The creative industry is growing in Brazil, responsible for 3.59% of the national GDP in 2023, and one of its main centers is in the state of Rio, which, along with São Paulo, produces about 60% of the country’s creative GDP, according to a 2025 study by Virgin. In this scenario, Rio de Janeiro, which aims to become the innovation capital of Latin America, occupies a prominent position, as it concentrates three out of every four creative professionals working In the economy of Rio de Janeiro. The sector has increasingly used technology in the development of products and services, allowing for efficiency gains, reduced time and costs, and the creation or improvement of business models, among other benefits.
One example of this is the use of 3D pens for fashion models and design pieces, such as various accessories. It is a way to turn ideas into something tangible quickly, simply and cheaply, providing initial testing before large-scale production. Another source is the use of artificial intelligence to find solutions in the fields of design, visual, audio and photography, such as logos and video.
A space called Estampateca gave young people a taste of this synergy between creativity and technology. Three activities were proposed: creating a prototype of a piece of jewelry using a 3D pen, designing a design solution using AI for the challenge presented and creating a print on fabric. In this case, the creation process began on paper using stamps. The image was then digitized and finally transferred to fabric using sublimation technology.
Since the creative economy is also a sector highly focused on entrepreneurship, allowing professionals to work independently and generate additional income, the aim of Estampateca’s activities was to give young people the possibility of initial experience and inspiration for the future.
— Many love this field, but do not know that it can become a profession — says Senac RJ Creative Economy Director, Leana Braga.
As Rio de Janeiro’s creative industry advances and the demand for qualified professionals rises, Senac RJ plans to increase the number of fashion training courses from ten to 15 by the end of 2026.
“The range of courses is wide and covers everything from beginners to advanced levels,” says Lina.
According to the Virjan study, the growth of creative jobs in Rio state between 2022 and 2023 was 6.5%, which is higher than the national average of 6.1%.
Young trainee Victoria Regina, 21, used her trip to the top of Senac Rio to get the experience of handling a 3D pen for the first time. Using the device, I made a hair bow.
-I was making 3D models digitally using an app. It’s a hobby, says the young woman who intends to study accounting. -I believe that working in the design field can be a way to earn additional income. In fact, I’m making a sketch of the shirt. I already have some equipment, but I still need to improve myself. I think it’s interesting not to be tied to one field and have more than one way to make money.