Meet Tang Yitao | Model maker & Handmade worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tang Yitao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tang, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In my view, work and life are both distinct and closely interconnected. Work provides me with income and a sense of achievement, making my life more enjoyable. Similarly, inspiration from life also serves as a starting point for my creative work. My job involves creating interesting model and handmade artworks, which I’ve excelled at since childhood. Becoming a model maker has always been my dream, and fortunately, I’ve turned my hobby into part of my work. This is the ideal situation because I’m not just working for income but also to better pursue my dreams. Over time, I’ve become more adept, sharing life anecdotes with colleagues and creative inspirations with family. I believe this positive state can be sustained.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My job involves creating miniature scale models and customizing handmade items according to clients’ needs. For instance, I transform flat jewelry designs into three-dimensional objects for jewelry designers, using my painting techniques to achieve the most realistic and ideal effects. Apart from commercial orders, I also proactively create my own pieces and use them to exchange techniques and experiences with other model makers.
For example, I participated in model competitions in Shanghai, and now I plan to take my models onto the global stage, interacting with enthusiasts from around the world. I plan to attend the Penang Model Contest in Malaysia in June this year and have plans to attend the Moson Model Show in Hungary in the coming years.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Shanghai, a very open city that is bustling, vibrant, and fast-paced. When friends visit Shanghai, I choose to take them to some newer attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland, Haichang Ocean Park, and Shanghai Astronomy Museum. Additionally, I like to proudly introduce them to my studio, showcasing that amidst this fast-paced city, there is also a tranquil side.
Combining this with my work, I also want to take them to museums in the field of science and technology, such as the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Submarine Exhibition Hall. In summary, I am eager to showcase the unique entertainment and diversity of Shanghai to visitors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
During my process of model creation, I participated in several competitions. In two significant competitions, I won gold medals, which had a profound impact on me and gave me the confidence to turn this hobby into part of my work, shaping my current life. These two competitions were the Shanghai New Year Model Exchange Competition and the Shanghai Summer Scale Model Open Competition.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089121887385

Other: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5c56a43f00000000180026b4
https://weibo.com/u/2073490955

Image Credits
https://weibo.com/u/6751521709