You can't really convert a PNG into an STL. PNGs do not have the 3D information required to make a 3D model. There is a method of converting images into a 3d model, called photoscanning or photogrammetry, but that requires many photos from many different angles. There's probably someone developing an AI to do that, but that'd probably give you a pretty garbage model.
Your best bet is to create a model based on the image or commission one from a 3D artist. For 3D printing a mini, I would recommend checking out Heroforge. In case you haven't heard of it: it lets you make minis for free using a huge library of parts (race, clothing, equipment, accessories, base plate/props, mount, etc). You do have to pay if you want an STL file of a model you made, but if you just want the file it's actually pretty cheap. You can also pay to have them print it for you, including in colour, but as expected that gets more expensive. There are other similar platforms that you can use to make minis, but I can't vouch for them as I haven't used most of them very much. I have played with one called Eldritch Foundry a little bit. Last I checked it was cheaper, but had a much smaller library of parts.
Thanks for the detailed response. Sounds as though a 3D artist would be needed for this particular situation. HeroForge is great, and I’ve used it many times for both colored and uncolored minis. They tend towards a “cartoonish” style/appearance as opposed to being more realistic, however, which is what I’m hoping for here. Again, greatly appreciate your time!
You could try fiverr. I don't know how much (If anything) you are willing to spend but they have a large selection of artists who take on small jobs for a fee. I had a very professional and custom (Obviously) logo designed by one of their freelancers.
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Does anyone have experience creating a STL file for 3D printing based upon a jpg/png file? Would like to make a mini based upon a portrait image.
You can't really convert a PNG into an STL. PNGs do not have the 3D information required to make a 3D model. There is a method of converting images into a 3d model, called photoscanning or photogrammetry, but that requires many photos from many different angles. There's probably someone developing an AI to do that, but that'd probably give you a pretty garbage model.
Your best bet is to create a model based on the image or commission one from a 3D artist. For 3D printing a mini, I would recommend checking out Heroforge. In case you haven't heard of it: it lets you make minis for free using a huge library of parts (race, clothing, equipment, accessories, base plate/props, mount, etc). You do have to pay if you want an STL file of a model you made, but if you just want the file it's actually pretty cheap. You can also pay to have them print it for you, including in colour, but as expected that gets more expensive.
There are other similar platforms that you can use to make minis, but I can't vouch for them as I haven't used most of them very much. I have played with one called Eldritch Foundry a little bit. Last I checked it was cheaper, but had a much smaller library of parts.
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Thanks for the detailed response. Sounds as though a 3D artist would be needed for this particular situation. HeroForge is great, and I’ve used it many times for both colored and uncolored minis. They tend towards a “cartoonish” style/appearance as opposed to being more realistic, however, which is what I’m hoping for here.
Again, greatly appreciate your time!
You could try fiverr. I don't know how much (If anything) you are willing to spend but they have a large selection of artists who take on small jobs for a fee. I had a very professional and custom (Obviously) logo designed by one of their freelancers.