Sometimes it’s the moments of wonder that shape us the most—the first time an idea suddenly takes shape, when technology becomes art, or when people from different countries come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

For Oliwia Ruczyńska, a 22-year-old second-semester master’s student at the Łódź University of Technology, the makerspace was just such a place: a laboratory of possibilities where visions are born from fabric, light, and code. Between 3D printers, digital avatars, and the smell of freshly cut laser materials, she discovered not only new tools but also new ways of understanding herself as a designer—more precise, bolder, and more open to the unexpected.

Oliwia, what new skills or insights did you gain in the makerspace—perhaps beyond the purely technical aspects?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: I learned an incredible amount about digital tools, especially CLO3D. I gained a deeper understanding of how to make my virtual designs more realistic and sophisticated. I also learned how to animate efficiently and prepare files for rendering. These digital workshops truly inspired me to delve deeper into digital fashion.

Was there a particular moment when you thought, “This is an aha moment” or “This is a truly innovative approach”?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: Definitely! The most impressive thing for me was 3D printing on textiles. I was surprised by how easy it was to implement—and how many creative possibilities it offers. You can print 3D designs directly onto fabric, which not only changes the appearance but also the physical properties of the material, such as its stiffness. That was a real aha moment for me.

Question: Did you make new connections with other students or universities through the makerspace?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: Yes, and that was one of the best aspects of this experience! I met many incredibly creative people. It was inspiring to learn more about their cultures, their ideas, and their design experiences. Each project was so unique, so personal. I really hope we stay in touch—perhaps one day we’ll collaborate on a new project.

What was the biggest personal challenge for you while working in the makerspace—and how did you overcome it?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: The biggest challenge was definitely rendering my animation. It required so much patience and fine-tuning—and I had to learn a lot I didn’t know before. Luckily, we had great support: the person who helped us was incredibly knowledgeable and explained every step clearly.

What concrete result or insight have you taken away from working on your avatar or outfit?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: I realized that fashion requires one thing above all: patience and dedication. If you want to create something extraordinary, you have to invest time, energy, and passion.

Was there a moment that particularly surprised or inspired you?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: The day everyone presented their design ideas was particularly inspiring for me. It was so enriching to see how differently people think and how they interpret the world through fashion. Everyone presented their own story – and together, it created an incredibly diverse, creative overall picture.

Which technical tools did you work with most – and what did you learn from them?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: I worked a lot in Blender to model my shoes and a crown, which I later used in my CLO file. I was also able to 3D print them using the same files. For my corset, I cut out small mirrors with a laser cutter and then sewed them on by hand. This mix of digital processes and handcraft was incredibly exciting for me – it combines the future with tradition.

Which result of your work in the makerspace are you most proud of?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: I’m most proud of my CLO renderings – that was new territory for me. But also of the 3D-printed crown and corset I worked on. I wasn’t able to finish it completely in the makerspace, but the result shows how far I’ve come in such a short time.

How do you personally want to continue after the makerspace?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: I want to learn a lot more about CLO3D – it has opened up completely new creative possibilities for me. I’m even planning to use this program for my diploma project.

Are there any ideas or projects you’d like to develop further – be it for the Holo show or other areas?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: Yes, I’m still working on the shoes I designed for this project. It’s not easy, especially because I had no experience in shoe design—but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. I want to explore how far I can take this concept.

What was your greatest personal gain from your time in the makerspace?

Oliwia Ruczyńska: This time was a great gift for me. I met fantastic people—students, professors, experts from so many different fields. It was a great opportunity to learn from them and see how passionate they are about their work. The makerspace showed me that innovation always begins where people share their knowledge.