Previously limited to industrial laboratories and prototypes, 3D printing technology has become a vector of transformation in interior design and the creative economy. The global growth of this sector reflects the integration of digital solutions into craft processes and conscious consumption. According to a survey conducted by consulting firm Grand View Research, the global 3D printing market is expected to reach US$88.2 billion by 2030, registering an average annual growth rate of 23.5% between 2024 and 2030. In Brazil, the adoption of additive manufacturing is beginning to expand to include creative ateliers and studios, especially in authorial design centers such as Belo Horizonte and São Paulo.
An example of this convergence of innovation and craftsmanship is the Otal studio in Minas Gerais, created by designer Rhodes Madureira in Belo Horizonte. The business proposal was created in a simple way: a social media profile focused on interior design with manual processes in coordination.”Do it yourself“, the popular do-it-yourself content genre, which has become a viral fever on the networks. The author’s look and fun and accessible tone have earned the creator more than 366 thousand followers, forming an engaged community around contemporary design in style handmade. As a result of this connection and the vision achieved by the profile “@OTaldoRhodes”, the brand “Otal” was born, with a brand identity proposition that combines innovation, aesthetics and purpose in the use of 3D printing to create and produce pieces, ensuring the authenticity of the brand.
The pieces developed by Otal, such as lamps, incense burners and decorative sculptures, are printed layer by layer with biodegradable materials and finished by hand. This process, which combines technological precision with artisanal finishing, reduces waste and eliminates the need for high stocks, characteristics appreciated by an audience seeking sustainable and approachable design. According to Madureira, “3D printing allows you to create more consciously, with less environmental impact and greater creative independence, redefining the relationship between designer, producer and consumer.”
The studio’s aesthetic language reflects the versatility of contemporary Brazilian design. Her collections stem from cultural references and sensory experiences. The Holi collection, for example, is inspired by India’s traditional festival of colours, with sheer, vibrant pieces symbolizing joy and renewal. The Candy line offers pastel colors and a playful atmosphere aimed at resting environments and children’s rooms, while the Duas Luas lamp offers hollow textures and light textures that suggest mysterious images. For Madureira, “Ideas come from various everyday inspirations and cultural movements; just like Brazilian design, Otal is diverse, but maintains its own signature that connects all creations.”
The advancement of digital technologies has stimulated new small-scale production models. According to the “3D Printing Market 2025-2033” report, published by IMARC Consulting Group, additive manufacturing is expected to reach US$125.9 billion in 2033, with an average annual growth of 17.9%. This trend indicates that independent studios, especially in Latin America, are gaining more ground by combining original design and technological production. In Brazil, this movement contributes to the decentralization of the sector and the strengthening of the competitiveness of regional creative economies.
Otal is part of this innovation context and has expanded its presence beyond the digital environment. The studio’s creations are available in collaborative stores, such as Endosa, a network that aims to encourage creative entrepreneurship, and at Galeria 385 in Belo Horizonte, which focuses on curating composed pieces. The distribution model favors on-demand production and direct-to-consumer contact, while preparing to integrate niche markets and design retail networks by 2026.
The growth of digital manufacturing and the emergence of initiatives such as Otal highlights the relevant shift in interior design: from an industrial-scale model to a personalized, sustainable and experience-based production system. By combining technology and cultural identity, Brazilian design reaffirms its call for innovation without losing the connection to its artisanal sensibility.
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