# Printed Fandom Consumers turn to 3D printing for personal pop culture expression. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 11, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/printed-fandom ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Printed Fandom trend? **Printed Fandom:** Maker culture is expanding to digital customization as a way to boost fan appreciation. Customizing merchandise and TV memorabilia with 3D-printing techniques, consumers are using technology as a source for not only convenience, but pop culture involvement, allowing for a more customized form of fandom. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 15, 2013 to Feb 14, 2015 - Published: Dec 11, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Printed Fandom trend ### Customization Craze Maker culture is expanding to digital customization as a way to boost fan appreciation. ### 3D-Printed Art 3D printing technology is changing the art world, allowing for the creation of unique sculptures. ### Pop Culture Artifacts Pop culture continues to influence the art world through the creation of fan art and collectibles. ## What the Printed Fandom trend means for industry ### For Entertainment Business professionals in the entertainment industry can leverage the customization craze to create personalized merchandise for fans. ### For Art Art professionals can explore the possibilities of 3D-printed art and digital customization to create unique pieces and enhance the art-making process. ### For Toy and Collectible Business professionals in the toy and collectible industry can capitalize on the growing demand for pop culture artifacts by creating affordable 3D-printed figurines and sculptures of fan-favorite characters. ## Trend signals for Printed Fandom Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Printed Fandom trend 5 featured examples from Aug 15, 2013 to Feb 14, 2015. - [Pop Culture Buddha Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buddha-figurines): Chris Milnes Turns Superheroes and Villains into 3D-Printed Deities (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: 3D printing industries can take advantage of the increasing demand for 3D-printed figurines by offering custom-made options to appeal to a niche market. - [3D-Printed Character Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ff7-3dprinter-joabaldwin-reddit): Joaquin Baldwin Creates Stunning Replicas (Category: Tech) Implication: Utilizing 3D printing technology to create collectibles and memorabilia like the Final Fantasy VII 3D-printed figurines. - [DIY Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-transformers): Hasbro Adds 3D Printed Transformers to Shapeway's SuperFanArt Category (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Manufacturers can harness cutting-edge technology like 3D printing to provide greater autonomy for the customer in the creative process and offer a more personalized product, maki… - [Pixelated Fantasy Show Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-of-thrones-by-leblox): Game of Thrones by LeBlox Digitize Fan's Favorite Characters (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The 3D printing industry can take advantage of the demand for pixelated figurines and expand its offerings. - [3D Printed Voice Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/obama-speech): This Obama Speech Art Explores Tech Advances (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The art and design industry can leverage 3D printing technology to create unique and customizable sculptures, expanding the boundaries of traditional art forms. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)