Custom Bobbleheads for Hobbies and Careers: Outfit, Pose and Prop Ideas

Yes, a custom bobblehead can show off a hobby or a job, not just a face. At I am bobblehead, our artists hand-sculpt each polymer clay figure from your photos, so the outfit, pose and small props can match the guitarist, nurse, golfer, chef or gamer you're shopping for. Write your requests in the "Note" box on the product page (or email them), and the figure is made in 7-15 workdays before it ships.

A plain portrait figure is lovely, but a figure that holds a fishing rod or wears scrubs tells a story. This guide covers which hobbies and careers work well, how to describe a pose, which accessories are free, what it costs and how to order.

Can a custom bobblehead show someone's hobby or profession?

Yes, the body, clothing and pose are sculpted to your request, so the figure can wear a uniform, hold a tool or strike a sports pose. Our artists sculpt the hair and facial expression from a clear front photo, then build the body from a full-body photo and your notes. That means you can ask for the work outfit someone wears every day, the jersey from their favorite team, or the pose they make on stage.

The easiest way to get this right is to send a photo of the person actually doing the hobby or wearing the uniform. If you only have a casual face photo, add a reference image of the outfit or pose you want.

Which hobby and career ideas work best?

Ideas with a clear outfit, a recognizable pose or one signature prop turn out best. Here are some that translate well into clay:

Sports and outdoors

• Golfer: mid-swing pose, polo shirt and cap.
• Runner or cyclist: race outfit, a finisher's pose, or a small medal.
• Angler: fishing vest, bucket hat and a rod (a long rod may count as a larger accessory).
• Team fan: a jersey in the team colors with the person's own face. We can't sculpt a real celebrity or pro athlete without their permission, but we can sculpt a similar outfit and pose with your friend's or partner's face.

Music, art and games

• Musician: a performing pose with their instrument. A guitar is a large accessory and costs extra.
• Painter or baker: an apron, a brush or a whisk, and a cheerful expression.
• Gamer or reader: headphones, a controller or a favorite book. Books, glasses and hats are free small accessories.

Careers and uniforms

• Nurse, doctor or vet: scrubs or a white coat and a stethoscope. A vet figure can even hold a pet (a pet counts as one figure in a set).
• Chef: chef's jacket, hat and a favorite utensil.
• Teacher: a book under the arm or a small sign with a message.
• Firefighter, pilot or police officer: the uniform shape and colors from your reference photo.

What should I write in the "Note" box?

Describe the outfit, the pose and any accessory in one or two short sentences, and attach or email a reference picture. Clear notes help the artist get it right the first time. A good note looks like this:

• "Please sculpt him in his golf swing pose, white polo, navy cap, as in photo 2."
• "She's a nurse: blue scrubs and a stethoscope around the neck, smiling."
• "Holding a paperback book and wearing round glasses, like the photo."

Keep each request specific. If you want several props, list them in order of importance so the artist knows what matters most.

Are accessories free or extra?

Small accessories are free, and large ones cost extra. Books, glasses and hats are included at no charge. Bigger items such as chairs, guitars and added pets are charged extra, and vehicles like a car or motorbike also add weight to the package. If you aren't sure which group your prop falls into, email business@youclay.com with a picture before you order.

How much does a hobby or career bobblehead cost?

A single custom figure costs $119-$149 depending on size and whether the head bobbles. Hobby and career figures use the same products as any other order, so you choose by the number of figures. Current prices at I am bobblehead:

Single figures come in 15cm (6 inch), 18cm (7 inch) and 20cm (8 inch) sizes, each with a stationary head or a bobble head. Large accessories are added on top of the product price. Bigger groups, such as a whole band or sports team, are in our Family & Group Bobbleheads collection, up to 10 figures.

What photos do I need?

Send one clear, front-facing photo of each person's face, plus a full-body photo or reference for the outfit and pose. The face photo should be sharp and well lit, without sunglasses or heavy filters, because hair and expression are sculpted from it. For the body, a photo of the person in their uniform or mid-hobby is ideal. You can upload photos on the product page, or email them to business@youclay.com after you check out.

Can I change the pose or outfit after ordering?

Yes, pose changes are free within 48 hours of ordering. After 48 hours, a pose change on a full custom bobblehead costs an additional $15, because the artist has to sculpt a new body. Face photo changes follow the same rule. It's worth double-checking your note before you pay.

How long does it take to arrive?

Production takes 7-15 workdays, and then it ships. Normally the standard shipping time is 10-15 days, express shipping time is 5-7 days. We ship to 40+ countries. If you're buying for a birthday, a promotion, a first day at a new job or a retirement from a long career, count back from the date and leave a little extra time during busy seasons.

Who makes a good recipient?

Anyone whose job or hobby is a big part of who they are. A few gift moments where a themed figure fits well:

• A coworker's promotion, work anniversary or farewell
• A coach or teacher at the end of a season or school year
• A new graduate starting a first job in their field
• A partner who has finally finished a marathon or learned an instrument
• A healthcare worker, as a thank-you

Browse single custom bobbleheads for one person, couple bobbleheads for a duo who share a hobby, or pet bobbleheads if a dog or cat is part of the routine.

FAQ

Can you sculpt a sports team jersey or a company uniform?

Yes. Send a clear picture of the jersey or uniform and describe it in the "Note" box. For a famous athlete's look, we sculpt a similar outfit and pose with your chosen person's face, not the athlete's.

Is a guitar or other instrument included?

Small accessories like books, glasses and hats are free. Large accessories, such as a guitar or a chair, cost extra. Email business@youclay.com with a photo for a quote before ordering.

Can the figure hold my pet?

Yes. Choose the You & Your Pet product ($149-$169), or count the pet as one figure in a larger set.

What if I want to change the pose later?

Pose and photo changes are free within 48 hours of ordering. After that, each change costs an extra $15.

How long until I receive it?

Allow 7-15 workdays for production, then 10-15 days for standard shipping or 5-7 days for express.

Ready to celebrate the thing they love most? Pick a custom bobblehead, upload your photos, and tell us the outfit and pose in your note. More answers are on our FAQ page, or write to business@youclay.com.