Moaiway’s Custom Sculpts for Mythic Legions Action Figure Collectors
*Η συνέντευξη με τον Diego διατηρήθηκε στην αγγλική γλώσσα, όπως δόθηκε από τον ίδιο στo 3DTrek
In the vibrant intersection of digital art, 3D printing, and collectibles stands Diego, known to many as Moaiway.
His spectacular character head sculptures have captivated collectors worldwide, particularly those in the Mythic Legions community. These meticulously crafted digital sculptures, later brought to life through 3D printing, showcase an extraordinary talent for breathing life into fantasy characters.
From Venezuela to Greece: A Creative Journey
Originally from Venezuela, Diego has called Greece home for the past 14 years, having moved here for love. While Venezuela’s tropical climate differs greatly from Greece’s distinct seasons, Diego has embraced his life here, saying, “I understand greek and can read a bit! I really like it here!“
When asked if Greek culture has influenced his creative work, Diego explained,
“I came to Greece for love, actually — I’m married to a Greek woman! But I’ve always been drawn to Greek culture, and I’ve read quite a bit about it over the years. So in a way, I’d say it has definitely inspired me — especially the mythological side.”
This connection to Greek mythology provides an interesting backdrop to his fantasy creations, subtly informing his approach to character design and storytelling through sculpture.
Diego’s professional background includes working as a 3D animator for TV spots and commercials, followed by freelance work in interior design.
Today, he works for an American company that collaborates with both large and small businesses in the USA in the digital sculpting field. This professional work forms the foundation of his expertise, while his personal creative projects under the Moaiway name allow him to explore his artistic vision more freely.
For over 15 years, he has been immersed in the world of toys and collectibles, where his passion truly shines.
Connections in the Greek Art Community
While Diego primarily serves an international collector market through his digital platforms, he also has connections within the Greek creative community.
During our conversation, he mentioned his friendship with Nick Natsios, another talented artist based in Greece who works in the same field of digital sculpting. These professional connections highlight how artists in specialized niches find and support each other across borders, sharing techniques and inspiration while each developing their own unique creative style and audience.
The Art of Character Creation
Diego’s creative process revolves around digital sculpting using ZBrush, creating incredibly detailed character heads that later become physical collectibles through 3D printing.
His portfolio showcases a rich tapestry of mythical beings and warriors from across fantastical realms—fierce zombies and weathered pirates stand alongside noble knights and mystical druids.
His work extends to anthropomorphic creatures where warrior rhinoceroses and battle-ready dogs share shelf space with majestic elves, menacing orcs, and fearsome dragons!
Each piece tells its own story through meticulously crafted details, whether it’s the ancient wisdom carved into a dwarf’s weathered face or the primal fury captured in a demonic visage.
When asked about his creative influences, Diego explains,
“It’s a mix of classic fantasy — think Frazetta, early Warhammer, and Tolkien — filtered through the lens of my own storytelling.
I’m drawn to flawed heroes, haunted faces, and the kind of exaggerated features that suggest a deeper backstory. Sometimes a wrinkle or a scar can say more than words.”
The Mythic Legions Connection
A significant portion of Diego’s audience comes from the *Mythic Legions collector community. For those unfamiliar, Mythic Legions is a line of highly articulated action figures created by Four Horsemen Studios, known for their interchangeable parts that allow collectors to customize and create unique characters.
Diego’s heads fit perfectly into this ecosystem, giving collectors additional options to personalize their figures. “These figures are big, not miniatures, those are collectibles,” Diego explains, distinguishing them from gaming miniatures or pawns.
The relationship between creator and collector community brings Diego particular satisfaction:
“Honestly, the imagination of the community constantly blows me away. I’ll release a head with one concept in mind, and someone turns it into a character I’d never imagined — with custom soft goods, wild paint, new lore. It’s humbling. You think you’re finishing a piece when you release it — but really, you’re just starting the next phase in someone else’s creative journey.”
Digital Creation and Physical Satisfaction
For Diego, both parts of the creative process—digital sculpting and seeing the physical printed result—bring unique satisfaction.
“Digital sculpting is where the soul of the piece takes form — it’s like conjuring something from the void. But holding the final print in your hand? That’s when it becomes real!
When collectors paint it, customize it — that’s the final transformation. I wouldn’t trade any part of that cycle!”
While his work is primarily available as digital files for collectors to print themselves, Diego does print some pieces for his own collection. Among his personal favorites is a work-in-progress Lobo character, as well as a Bertie figure from THREEA in his general collectibles collection.
The Business of Digital Collectibles
Diego sells his digital designs on various platforms like Cults3D where collectors can purchase files for personal 3D printing. His Patreon offers subscribers access to four new head designs monthly, each with different expressions or modifications.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
The collectibles industry faces unique challenges today. Diego notes the impact of US tariffs on China, where most collectibles and toys are manufactured, creating uncertainty in the professional space.
Regarding technological shifts, particularly AI, Diego takes a balanced view:
“Things are moving fast — faster than ever. The accessibility of 3D printing has exploded, and AI is stirring the pot. It’s a double-edged sword: there’s more creative power in more hands, but also more noise.
The challenge now is staying authentic and human in a space that’s increasingly automated. But there’s always going to be value in the human touch — in intentional imperfection.”
Rather than seeing AI as a threat, Diego considers it..
“..more as a tool than a threat — if you wield it with purpose.
AI can help break creative blocks or assist with references and ideation, but the soul of the piece? That still has to come from you.”
Connecting with Moaiway
Despite his growing popularity, Diego maintains a focused approach to social media, choosing quality over quantity. His Instagram showcases his incredible creations and connects him with fans and collectors worldwide.
Diego exemplifies how digital art and traditional collecting have evolved in the 21st century. His work bridges the gap between virtual and physical, creating pieces that begin as digital dreams and end up as treasured physical collectibles in homes around the world.
As he continues to craft his fantastical characters one head at a time, the boundaries of imagination are his only limit!
*The Mythic Legions Market: A Context
It’s worth noting that the market where Moaiway operates has grown significantly in recent years. Mythic Legions started in 2015 via Kickstarter and has evolved into an extensive line with over 276 figures in total. There is an active collector community, the “Mythic Legions Cabal” and many Facebook groups dedicated to collectors.
Official figure prices range from $45 to $170 depending on the type, while in the secondary market, older and rarer editions can fetch much higher prices.
A particularly interesting element is that customized figures often “fetch higher prices than unmodified ones” in the secondary market, highlighting the value of customization and creativity – precisely the area where Moaiway specializes.
Recently, Four Horsemen Studios released an impressive 22-inch dragon named Beyithirr with a base price of $550, which sold approximately 600 units in just two days after its crowdfunding launch, demonstrating collectors’ willingness to invest in premium pieces.
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