Every custom MYTHUMI figurine starts with one image: a photo of a person or a pet, or a piece of character art for a tabletop miniature. That image is what our creator works from when it builds your free design preview, so choosing it well is the simplest way to end up with a figurine that really looks like them.
Here is what works best, whoever you are making.
What every good photo has
One clear subject
Choose a photo where the person or pet you want is the obvious subject. If other people, pets or a busy background share the frame, crop them out before you upload. Want two people in one piece? Start from one of our couple and family templates.
A face you can see clearly
The face carries the likeness, so it should be sharp, well lit and easy to read. Looking straight at the camera or turned slightly to one side both work well. Sunglasses, a hat pulled low, a hand in front of the face or deep shadows hide exactly the details the preview needs.
Soft, even light
Daylight from a window is ideal. Harsh flash, strong backlight and coloured party lights can flatten features or tint skin, fur and clothing, and those colours can carry through into your preview.
The original file, not a screenshot
Upload the original photo from your phone or camera when you can. Pictures that have been forwarded through messaging apps or screenshotted a few times lose detail along the way. The creator takes JPG, PNG and WebP files up to 20 MB.
No filters
Beauty filters, face smoothing, stickers and heavy edits change face shape and colour. A plain, unedited photo gives the most faithful result.
The details you want to keep
If a favourite outfit or a signature accessory matters, pick a photo where it is clearly visible and mention it in the note box in the creator. Our artists take those notes into account when they refine your model.
Photographing a pet
- Get down to their level. A photo taken from above makes heads look big and legs short. Crouch so the camera is at their eye height.
- Show the whole pet if you can. Ears, paws and tail all shape the figurine. A clear side or three-quarter view that shows their build is more useful than a close-up of the nose.
- Make the markings easy to see. Patches, spots, socks and a white blaze are what make a pet recognisable. Bright, indirect light keeps them visible; direct sun can bleach a light coat and shadow can swallow a dark one.
- Don't worry about the pose. You choose the pose separately in the creator, from sitting and standing to a play bow or curled up, so the photo only needs to show your pet clearly.
- Keep a favourite collar or bandana in view if you would like it on the figurine, and mention it in the note box.
Making a keepsake from an older photo? A printed photo works too: lay it flat in even light and photograph it straight on, so there is no glare or angle. If you have several photos, try the sharpest one first.
Art for a tabletop miniature
For a custom TTRPG miniature you can upload concept art, a screenshot from a character builder or a game, or a sketch, or simply describe your character in a few sentences.
- Full body helps. Art that shows the whole character, from head to boots, with their weapon and gear gives the clearest result.
- Front or three-quarter views work best. Extreme angles and tightly cropped action shots hide parts of the costume.
- Use the description box for what the art doesn't show: race, class, armour, weapon and colours.
- Pick the pose in the creator. There are six preset poses, from a neutral stance to spellcasting, so the whole party can share one style.
Photos you are allowed to use
Please only upload photos and art you have the right to use, and make sure everyone who can be recognised in the photo is happy to become a figurine (for anyone under the age of majority, a parent or guardian needs to agree). Our Terms of service have the details. We don't use your photos, previews or finished figurine in advertising or on social media without your separate permission.
Check your preview before you order
Generating a preview is free, and nothing is charged until you add your piece to the cart. When your preview appears, turn the 3D model around and look at the face, pose, clothing and accessories, then check the size and quantity. If something isn't right, try another photo: a different angle or better light often makes the biggest difference.
Keep in mind that previews are AI-generated and approximate. They show the style, pose and overall look we will work from, and the finished print can differ a little in likeness, colour and fine detail. The smallest details, such as thin strands of hair or tiny text, are simplified more on smaller sizes. Sizes are measured on the longest side, and our size guide explains how and can help you choose.
Ready to start?
Create a mini-me figurine, a pet figurine or a TTRPG miniature, or browse all our templates for more styles. Not sure about a photo? Our support team can help before you upload: just get in touch. For an overview of every style, size and price, see our guide to custom 3D figurines from a photo.