Company produces 3D statues of customers
By Jill Alexander
If you’ve ever wanted a miniature 3D replica of yourself, a loved one or even a pet, you’re in luck. Shrunk 3D San Diego, a franchise of the national Shrunk 3D brand, brings this unique service to the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market on Thursdays. Their tagline says it all: “Fully mobile 3D scanning photo booth! Imagine a team arriving at your event to capture unforgettable moments in high-definition 3D.”
Friends and business partners Mary Morin and Jessica Terry launched this venture in July and have been serving the local community since September. Their friendship began a few years ago when they chaperoned their sons’ sixth-grade European trip.
“We were paired as roommates and just clicked,” Morin said. “Afterward, we stayed close, working out together and building a great friendship.”
After retiring from the Navy, Morin teamed up with Terry, who has business experience, to bring Shrunk 3D to Southern California.
“We wanted to start something new and exciting,” Morin said. “Jessica has experience in property rentals, and we both loved the idea of creating memories for people in such a unique way.”
With a 17-foot trailer equipped with LED lights, 95 cameras and four projectors, Shrunk 3D’s setup lets them create high-quality 3D scans at various events including the market.
Once you step inside the trailer, the attention to detail becomes apparent as its advanced tech captures 180 images from every angle, creating a full 3D rendering of the subject. The image is sent off to be refined and enhanced with textures that mimic clothing and other details, followed by a visit to the 3D printer to produce a color statue ranging from 3 to 9 inches tall.
“It’s a cool way to capture a memory of yourself. You get a little statue of yourself, complete with whatever you’re wearing or holding,” Morin said.
They’ve even customized statues for businesses, adding logos or QR codes, and helped one child create a miniature of himself holding a Venmo code for his lemonade stand.
Statues range in size from 3 to 9 inches, with prices between $93 and $306, depending on size and the number of subjects (up to two people plus a small child or pet that is no taller than the tallest person can be added). Each order takes 3-5 weeks to complete due to the detailed design, texturing, and color printing process, which happens in Chicago.
The women enjoy setting up at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market because “The people and management are wonderful, and it’s a great location,” Morin said.
Visit Shrunk 3D San Diego at the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market, held 3:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.