How your photo becomes a figurine
4 minute read
Sample design
A personal figurine begins with a picture. You do not need specialist knowledge to make the main choices: who it represents, the mood you want and where it will eventually live. The process has five broad steps: photo, preview and refinement, design details, your information, and a completed request. This guide explains what happens within those steps and what still needs your approval before the physical piece is made.
1. Photo: show the familiar details
Choose a clear image with an easily recognisable face or pet. A full-length photograph can explain the pose and outfit, while a closer picture may help with hair, facial features or coat markings. If you provide several references, identify the main one for the arrangement. When people appear in separate photographs, we discuss how they could be brought together. The photo guide offers practical advice if you are deciding between images or wondering whether an older picture contains enough detail.
Read the privacy notice before uploading. Your photos need to be uploaded to create the concept, so understanding processing and retention matters. Delivery and billing information belongs later, when it is needed for the request. At the beginning, concentrate on the image and your idea. If an upload fails, follow the message on the page to replace the file or try again.
2. Preview and refine: explore the appearance
Your chosen style sets the proportions and overall feel. Pick from the available styles; anything marked “Coming soon” is not yet available to order. You can then follow the live concept preview as it takes shape. The page shows real progress rather than an invented completion time, and the wait can vary. The result is a stylised concept image. It shows the design direction, rather than the finished physical object.
Describe changes briefly and specifically. “Make the hair longer” or “Have the dog sitting” gives a clearer direction than “It is not quite right”. Start with the change that matters most, then compare the new version with the earlier one. The design page shows your available refinement allowance. A suggestion from the digital assistant changes the design only when you apply it. You also select the concept you want to continue with, rather than leaving that decision to the latest image automatically.
3. Details: finish, height and base
Choose a ready-in-colour figurine or a white version to paint yourself. The painting kit is optional with the white version. Think about whether you want a finished gift or an activity to share. The paint-your-own page explains that option. Only your selected extras belong in the package; a kit, base or gift wrapping is not automatically included. Review those choices separately in the summary so that the contents match the gift or display piece you have in mind.
Suggested heights are 10, 15 and 20 cm, with a slider for freely choosing a height up to 25 cm. Imagine 10 cm as roughly the height of a small mug, remembering that everyday objects vary. The whole figurine must fit within 25 cm in every direction. Larger ideas go through “Special request”. Check the space needed for the base, inscription and any wide pose too. We confirm the price based on your chosen size and finish.
4. Your details: send your request
After choosing your preview, enter your contact and order details. Review the design and send your request. We currently operate in quote-request mode: there is no online payment here. We contact you to agree the price, details and production arrangements.
5. After your request: agree the next steps together
The thank-you page shows your order reference. Keep it so we can find your design easily. We will contact you by email or phone to discuss approval, production and delivery. Selecting a concept does not start production on its own.
The ready-in-colour version is printed in colour. You can paint the white figurine yourself, or make it a shared activity. We confirm the timing and package contents in your quote.
Quick questions
Does selecting a concept start production? No. We first agree the details and production arrangements with you.
Do I pay now? No. Send your request first, then we agree the price and next steps together.
Will it match the photo exactly? It is a stylised keepsake, so details may be simplified.
Ready with a picture? Start your figurine design, or explore the figurine types first.