Remember this? AI-generated action figures popping up all over LinkedIn like collectibles at a toy store. What started as a playful trend quickly turned into a movement with momentum. One of the original posters who started the frenzy wrote:

 Everyone on our team jumped in with custom action figures—complete with stylized poses, personlized gear, and a few inside jokes. (Spoiler alert: Our designer’s figure features the one plant he hasn’t killed yet. And, of course, Gary the cat—our favorite Zoom guest—makes a cameo). But this wasn’t just for fun—okay, it was mostly for fun—but it also said something about how we show up: creatively, collaboratively, and with just the right amount of weird.

Making the Most of the Moment

Trends move fast and this was no exception. So we knew we needed to be at the leading edge of the wave. So we discussed the strategic motivation behind our next steps. Okay, that’s a lie. We really spent most of the morning playing around with AI making our action figures. And, yes, most of us were highly challenged getting AI to capture the nuances of our individual selves. It’s amazing how you would ask for a change to your outfit (no, I do not dress like a frumpy librarian) and end up with that fixed, but then my dog ended up looking more like a bulldog than a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

In between the laughs and fun, we saw an opportunity. This wasn’t just about having fun. It was a chance to show clients, partners and prospects who we are—and what we’re capable of when strategy and creativity come together.

Why It Worked: What Made the AI Action Figure Trend So Effective?

It checked all the boxes of viral success, while still giving people and brands the room to show personality:

1. Cultural Timing
It landed when AI-generated content was peaking in curiosity—but still fresh enough to surprise and delight. It tapped into both nostalgia (action figures!) and innovation (AI-generated visuals!).

2. Personalization
Everyone got to be the hero of their own story. We all love seeing ourselves reflected in content. This trend quite literally put creators and their teams in the spotlight, with personalized output that felt fun and fresh. You’ll never think of a boring headshot the same again!

3. Brand Humanity
It wasn’t about a product or a sales pitch—it was about showing the humans behind the brand in a fun, creative way. The character of the brand becomes a reflection of the people who bring it to life.

Sold as a Set

One of our favorites creations was created by our fearless leader, Jason, and his wife, Heather, who also happens to be an extremely talented designer on our team. This powerhouse duo makes daily miracles happen at home and at the office.

Trendjacking the Right Way: How to Use Trends Without Losing Your Voice

It’s tempting to hop on every viral train, but not every trend is worth chasing. Here’s how to do it right:

Make Sure It Aligns
Before participating in a trend, ask: Does this reflect something true about our brand? If not, skip it—or adapt it so it does. Targa’s AI figures worked because they echoed our creative energy and team-first culture.

Add Your Own Layer
Don’t just copy/paste the trend—contribute to it. Make it yours. Whether it’s a creative twist, a caption that connects to your values, or a CTA that invites others to participate, your audience will notice the effort.

Think Engagement, Not Exposure
Trends are noisy. To rise above the noise, aim for connection over clicks. When you use a trend to invite your audience into a conversation—“Which one of us would win in a cage match? Wrong answers only.”—you create lasting brand engagement.

Stay on Brand, Even When You’re Off-Beat
Fun doesn’t mean off-message. A playful moment can still reinforce brand traits—approachable, inventive, bold, etc. The best trend-based content still feels unmistakably you.

Trends move fast. So do we.

Talk to Targa about creative that connects—and converts.

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