Short answer: To turn a photo into a custom figurine at VoxelPals, pick a 3D or brick design, upload one clear, well-lit photo (or email it after checkout), check the proof we send you, and we make the figure to order and ship it free. 3D figures are hand-sculpted in polymer clay, and you get photos of the face first and then of the finished figure; brick figures start with a digital proof, and nothing is built until you approve it. Most US orders arrive 20–25 days after we have your photo.
Step 1: Choose 3D or brick, then a design
There are two styles, both made from your photo:
- 3D figures are smooth, rounded characters, hand-sculpted in polymer clay, oven-baked and painted by hand, then finished on a polished base. Figures of people can be a bobblehead that nods on a small spring or a standard figure, at the same price.
- Brick figures are built by hand from a small number of broad, smooth ABS-like pieces, with facial details printed rather than stickered, on a display base.
Good starting points: 3D Mini You or Mini You — Classic for one person, 3D Duo or The Duo — Classic for two, 3D Crew or Your Family + Frame for a family, and 3D Pet or Mini Dog for a pet. There are also designs for weddings, anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, memorials and other occasions. If your idea is not listed, send us a custom request.
What you choose on the product page
- 3D figures of people: size (10, 14 or 18 cm, about 4, 5.5 or 7 in), style (bobblehead or standard figure) and packaging (Figure only or Premium gift packaging).
- 3D pets: dogs at 6, 8 or 10 cm and cats at 6 or 8 cm. Pet-only figures are made as standard figures, not bobbleheads.
- Brick figures: the number of people where the design offers a choice, and packaging. Brick figures are built to one display size set by the parts, so there is no size to pick.
Step 2: Send your photo
One clear, well-lit photo with the face visible is perfect. Front-facing or a gentle three-quarter view works best, and a full-length shot helps us get the outfit and posture right. Phone photos are fine.
- Upload on the product page: up to 10 photos, 12 MB each, as JPG, PNG or WebP.
- No photo yet? Order now and we email you after checkout to collect it, or send it any time to hello@voxelpals.com.
- For two or more people, a separate photo of each person works well, and they do not have to be from the same day. Tell us who is who and how you would like them arranged.
- Avoid light behind the head, sunglasses or a low cap, and tiny faces in a crowd; use natural light and no strong filters.
If your only photo is old or a little blurry, send the best one you have. If we cannot get a confident likeness from it, we tell you honestly before anything is built.
Step 3: Check your proof
3D figures: photos of the sculpt
3D figures are sculpted by hand from the start, so there is no digital model. The sculptor shapes the face first and we send you photos of it, usually within 3–4 days of receiving your photo. Once the face is right, the full figure is finished and you get photos of it before it ships. Photos at every step, changes on request: just reply with your notes.
Pet-only figures are made in one piece: we copy the pose in the photo you choose, confirm any change of pose with you before we start, and once finished only small detail touch-ups are possible.
You can cancel a 3D order for a full refund before the sculptor starts. Once we have confirmed your order and sculpting has begun, a clay figure can't be refunded for a change of mind.
Brick figures: a digital proof
For brick figures we send a digital proof, a single front-facing build image showing the exact hair, outfit, colours and props, usually within 2–3 days of receiving your photo. Nothing is built until you approve it. Before you approve, you can ask for changes or cancel for a 100% refund; once you approve, the order can no longer be cancelled for a change of mind.
Step 4: We make it
After your approval, the figure is made and finished, checked and packed over about 8–12 days. Every figure is made to order, just for you: nothing is built in advance.
Step 5: Delivery
Shipping is free on every order, to every country we deliver to, with no minimum spend.
- United States: transit takes about 10 days, and most US orders arrive 20–25 days end to end, counted from the day we have your photo. US import duties are included.
- Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland: prices include VAT and import duties.
- Other countries: delivery time depends on the destination, and import duties and taxes are handled by our shipping partner.
Need it by a certain date? Tell us before you order and we will confirm honestly whether it is achievable. If your figure arrives damaged, defective or different from the proof you approved, contact us within 14 days of delivery and we will remake it free or refund you in full.
More guides
- Pet memorial figurine: which photos to send
- Retirement and anniversary gifts: custom figurines
- Polymer clay vs brick figure: which to choose
- Custom figurine sizes, prices and delivery time
- Custom bobblehead from a photo: sizes and prices
- Custom family figurines with pets: 3D or brick
- Christmas 2026 custom figurine order deadlines
Frequently asked questions
What kind of photo works best for a custom figurine?
One clear, well-lit photo with the face visible is perfect. Front-facing or a gentle three-quarter view works best, and a full-length shot helps with the outfit and posture. Phone photos are fine.
Can I order before I have the photo?
Yes. Order now and we will email you after checkout to collect it, or send it any time to hello@voxelpals.com. Delivery time is counted from the day we have your photo.
Will the figurine look exactly like my photo?
It is a stylised interpretation, not a scan. The likeness comes from hair, outfit, colours and pose, and you see your proof before your figure ships.
Can you make a figure of a celebrity or a cartoon character?
Not without documented authorisation. We do not reproduce copyrighted or trademarked characters, brand logos or the likeness of public figures, and we may decline and fully refund an order that would require it. When you send a photo, you confirm that you own it or have permission to use it, and that everyone shown consents to a figure being made of them.
Can you send it directly to the person it is for?
Yes. Enter their address at checkout. Premium gift packaging can be added on the product page if it is going straight to someone.
Is it a toy?
No. It is a display keepsake for a shelf or desk. It contains small parts and is not suitable for children under three.
