Is there anything that signals importance more than a bust? In schools and universities, in government buildings and museums, you’ll find rooms or hallways lined with the head-and-shoulders sculptural portraits of important people who have gone before: former presidents and other governmental officials, former headmasters and principals, etc. Usually carved from stone or cast in metal, these imposing-looking quarter-statues generally signal: “Look at me! I’m distinguished! I’ve done important things! Be thankful for my existence!”
If you’re concerned that you’ll never be important enough for a bronzed statue of your head and shoulders to grace someone’s hallowed hallway, worry no more. A Vietnamese company called Michelano 3D is making it possible for anyone to easily create a bust of themselves – through 3D scanning and printing, of course. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the new service will scan and print a 3D portrait of you that’s classier and more classical than a typical 3D printed selfie.
It’s a quick process. Stop by Michelano 3D and you’ll be scanned with white light scanning technology. Within 7 days, you’ll receive your 3D printed portrait, along with the 3D file so that you can print as many copies as you’d like. (Christmas shopping – done!) A basic 95-cm 3D printed portrait in white or black will cost you 800,000 VND (about $32 USD), while additional reprints are 150,000 VND (about $7). Many other options are available, such as a 48-hour express service and a 24-hour super express service, plus you can choose to have your bust painted or printed in copper. Larger sizes are also available for an additional cost.
Michelano 3D is also offering several promotions to celebrate their official opening. Right now a portrait is 10% off for one person, or 15% off for a group of two or more people. Based on photographs, it looks like Michelano 3D does some quality work. Their 3D printed portraits have the metallic sheen and look of grave importance that traditionally constructed busts have, plus fine detail and accuracy. If you were to break into your alma mater and replace the bust of your former headmaster with your own (not that I’m advocating such shenanigans), it might actually take a while before anyone notices your heist. In fact, considering that reprints are so inexpensive, why not place busts of yourself all over town? If you’re sneaky enough, you can have everyone thinking you’re incredibly important without knowing why – and no one will ask why for fear of appearing ignorant.
Dubious sociological experiments aside, if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, why not stop by Michelano 3D and check out their work? There are plenty of companies offering 3D printed selfies, but I haven’t seen too many services specifically dedicated to 3D printed portraiture of this kind yet. If you’re not from the area, you can also contact Michelano 3D through email at dinhthienquoc@gmail.com. Are you interested in having a portrait or bust made? Discuss in the 3D Printed Portraits forum over at 3DPB.com.
