Is a 3D render a real figure?

No. A 3D render is a computer image of the digital model. It shows the sculpt and sometimes digital colors, but not a printed or painted figure. You can usually buy the file, or ask a painter to print and paint it.

Not as a figure. A concept is a drawing of how a Pop-style figure could look. Some concept artists take design commissions; ask them. To get a figure, a 3D modeler has to sculpt it first.

How can I tell a painted custom from a render?

Painted customs show real light, a real background, and small brush or texture marks. Renders look perfectly smooth and evenly lit, often on a plain backdrop. The Missing Pop marks each piece so you don't have to guess.

What does "Ask artist" mean?

That piece isn't listed for sale with a price. Message the artist to ask whether they can make one for you or sell the file.

Guide · updated 2026-11-05

Painted Custom vs 3D Render vs Concept

Every piece on The Missing Pop is one of three things: a finished, painted figure; a 3D render of a digital model; or a 2D concept drawing. They look alike in a small photo, but you can only hold one of them. Here's what each label means and what you can buy.

11,708finished customs2,5393D models3,170concepts

The three kinds of piece

Painted custom

A physical figure: printed or sculpted, then hand-painted, usually boxed. This is what you get when you commission a full custom. Credits often name the sculptor, painter and box designer.

Benimaru by @studiomado.co — Benimaru · @studiomado.co

Kikoru Shinomiya by @toxicballi_3d — Kikoru Shinomiya · @toxicballi_3d

Dr. Franken Stein — signed custom box by @thepopforge — Franken Stein · @thepopforge

3D render

A picture of a digital model, not a printed figure. Look for the 3D sculpt tag and "3D model" in the credit. Many are for sale as STL files; others can be printed and painted by a painter.

Zenitsu Agatsuma — render by @funko.meta — Zenitsu Agatsuma · @funko.meta

Acheron by @studiomado.co — Acheron · @studiomado.co

Noko Shikanoko by @ybfan.mx — Noko Shikanoko · @ybfan.mx

Concept

A 2D design of how a Pop-style figure could look. It has a purple Concept ribbon. There is no figure or file to buy; it is a starting point for a sculptor.

Spot — concept by @staffordkrystian — Spot · @staffordkrystian

Other labels you'll see

Full customCraftThe maker sculpts (or buys the model), prints, paints and boxes it.

3D sculptCraftA digital sculpt of the character. Sold as a file or used to print a piece.

PaintCraftPriming, hand-painting and sealing a printed or repainted figure.

BoxCraftA Pop-style window box with the character's art, name and number.

DisplayCraftBases, shelves and diorama scenes.

AI concept · Uses AIFlagThe maker uses AI in their work or images. An AI concept has no physical figure or file. Ask about their process before you buy.

Download listedFileThe 3D file is listed on the artist's own store (Cults3D, ArtStation, Patreon…). See the STL & 3D files hub.

Ask artistAvailabilityNot listed for sale with a price. Message the artist about a commission or the file.

No official Pop yetCharacterFunko hasn't made this character (or this version). Customs are the only way to get one.

Has an official Pop · Official Pop comingCharacterFunko made one, or has announced one. Customs give you other looks.

Before you buy

Ask for a photo of the finished, painted piece if you've only seen a render.
If you buy a file, check its license before selling prints.
A concept artist and a modeler are often different people. To turn a concept into a figure, the modeler may need the concept artist's OK.

Ready to order? Read how to commission a custom Funko Pop.

FAQ

Is a 3D render a real figure?: No. A 3D render is a computer image of the digital model. It shows the sculpt and sometimes digital colors, but not a printed or painted figure. You can usually buy the file, or ask a painter to print and paint it.
Can I buy a concept?: Not as a figure. A concept is a drawing of how a Pop-style figure could look. Some concept artists take design commissions; ask them. To get a figure, a 3D modeler has to sculpt it first.
How can I tell a painted custom from a render?: Painted customs show real light, a real background, and small brush or texture marks. Renders look perfectly smooth and evenly lit, often on a plain backdrop. The Missing Pop marks each piece so you don't have to guess.
What does "Ask artist" mean?: That piece isn't listed for sale with a price. Message the artist to ask whether they can make one for you or sell the file.

The Missing Pop is an independent fan directory. Not affiliated with Funko. "Funko" and "Pop!" are Funko's trademarks; the pieces here are fan-made, Pop-style customs by the credited artists.