3D printing isn’t going anywhere–and neither are selfies. While it might seem like a passing fad, how above this are any of us these days? What happens when we have the absolute need to share and no one else is there to snap a pic of us with our hair blowing in the balmy breeze of the beach, or perched on a cliff somewhere on an adventurous solo rock-climbing expedition?
Okay, we might have to Photoshop in the rocks and the cliff…and the climbing…but you get the idea. So does UK-based retailer and grocer ASDA, as their 3DME selfies begin to catch on in the completely accepted narcissistic culture we’re all preening for these days.
Goodger’s 3D printed selfie
Lauren Goodger was on hand recently at an ASDA store to show us how to get the 3D printed selfie just right. The actress, previously of the British reality show Towie, has been one of the first to try out the 3D selfie booth which is available in their stores, with the location in Watford where Goodger popped in and out after receiving quite the attractive figurine.
As selfies pour into social media, and even the news, we are seeing more of everyone–and mostly celebrities–than we ever imagined possible–and I don’t think we need to name names. While the smartphone selfie rages on, we’ve seen the 3D printed version here and there but it’s always seemed out of our price range–however, now we are seeing affordability looming closer. At ASDA, a 3DME selfie is £49, which is around $77 USD.
What started out as a trial run is getting a lot of attention for ASDA, and grocery shopping and retail customers really seem to get a kick out of the process. It takes about three minutes to perform the scanning process, consisting of 1,000 to 1,500 pictures all stitched together, for the resulting six- or eight-inch figurine. Obviously, Goodger doesn’t have to worry too much about getting it right on the first take–but what about the rest of us?
Lauren Goodger with her 3D printed 3DME figure (photo: @LaurenGoodger, Twitter)
“Everyone loves a selfie and as Lauren found out, the only way is ASDA when it comes to 3D selfies,” said 3DME’s Tommy Hornby. “We think our 3D mini-me maker is going to be a big hit with customers who want to take their selfie obsessions to the next level and go from 2D to 3D!”
The 3D selfie is lacking one thing, and that’s instant self-gratification. You do not just walk in and walk out with your mini-me figurine. Once the scan is complete, it’s uploaded to a 3D printing service like Shapeways, and then shipped to the customer. ASDA originally reported being completely booked at trial runs for the service, which can be not only a little bit of education into new technology for folks otherwise not savvy, but these figurines can also serve as a way to preserve a moment in time, offer a great gift for a friend or loved one, or just work as the perfect novelty item.
Is this something you are interested in trying? Are you a fan of the 2D selfie? Discuss in the ASDA 3DME Selfie Scanning Booth forum thread over at 3DPB.com.
Lauren Goodger at ASDA checking out her selfie files (Photo: Jason Dodd Photography)
