How to choose the right photo for a custom figure

A useful photo for a custom figure shows the features you want the maker to preserve: the hair outline, expression, outfit and a few familiar details. It does not need to be a professional portrait. It needs to be clear enough that the design does not depend on guessing.

Brick and sculpted figures interpret a photograph differently. A brick portrait emphasizes broad shapes and available component colors; a sculpted style can express curved forms differently. Check the selected product's dimensions and examples rather than expecting every figure to have the same height or level of detail.

Choose one main face reference

Start with a front-facing or gentle three-quarter view in soft, even light. Include the full hair outline and chin. A very close selfie or a steep camera angle can make the nearest features look larger and hide other parts of the head.

Open the original file and inspect the face at normal image size. Can you distinguish the eyes, hairline and mouth? A large group photograph may contain less useful detail for one person than a smaller close portrait. Send the original file when available; screenshots and repeatedly compressed copies can lose information.

Avoid beauty filters that change the face. If a photo is all you have, explain its limitations and include the original alongside any enhanced copy. Generated detail is not reliable evidence of a feature missing from the source.

Use light that shows color and shape

Indirect window light or open shade can help show both sides of a face. Avoid strong backlight that leaves the person dark, and add another image if a shadow hides an important feature.

A warm restaurant light or colored stage light can shift clothing and skin colors. Identify a separate color reference when necessary. An additional clear image and a short note are more useful than asking the designer to infer an exact color from a heavily filtered scene.

Glasses, facial hair and hats should match the appearance you want. If sunglasses hide the eyes but are not part of the intended figure, include another photo without them when possible. If the hat is an essential part of the character, say so.

Separate the outfit from the face

The sharpest face image may show the wrong clothes. Send a full-body outfit photo separately and label its role. Include shoes and the full clothing outline where possible. Detail pictures can explain a collar, dress shape or meaningful accessory without replacing the main portrait.

For example: “A is the current face and hairstyle. B is the blue jacket, cream shirt and brown shoes. Omit the bag. Keep the round glasses.” This is easier to follow than several unlabeled images from different years.

Name two or three priorities. A hairstyle silhouette, glasses shape or pet marking can matter more than tiny fabric details that will not read at the selected scale. Our reference-note guide provides a fuller format.

Organize couples, families and pets

For people, supply one clear face reference per person, label them consistently, and add a group image or note showing the intended arrangement. Explain relative height and which age or hairstyle should be represented when photographs span different dates.

For a pet, useful views include an eye-level face photo, a side or three-quarter view and any distinctive marking. Identify left and right from the animal's perspective if a patch could be confused by a mirrored image. State the intended grooming style and posture. Keep the animal comfortable rather than forcing a pose.

The six-person organizer and pet photo guide help with more involved reference sets. Use photographs you are entitled to share, and keep private information out of any unrelated background where practical.

A final check before uploading

• The intended face, hair and expression are visible.
• The outfit and shoes are identified independently.
• Each person or pet has a clear label.
• Important text is supplied as text, with spelling checked.
• Unclear details and any image enhancements are explained.
• Props and scenery are distinguished from the standard figure order.

For VoxelPals orders, the current process includes a design proof, photos at every step and changes on request before approval. Production starts after you approve the design. The published schedule estimates 2–3 days for the design stage; missing references and time spent awaiting your feedback can affect the overall schedule. See the current shipping policy for the full timing and conditions.

Choose a Brick design or 3D figure, then use its available options to confirm size, people count and price. Backgrounds, furniture and additional scene work should be discussed through a custom request before assuming they are included.