever? You can keep them all at home on one shelf, adding new ones every time you make a new outfit.

5 tips to make your 3D scan look great

Whether you are scanning at home or scanning in a booth, there are some ways to make the model look even better. If you are in the booth make sure you follow any instructions they give you, but these will be a helpful guide.

Strike a pose

You aren't sitting for a picture in the 1900's, you can have fun and not be stiff as a board. If you are at home being scanned make sure your pose is comfortable to hold for several minutes but in a booth you can try something a little more exotic.

Think about angles

When you 3D print a model you need to be thinking about angles. By tweaking your stance to be a little closer together, or, like I did, by making your arms into 45-degree shape on your hips, you can make the printing process easier and add more detail to the underlying mesh. When printing from home, reducing support is a great way to make the model look nicer, so try to raise your arms above 45 degrees if you are holding them out.

Keep your accessories close

The coolest part of a booth 3D model is the details you can get from your accessories, but you'll want to keep them close so they don't snap off in printing. If you have pouches, satchels or purses, make sure they lay flat against your side. If you are holding larger objects like laser guns or bats, they should be fine, but small straps need to be secured.

Ponytails and beards

Hair is hard to 3D print so try and think about that before you go in. If you have a ponytail try to make it lower on your head so it touches your back. If you have a big bushy beard like I do try to make it touch your chest so there is a continuous line of material to hold the hair in place.

Stand out

Think of a 3D scan as a snapshot of your life at that moment. Make sure you are dressed for the occasion, but make sure the important parts of you are captured. A full-length tattoo on your leg on your wedding day should be remembered. The hard work that went into your and your partner's gowns at the Labyrinth Ball should be pulled out to the side to show off the cut. Remember, this is yours to keep forever, so make it something to cherish.

Conclusion

While 3D scanning from home may still be a time-consuming and often frustrating experience, the concept of having a 3D model of yourself is an exciting one. The quickest and easiest way to get a small model of yourself is to use one of these 3D booths where all the heavy lifting is done for you. 

If you are at a convention in your cosplay outfit or a wedding with your family and you see a chance to get one of these done, you really should. It may feel pricey, but it's a gift you'll keep forever or, better yet, hand it down to your loved ones.