How to Turn Your Photo into Viral Figurine Style Using Google Gemini
You’ve probably seen them all over Instagram and X – those incredibly realistic figurines that look like they could be sitting on someone’s desk. The detail is amazing, and they’re going viral for a reason.
These aren’t real figurines. They’re AI-generated images created with Google Gemini’s new image model called nano banana. And honestly, it’s pretty impressive how well it works.
What makes Gemini stand out here is how it keeps all the important details from your original photo. Your face, your expression, your style – it all stays the same. It just puts you into this cool figurine format.
I’ve tried similar things with other AI tools, but Gemini really nails the consistency. Your photo doesn’t get completely changed or distorted like it sometimes does with other platforms.
The Prompt For Figurines
Getting started is simple. Head over to gemini.google.com and start a new chat. Make sure you’re using the Gemini 2.5 Flash model – that’s important.
Upload your photo and paste this prompt:
Create a 1/7 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, in a realistic style, in a real environment. The figurine is placed on a computer desk. The figurine has a round transparent acrylic base, with no text on the base. The content on the computer screen is a 3D modeling process of this figurine. Next to the computer screen is a toy packaging box, designed in a style reminiscent of high-quality collectible figures, printed with original artwork. The packaging features two-dimensional flat illustration
For example I uploaded the following photo.
Following is the result.
Break Down the Prompt
This prompt is doing several smart things:
- 1/7 scale – This gives it the right proportions for a desk figurine
- Realistic style – Keeps it looking like an actual collectible, not a cartoon
- Computer desk setting – Creates that “work desk” vibe that people love
- Transparent base – Makes it look professional, like real figurines
- 3D modeling on screen – Adds a nice meta touch, like someone’s actually designing it
- Packaging box – Gives it that authentic collectible feel
Try Different Styles
The basic prompt works great, but you can get creative with variations. Here are five different approaches I’ve tested:
1. Retro 80s Style
Craft a 1/7 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, in a vintage retro style reminiscent of 1980s action figures, in a cozy retro gaming room environment. The figurine rests on a square frosted glass base with subtle etched patterns, no text included. The computer screen depicts a pixelated 3D modeling software interface building this figurine block by block. Next to it is a nostalgic toy packaging box designed like classic blister packs for high-end collectibles, featuring bold, colorful two-dimensional comic-strip illustrations.
2. Fantasy Magic Theme
Create a 1/6 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, infused with fantasy elements like subtle glowing runes on their clothing, in a hyper-realistic style, set in a mystical forest clearing environment. The figurine stands on an octagonal wooden base with embedded LED lights for a soft glow, no text visible. The computer desk scene shows a magical 3D summoning ritual on the screen, modeling this figurine with ethereal effects. Beside the screen is an ornate toy packaging box in the style of premium fantasy collectibles, adorned with holographic foil and featuring intricate two-dimensional illustrations of the characters in epic poses.
3. Cyberpunk Future
Design a 1/8 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, in a futuristic cyberpunk style with neon accents and holographic projections, placed in a high-tech lab environment. The figurine is mounted on a sleek hexagonal metallic base that’s semi-transparent with embedded circuits, text-free. On the computer monitor, display a advanced AI rendering process of this figurine in virtual reality. Adjacent to the screen is a premium sci-fi collectible packaging box, styled like elite gaming merchandise, with glossy metallic prints and two-dimensional flat schematics as artwork.
4. Clean Minimalist
Produce a 1/10 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, in a clean minimalist realistic style with smooth lines and neutral tones, situated in a modern minimalist office environment. The figurine is on a simple circular matte black base, completely textless and unobtrusive. The computer display shows a streamlined wireframe 3D modeling session of this exact figurine. Positioned nearby is an elegant toy packaging box in the vein of luxury designer figures, with minimalist line art and two-dimensional abstract flat illustrations printed on premium matte paper.
5. Post-Apocalyptic
Produce a 1/8 scale commercialized figurine of the characters in the picture, in a gritty post-apocalyptic style with weathered armor and rugged textures, set in a desolate wasteland workshop environment. The figurine rests on an irregular rusted metal base with no text. The computer screen shows a rugged 3D modeling process of this figurine, with debris and dust effects. Next to it is a battle-worn toy packaging box designed like survivalist collectibles, featuring distressed two-dimensional flat illustration of the characters in action poses.
What Photos Work Best
I’ve tried this with all kinds of photos. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Good options:
- Clear photos with good lighting
- Single person or small groups
- Photos where you can see the full outfit
- Pet photos (they turn out amazing!)
- Family photos with everyone visible
Less ideal:
- Very blurry or dark photos
- Large group photos where people are tiny
- Photos with busy backgrounds that might confuse the AI
Tips for Better Results
After making dozens of these, here are some things that help:
- Use photos where the person is clearly visible
- Good lighting makes a huge difference
- If the first result isn’t perfect, try again – AI can be inconsistent
- Don’t be afraid to modify the prompts to match your style
- Try different scale sizes (1/6, 1/8, 1/10) to see what looks best
Why People Love These
There’s something really satisfying about seeing yourself as a collectible figurine. It taps into that same feeling you get when you see a really well-made action figure of a character you love.
Plus, they just look cool. The attention to detail, the packaging, the whole setup – it feels like something you’d actually want to buy.
This trend is taking off because it’s fun, accessible, and the results actually look impressive. Google Gemini has really nailed the balance between keeping your original features while creating something completely new.
Try it with your own photos and see what you get. The results might surprise you. And if you post them on social media, don’t be shocked if they get way more engagement than your regular photos.
The AI figurine trend is here, and it’s pretty awesome.
