In the UniFormation Maker Stories Challenge, we received an extraordinary submission from Luca Minardi, a creator whose journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and the power of creativity.
Once a photographer whose career was halted by the pandemic, Luca turned loss into opportunity — transforming his passion for miniature painting into a full-fledged business, GrimSouls Studio, powered by twelve UniFormation printers.
His story reminds every maker that even in moments of crisis, there lies the spark of creation.
With courage, love, and the right tools, you can forge your own path — one layer, one print, one dream at a time.
Let’s dive into Luca’s inspiring story!
Luca’s inspiring story:
Several years ago, my life was entirely focused on the world of photography. I was on the verge of realizing the dream of opening my own studio. In parallel, I had started painting small miniatures, not really for myself: it all began for my brother. As he suffers from motor disability, his daily challenge is to find new mental escapes. My goal thus became one: to build a new world for him, a creative refuge, to help him escape his forced daily life.
Armed with cheap brushes, my purpose was to bring some color into his life, transforming CARE into a tangible gesture.
During that time, meeting my current partner provided the decisive push for my future.
Then came COVID-19.
The photography project went up in smoke. Restrictions and quarantine made it impossible to work in the sector. I was overwhelmed not only by the economic crisis but also by a deep psychological difficulty. I felt lost, unable to find my way or decide what to do.
The Turning Point: "Why don't you invest in yourself?"
In the meantime, my painting had improved, and I had received a few sporadic commissions. It was my partner who broke my block with a phrase that proved prophetic: “You are good at what you do, it's your passion, why don't you invest in yourself?”
That question ignited a real spark. I started exploring the world of resin, buying a small printer, the GK2, as a test. I wanted to understand the mechanisms surrounding 3D printing. After gaining full awareness of the process and the potential quality, I made my definitive decision: this, and no longer photography, would become my job. (Thanks my love Ria Marino)
I used all the savings I had put aside, sought financing, and, headfirst, jumped into the world of full-time 3D printing. At that moment, I immediately contacted Uniformation for the supply of the entire laboratory. From there, the collaboration strengthened and continues today. From a temporary fallback, GrimSouls was born, my company, focused on creating high-quality 3D printed figures and offering a professional painting service.
From Difficulties to Shared Dreams and Partnership
3D printing was the technology that transformed an insurmountable obstacle into a launching pad. It allowed me not only to find a new career but also to develop my creative potential to the fullest.
Painting awards followed in various contests and, more significantly, the honor of receiving painting commissions for pieces of the highest prestige and limited edition, such as Roland Teller's statues. This confirmed the quality of our work.
The enthusiasm extended beyond me: my partner herself started painting figures, participating in modeling contests and also winning titles. The most beautiful thing was sharing this growth, especially because she got involved alongside me, even in the most uncertain moments.
Today, my laboratory is the realization of a goal and a dream. It counts twelve Uniformation printers, a dedicated painting area, and a small professional photoset. The collaboration with Uniformation has become a fundamental pillar, a technological partner that has validated the quality and stability of my work.
It is precisely thanks to this journey that I had the fortune of meeting extraordinary people like Mia Huang and Jessica Wang , who from colleagues have become dear friends and are sources of constant inspiration.
The Moral of My Story?
If it hadn't been for the difficulties of the lockdown, I would not have turned a passion into my job, nor would I have had the opportunity to share it with the person I love. Crises test us, but it is precisely in difficulty that we can seize opportunities, transforming obstacles into a canvas for creating our future.
Follow your dreams, FORGE THEM! 3D printing was the tool that allowed my passion not only to survive but to triumph.
Uniformation 3D Printer & Luca Minardi