Life reconstructions are a popular way for natural history museums to inspire and educate the public about the prehistoric world. Palaeontological display models combine the results of scientific research and apply this knowledge to a three-dimensional piece. No single model-making technique is optimal for all palaeontological subjects. We compare here traditional taxidermy techniques, sculpting with polymer clay, and 3D printing with resin or a filament printer to produce animal reconstructions. Using four extinct animals, the Eurasian cave lion (Panthera spelaea), a theropod dinosaur (Carnotaurus sastrei), a lobe-finned fish (Gyroptychius) and a sea scorpion (Eurypterus remipes) as examples, we study the advantages and limitations of each method and document the process of translating the results of palaeontological studies into accurate scientific models.