From a pioneering and humble airbrush artist in the auto industry to 3d printing sculptor whose business (Model Art) appeals to hundreds of global orders, Tiago Junior Evangelista's creating journey is a testament to passion and innovation.
Turning Point: A Career Transformed by an Unexpected Request
Tiago took over Model Art in 2014, a company originally founded in 2009.
Initially, Model Art was specializing in life-size sculptures and focusing on fiberglass restoration projects. At that time, Tiago was working in automotive painting and airbrushing until a client brought him some unpainted animal sculptures and asked if he could finish them.
Tiago admitted his lack of experience but did not refuse the request. The client, familiar with Tiago's airbrush work, was confident enough to overlook his inexperience. Little did either of them know that this single request would redefine Tiago's career and open doors to unimaginable opportunities.
Later, Tiago applied his knowledge of fiberglass to his new projects. Though his first creation was far from perfect and did not meet the client’s desired standard; their workshop, located by the highway, garnered significant public attention—from curious passersby, celebrities and companies.
As a result, an increasing number of people began reaching out to Tiago. Today, he not only excels at painting but also specializes in mold replication, with orders pouring in from municipalities, water parks, and various other clients.
Collaboration and Growth: Building Partnerships with Fellow Artists
The unexpected orders fueled the expansion of Tiago’s portfolio. While exploring ways to diversify, he connected with a São Paulo artist through mutual contacts.
“He was teaching at a local company, and I saw his work. I reached out to him, and although he was no longer teaching, he agreed to work in my space since he didn’t have a studio here. That’s how we became friends and partners,” Tiago explained.
They soon joined forces on sculpting projects, pushing their business forward.
“We agreed that I would only charge for the cost of materials and keep the mold to resell it, and he accepted,” Tiago shared.
During this period, the client requested a second giraffe sculpture. The São Paulo artist handled the modeling process by hand using styrofoam and clay, his hands moved meticulously, carving out the intricate details of the giraffe's mane and spots, slowly bringing the vision to life.
Orders surged again, fueled by growing recognition of their work.
The partnership lasted five years. In 2014, Tiago acquired his partner’s share and continued running Model Art on his own.
Embracing New Challenges: Innovating with 3D Printed Sculpture
Despite feeling uncertain about the setup, Tiago didn’t linger in hesitation.
Previously an assistant in their collaborative projects, Tiago embarked on a journey of self-fashioning, honing his artistic identity. Although comparisons arose at first, Tiago believes every artist has their own style.
Tiago also embraced cutting-edge technology, with the hum of Creality 3D printers echoing in his workshop; transforming digital designs into tangible art with remarkable precision. Tiago then brings the molds to life through detailed post-processing, which involves fiberglass application, plastic filler, sanding, painting, and custom varnishes.
"If I make an elephant, I use matte varnish for realism. For cartoon figures, I apply glossy varnish," he explained.
Technology has significantly boosted efficiency. With 10 Creality 3D printers, some sculptures are completed within 15 days. Leveraging this convenience, Tiago expanded his business by collaborating with five freelance modelers, each specializing in different types of modeling. He also introduced a 3D prototyping service, allowing clients to request adjustments during the design phase, streamlining production once it begins.
"When people ask how I learned, I say it was through practice, because that's how you acquire technique. I made many mistakes before reaching a market-standard level," he explained.
Achievement: A Growing Legacy of Creativity and Global Impact
Under Tiago's dedication and leadership, Model Art has created works for events such as the launch of The Avengers, entertainment franchises like Xuxa’s, the São Paulo Auto Show, and companies like Unilever and Nickelodeon. Tiago has also produced several dinosaur statues on display at the Paleontology Museum of Cruzeiro do Oeste.
As Model Art's influence continues to grow, it has produced hundreds of works for domestic clients and even companies in Paraguay. Some of these creations will soon be sent to the renowned Christmas event in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul.
Imagine what you could create with the same tools—how would you bring your ideas to life?
Article quoted from Obemdito