AI-generated content is everywhere these days! From marketing blurbs to personalized action figure/ Barbie dolls. I had to jump in on the latest craze and ask ChatGPT to create something based on what it knew about me and my likeness. (See above.) While not perfect, it was pretty accurate! I am also curious about prompts, privacy, and personalization. But here’s the real questions I wanted answered, ‘What does AI actually know about me? And where is it getting that from? And how in the heck did it know I drank hot Starbucks lattes from a straw?’ I need to know! Here’s what I found out:
- AI learns from your prompts
The more you feed it, the smarter it sounds. But AI doesn’t “know” you personally. It knows the version of you you’ve shown it—through your questions, instructions, and tone. So based on what I’ve asked it to do in the past, this is the first version that it came up with. - AI doesn’t search the web in real time (unless connected to a live tool)
Most AI models, like ChatGPT, don’t automatically pull from Google. Instead, they’re trained on a massive dataset of publicly available info up to a certain date, plus whatever you’ve given it directly. I am fortunate to have a fairly wide presence on the Internet, including having a Google public figure knowledge panel, so it replicated my likeness and figure from that. - Prompts shape personality
If you’re clear, specific, and consistent, AI reflects that. If your tone is professional, so is the response. It mirrors your voice and learns your preferences, making it eerily personalized. Yes, it was somewhat scary to see what it pulled from 2 ½ years of prompts! - Digital footprints matter
AI can reference things like your published work, social media, or press (again, only if tools are live or trained on public data). But it can’t access private emails, texts, or accounts. So no, it’s not reading your mind. If you look back at my private FB page social media posts, I reference espresso and my love of it, a lot! Hmmm, perhaps it was just putting two and two together, that being a good steward of dental practices, that I would drink coffee out of a straw. Any other guesses? Please let me know below. - You control the narrative
We have the real power! It’s not what AI knows. It’s what you choose to teach it. If you’re building content, personal branding, or storytelling, your prompts are the blueprint. I will take some time to play around and personalize this avatar and see what I can come up with. At first glance, it is not a bad representation of me. - Sample prompts
Here is the exact prompt I used for the first iteration of my AI creation shown above.
‘Create a realistic action figure (Barbie doll) of the person in this photo, which is me, <insert name here>. Based on what you know about me professionally, please create this awesome figure.. The doll should be full figured and displayed in its original clear plastic box packaging. At the top of the box is the name of the toy ‘-‘.” Fill in the blanks with details like the toy’s accessories. Give me the best you have. Go.’
Here is another very specific one you might want to use if you don’t have a big online presence:
“Create a high-quality, photorealistic image of an action figure based on the person in this photo. The figure should be standing upright inside a realistic blister pack, styled like a premium collectible toy. Packaging Details: The blister pack should have a <insert color> header featuring large white text with the name: ‘[Your Name]’.Below the name, include the title: ‘[Your Title or Role]’.On the side of the packaging, add the descriptor: ‘[A brief, catchy tagline or descriptor]’.Figure Appearance: The action figure should closely resemble the person uploaded in the photo, capturing facial features, hair color, and hairstyle accurately. Dressed in [describe attire]. Wearing [describe footwear].The figure should have a confident, friendly expression.Accessories: Include [list accessories].Packaging Design: The background inside the packaging should be a <insert color> with a subtle texture. Use bold white text for all titles and descriptors.Ensure the packaging has a clear plastic front to display the figure and accessories prominently.Please generate this image to reflect the above specifications.”
- Top AI Generators
ChatGPT is not the only game in town! Here are others that creators are using include::
- OpenArt AI Action Figure Generator
OpenArt offers a user-friendly platform where you can generate unique action figure images with just a few clicks. It allows for customization of designs, styles, and themes, making it easy to create personalized collectibles. - Fotor AI Action Figure Generator
Fotor’s AI tool enables you to transform your photos into action figure images quickly. You can customize the figure’s appearance, accessories, and packaging, and then download the high-quality image for free. - ImagineMe AI
ImagineMe allows you to create detailed, personalized action figure images by uploading a photo and describing your desired style. It’s perfect for those looking to replicate nostalgic toy designs or modern superhero aesthetics. - Microsoft Image Creator
Microsoft’s Image Creator lets you design action figure images like Funko Pop figures or Lego minifigures in under a minute. By logging in with a Microsoft account, you can input prompts for your desired character and generate the image quickly. - A Quick Note on Privacy
As exciting as it is to see yourself transformed into an action figure with the help of AI, it’s equally important to consider how your personal data is being used. Many of these platforms require you to upload photos or provide personal details, and while the technology is quickly changing, privacy standards can vary widely. Always take a moment to read the platform’s privacy policy, (I know it’s a pain) to look for information on data retention, third-party sharing, and whether your content is used to train future AI models. Choose to use software tools that offer privacy transparency, give you control over your uploads, and respect your right to delete your data. For me, using AI creatively doesn’t mean I’m ready to give up my digital private boundaries, it means I’ll engage with the tools smartly and responsibility.
The bottom line is, AI isn’t spying. It’s listening. What does it say about you? That’s the story you’ve already started telling it, and what it will ultimately end up creating. I would encourage you to get curious about what story your prompts are telling you about you. When you do, I would love hear from you and see the what has been created for you around your brand. Find me on social and let’s continue the conversation. As always, I appreciate you reading. Please share this article with anyone you think might like reading it!
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