Which Photos Do I Need for a Custom Clay Figurine?

1. Match your photos to the preview type

On the AI preview page, choose the figure type first and follow the labels beside the photo fields:

• Single: a front-facing face photo is required. A full-body photo is optional and can explain the outfit and pose. Explore single-person clay portraits.
• Double: provide a face photo for Person 1 and a face photo for Person 2. Both fields are required. Explore couple clay portraits.
• Pet: a main pet photo is required. A separate body reference is optional. Choose your pet references.
• Group: use one clear group photo showing everyone you want to include, then choose the number of people.

For the initial Group preview, do not assume separate individual photos can replace the requested group image. If you want a handmade arrangement that combines separate photographs, ask the studio how to prepare that request.

2. Check what the photograph actually shows

Open the image at a comfortable size and look at the features you want the portrait to keep. A sharp, well-lit face is a better starting point than a distant face in a busy scene.

• Face: can you see the eyes, nose, mouth and expression clearly? If a shadow or reflection hides an important feature, look for another view.
• Hair and glasses: is the intended hairstyle visible? If the photos show different glasses or facial hair, decide which version to follow.
• Clothing and pose: where a body-reference field is available, choose an image that shows the relevant outfit and posture.
• Pets: look for a clear view of the face and distinctive markings. Use the optional body reference to explain markings or a pose that the main photo does not show well.

These are selection tips, not a requirement to take professional photographs. If your only available photo is old or blurry, ask the studio to assess it rather than assuming the missing details can be recovered.

Pet photos: face, markings and pose

Preparing a pet clay figurine? Give each photo a clear job, then use your note to point out the details that make your companion familiar.

• Main pet photo, required: choose a clear, well-lit view of the face. Check that the eyes, ears and muzzle are easy to see, rather than hidden in shadow or blurred by movement.
• Body reference, optional: use a second view for coat markings, paws, tail or posture that the main photo does not show. If markings differ between the two sides, mention which side the reference shows.
• Pet type and pose: select Dog, Cat or Other pet. Open Customize pose options to choose Sitting, Standing, Playful or Use photo pose. For an unusual animal or a more complex idea, discuss the handmade portrait with the studio before ordering.

Keep Personal details within 160 characters. For example:

Keep the white chest patch, dark left ear and curled tail. Follow the sitting pose in the body reference.

This is an example, not a customer order. Replace it with details visible in your own photos. The AI preview is a design reference, not a finished-product photo; handmade details may differ.

Start a pet AI preview

3. Keep the preview note short and specific

The current preview form allows up to 160 characters in Personal details. Use that space for the most important choices rather than a long gift message. For a Single preview with a full-body reference, for example:

Keep the round glasses and short beard. Use the navy jacket from the body reference. Please keep the relaxed standing pose.

This is an example note, not a customer order. Replace it with details that match your photographs. If your request needs more explanation or additional images, discuss those with the studio separately.

4. Give supporting references a clear purpose

For the handmade piece, you can discuss additional angles, outfit photos and detail references with the studio. That is separate from the photo slots used to generate the initial AI concept.

When sharing those additional references, simple labels such as “face,” “outfit” and “hairstyle” help explain what each image is for. If two photographs disagree, say which detail to use. Ask the studio to confirm unusual accessories or poses instead of assuming every visible detail can be reproduced at a small handmade scale.

5. Review permission and expectations before generating

Use photographs you own or have permission to use. Read the photo-permission statement on the preview form and the photo privacy policy before uploading or generating.

The preview is an AI-generated design reference, not a photograph of a finished product. Your clay portrait is shaped by hand; proportions, texture, colors and small details can differ. A handmade portrait is not a photographic replica.

Photo upload help: file types, size and replacements

The preview form accepts JPG, PNG and WebP files, and offers HEIC/HEIF photo handling. Choose a file under the form’s 20 MB limit. A supported file type alone does not guarantee that a damaged or unreadable image will open.

• Using an iPhone photo? If your HEIC/HEIF photo cannot be read or the photo reader cannot load, export a JPG or PNG copy and select that copy instead. Keep your original photograph.
• File too large? Save a smaller copy while keeping the face and important details clear, then choose it again. Changing the filename alone does not change the file’s format or size.
• Replacing a photo? Check the selected thumbnail after the new file finishes loading. If a replacement is rejected, the previously selected valid photo stays in place; it has not been replaced by the rejected file.

Before generating, check each required photo slot and the permission statement again. If you still cannot prepare your references, ask the studio about your photo issue. Do not assume an upload error means an order has been placed.

Your quick photo checklist

• I have chosen Single, Double, Pet or Group.
• I have the required images for that type.
• The important faces or pet features are clear.
• My note explains the details to keep and resolves conflicting references.
• I have permission to use the photographs and have read the upload statement.