If your LinkedIn feed has transformed into a toy aisle, you're not alone. Everyone is sharing AI-generated images of themselves as action figures, complete with accessories like laptops, coffee mugs, and witty taglines. This trend is not just a fleeting novelty; it's a reflection of the growing integration of AI into our daily lives.
In March 2025, ChatGPT became the most downloaded app globally, surpassing long-standing leaders like Instagram and TikTok. According to Appfigures, the app saw 46 million downloads that month (a 28% increase from February). This surge was fueled by new image-generation features, including the ability to create Studio Ghibli-style images, which went viral.
The new new thing is personal action figures, so here's how to create your own.
You can use almost any AI image generation tool, but ChatGPT with GPT-4o works very well. Upload a high-quality, full-body image of yourself with a neutral background. Then, craft a detailed prompt. Be specific about your desired appearance, attire, accessories, and packaging. For example:
Create a plastic action figure of Shelly Palmer as "Captain Innovation," (use the uploaded images as reference). He should be dressed in a black t-shirt, black shacket, black pants, and white sneakers. Label the package, "Captain Innovation" with a sub title, "Official Shelly Palmer Action Figure" Include accessories like a laptop, smartphone, air pods, and a microphone. Include a book entitled, "AI Evolves, Leadership Endures." with the subtitle, "An AI Strategy Playbook." Include a coffee mug that says, "Generative in Nature." The packaging should feature a futuristic design with bold colors.
Hit enter. You can iterate by adjusting details like facial expressions, accessory placement, or packaging design.
Why Bother?
You may be wondering why you should do this. It looks like a waste of time… except it isn't. In fact, it is a remarkably good use of your time. First, you will learn something about yourself. (This is a great subject for another newsletter.) Importantly, you will also learn something about the limitations of generative AI in April 2025. You'll learn about your ability to prompt, the level of detail required to achieve a specific goal, how your model of choice responds to detailed notes, and much, much more.
This slightly narcissistic (yet playful) exercise will teach you more about the state of the art of generative AI than just about any other quick project you can do. After all, you know more about the subject of this prompt than anyone, so this will help you quickly, viscerally understand both the possibilities and the limitations of your chosen model. Enjoy.
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named he covers tech and business for , is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular . He's a , and the creator of the popular, free online course, . Follow or visit .
