3D Likeness

I’m fascinated by how platforms like Instagram to allow people to share photography so easily and readily. I think that it’s also going to play a big role in direct marketing in the future. I know that this exists now, but it’s in its infancy. I think that we’re going to see almost every entity in the marketplace, from music groups to fast food companies, creating and maintaining high quality feeds to connect directly with their audiences.

This is one of the reasons why I’m excited about rolling out an Instagram centric series. I’m calling it Likeness. I have accumulated over 75 images, and a dozen videos, with this ten inch 3d figurine of myself. I’ll be releasing one or two a day until they run out, then there will be a short-run book of the best ones. It will eventually live on my main website as well. 

I didn’t have any specific ambitions when I first walked up to the Doob pop-up in Chelsea Market a couple of months ago, I just knew that I had to do this. The low-key and friendly staff there showed me some sample figurines and told me a little about the process. They gave me some tips on how to get the best results - get at least a ten inch figurine to ensure good detail (yes), wear some color as it renders nicely (no, thank you).

They take me into this round white booth, with dozens of DSLR cameras focused on me, mathematically set to photograph all angles of me at once. I position myself, look at the appointed spot, and they count to three. “One, two, three…” and flash! The 3d photo is taken.

It’s actually many photos, and they show me a mix of them on a laptop to see if I approve of the pose. After a few tries I’m satisfied and it’s sent to the rendering company in Brooklyn. 

Nine days later it arrives via the mail. I open the box and it’s amazing - it really is a crazy 3d version of me. I take it out and put him standing on my desk. Of course I take a picture with my iPhone, and that’s when I know what to do.