Much like how an actor performs in the world of their character, an artist is in charge of creating that world for dreams to live in—Brad Shelton of Thoughtwell Design does this every day for a wide range of clients.
Bringing 3D Models and Digital Renderings to a Reality
Founded in 2017, Thoughtwell Design specializes in creating digital renderings, 3D models, and prototypes for a variety of ideas. Whether it be exterior design, interior design, or physical products, Brad Shelton has an instinctual sense for visualizing a dream and bringing it to reality.
When looking back on how he developed his own creative prowess, Shelton learned the same way any successful artist learns their craft—by doing.
“I think it was just one of those things where your dad takes you out in the backyard and says ‘this how a saw works,’ and don’t cut your finger off!'”
At 15, Shelton’s parents hired him to build a small well for their home garden. It was the first commissioned job that Shelton held, and the initial project also gave Shelton his company’s namesake.
“At a young age, it was a really cool moment to take on responsibility and start to learn something, and it was a cool opportunity to take on a project. My dad believed in me and thought I was ready for it, and I like to instill that same belief in my clients.”
It wasn’t just Shelton’s family who nurtured his natural abilities but also a career in theater arts that helped him hone his talents and really develop his knack for executing designs.
From Backstage to Center Stage
What really stands out about Shelton’s background is how he got started as a designer.
(Shelton’s Design for a Christmas Concert at Rice Eccles Theatre in Salt Lake City, UT)
“My sister was a theater director and always put me in her shows. And growing up, I took a bunch of architecture classes. I also loved construction, so as a mixed student of doing shows and learning architecture, I was able to merge the two worlds, and I eventually found my niche in life.”
At Weber St. University in Ogden, UT, Shelton earned his undergraduate degree in Theater Arts. Then he eventually moved out to California for a master’s degree in the same field at Cal State Fullerton. Although he quickly gained recognition from one of the most imaginative creators in the world.
“When I moved out to California to go to Fullerton, during my third year in the program, I was hired at Disney, and I worked there for five years.”
Upon finishing his graduate degree, Shelton worked full-time at Disney and was teaching a theater tech class part-time at Riverside Community College. He attributes his creative freedom and playfulness to his time spent at Disney, but also as a student of theater, he knows that all good shows must come to an end.
“Disney kept me busy, and I loved working there, but then a job opportunity came up to move back home to St. George, and I took it. My wife is from Utah, I also have two sisters that live here in town, and we wanted to raise our kids near family.”
Luckily, Shelton had a job waiting for him at the Tuacahan Ampitheater when he returned home. He then spent the next six years designing shows, building sets, tearing them down, and starting all over again whenever the seasons brought in new performances.
(Set Design for Tuacahan’s Production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
“I was building sets all summer long, then I was designing concert shows, indoor shows—it was a big outfit. But while I was there, I always wanted to start my own business,” says Shelton.
“I always had these different ideas that I could do more than just theater—I have this ambition to design more than just staged shows. In my mind, I see neighborhoods, structures, inventions, architecture, and I wanted to try and do more with it.”
Shelton’s vision soon manifested when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and sadly, Tuacahan had to close its doors for the unforeseeable future.
“It was a real turning point for my company,” says Shelton, “because I was furloughed from Tuacahan when COVID hit. Theater is still unstable to this day…live entertainment is still struggling, so I had to validate the stability of my career for the sake of my family and myself.”
Shelton began to ask himself: “How can I reinvent myself and pivot into something that can be more stable and more consistent?” Through a period of self-reflection and opportunity, he took his framework and put it into action—the same way he helps build ideas for others at Thoughtwell.
Thoughtwell Interior Design, Exterior Design, and Digital Renderings in Action
Now, all good creations of any kind start with an idea. However, if someone doesn’t necessarily know where to begin, Shelton prides himself on being able to help steer them in the right direction.
(Design for a Patent Pending Medical Device)
“So to start, I meet with a client who has an idea. I help them develop that through drawings, digital renderings, and 3D models, and then they take those mock-ups to secure funding or to move forward to the next step in the process. I like to think of myself as the person who can help them realize the vision that they already have.”
Shelton explains that “visualization is a gap” for many people.
“You have something you want, and then you have to convey that idea to someone, but there’s this gap that exists between the client and the architecture, or the builder. Basically, you need someone who can get everyone on the same page. I can close that gap through the communication process, through software, and as soon as they have a physical model in front of them, everyone can agree or disagree. Visualization is the greatest tool.”
Even if a person comes to Shelton with a pencil sketch on a napkin, at least that’s something he can start with. And then, over time, he can recreate that into a model or draft a digital rendering for it so they can see how feasible the idea is.
“I don’t know if there’s a specific style to my work that can be pinpointed, but I’m trying to be as modern/contemporary as possible. I like things to look new, fresh, and up-to-date—things that feel timeless.”
And now, being a part of the Atwood Innovation Plaza at Dixie State University, Shelton wants to make an impact that’s long-lasting.
Connect with Thoughtwell Design and Atwood Innovation Plaza
(Design for Dixie State University, College of Business Classroom Remodel)
Now under the wing of the Atwood Innovation Plaza at Dixie State University in St. George, UT, Shelton is proud of the work he’s doing with the community.
“You know, the theater is so fleeting. A stage design will disappear as soon as the show is over. But I’ve been able to do a few renovations on campus that will be around for a long time.”
One of these projects was the actual renovation of the Atwood Innovation Plaza.
Kyle Wells, the Dean of The College of Bussiness at DSU, hired Shelton to come in and design plans for the building (which was an old elementary school) into a new co-working/learning space.
“They wanted to tear it down, and he needed a guy to put drawings together, so I came in and did a full CAD (digital blueprint) drawing that you could do a walk-through with and see it. We went through it space by space, discussing what it could be, and over time, it evolved into an incubator space for startup companies. I did all of the drawings, and he shared those drawings with investors, and those drawings are what secured the funds to make it happen.”
To learn more about Shelton’s work or to reach out to him with an idea, visit THOUGHTWELLDESIGN. The Atwood Innovation Plaza, located at Dixie State University in Southern Utah, exists to support entrepreneurs. It also boasts numerous resources and personnel that a student or community member may need to launch or grow their business. To learn more, please visit innovation.dixie.edu.