When Rahmat Budiman, popularly known as Mate Tampan, took his first photograph of a comic book figurine, he didn’t just capture a nostalgic image—he unlocked a lifelong passion for storytelling. That photo, taken on a whim after evening prayers, marked the beginning of an incredible journey into toy photography. Today, Mate’s creativity extends far beyond the lens. As a digital marketing manager and a father of two, Mate relies on Microsoft Copilot to bring his professional ideas to life while creating magical moments with his daughters.
After using Microsoft Copilot for almost a year, he recently began using Microsoft Copilot Pro, a premium subscription that offers advanced AI capabilities, including 100 boosts to generate high-quality images using AI—perfect for Mate’s work as a toy photographer and digital marketer. It also unlocks Copilot in selected Microsoft 365 apps, such as Word and Excel, enabling Mate to write documents and organize data with greater effectivity. Combined with support for Bahasa Indonesia across the Copilot ecosystem, these features empower Mate to scale his creative and professional processes with ease.
A Creative Vision Brought to Life
In 2012, toy photography was virtually unheard of in Indonesia, but Mate’s curiosity and love for comic book figurines set him apart. “I started by collecting comic book figures and taking pictures for fun,” he recalls. “At first, it was just a hobby, but I got hooked when I saw how lifelike these toys could appear through a camera lens.” That first photo, shot on a prayer mat, led to a series of experiments that eventually grew into ToyGraphyID, a vibrant online community comprising approximately 18,900 toy photography enthusiasts.
As Mate honed his craft, he began integrating AI to push the boundaries of his creativity. Struggling to find the perfect backdrops for shoots, he began using Copilot to visualize imagined worlds. For one photo, a popular comic book character was busking on an English street against a gritty brick wall plastered with posters, all designed with AI. In another, a popular comic book anti-hero descended a futuristic skyscraper with tightly packed windows—a setting he couldn’t find through traditional searches. “Toy photography is about breathing life into static objects,” Mate shares. “AI gives me the tools to make the impossible possible.”
This creative approach also shaped his professional life. Over the years, Mate’s work has evolved into an intersection of storytelling and technology. As a digital marketing manager, Mate often grapples with the challenge of turning abstract ideas into compelling visuals. “The images in my head don’t always exist online,” he explains. “That’s where Copilot comes in—it helps me generate references and mood boards that bring my ideas to life.” Whether creating editorial plans tied to trending themes or handling ad hoc professional needs, Copilot has become an indispensable part of Mate’s toolkit.
Family First, Creativity Always
Mate’s creativity doesn’t stop at work or photography—it thrives in his home life, too. Inspired by his daughters’ love for unicorns, Mate used Copilot to design custom stickers and coloring pages, turning their descriptions into vibrant images. Together, they created whimsical scenes, developing prompts that not only sharpened their logical thinking but also sparked joy and connection.
These projects soon expanded into bedtime storybooks, with Mate crafting tales based on his daughters’ everyday experiences. “One story was about my daughter learning not to feel jealous of other children’s belongings,” Mate said.
Beyond the creative output, these moments became an opportunity to teach his daughters how to express their ideas and see them come to life. “It’s amazing to see how kids embrace technology,” he says. “Copilot helped us turn their imaginations into something tangible.”
Criticism and Inspiration
Mate’s innovative approach hasn’t always been met with enthusiasm. Some members of the toy photography community criticized his use of AI, accusing him of abandoning traditional methods. “There’s a misconception that AI replaces creativity,” he explains. “But for me, it’s a collaborator—it helps extend my ideas and makes them better.”
Despite the criticism, Mate has inspired others to explore AI. His popular comic book character photo, with its AI-generated backdrop, prompted fellow photographers to ask about his techniques. He has also partnered with a children’s toys retail store to conduct workshops for children, teaching them how to integrate AI into toy photography. “Seeing kids light up when they create something new with AI is incredibly rewarding,” Mate shares.
A Copilot for Creativity
For Mate, Microsoft Copilot represents more than just technology—it’s a partner in his creative journey. “You are the pilot, and AI is your copilot,” he says, emphasizing the balance between human ingenuity and technological support. Whether he’s crafting imaginative worlds for his toy photography, solving complex professional challenges, or nurturing his daughters’ creativity, Mate shows how AI can empower us to dream bigger and create boldly.
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Featured image: Doc. Microsoft Indonesia – Mate in action with his toys, set against a backdrop created with Copilot.