Twenty-year-old Katriin Raudsepp is in her third year of her bachelor’s degree at the Estonian Academy of Arts in Tallinn. As part of the Makerspace project, she has explored new technologies, digital tools, and creative methods, thereby expanding not only her design skills but also her personal abilities.

Katriin Raudsepp, what new skills or insights have you gained in the Makerspace – perhaps even beyond the purely technical aspects?

Katriin Raudsepp: I gained experience working with people from different cultures and with different work ethics. While I had done this before, this experience was still exceptional. I also acquired skills in machine embroidery and in using other technical tools.

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

Katriin Raudsepp: For me, that was definitely the machine embroidery part, as I was doing that for the first time. I had already practiced other techniques before.

Did you make any new contacts or connections with other students or universities through the Makerspace?

Katriin Raudsepp: Yes, and I think these contacts will be beneficial for me in the future.

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

Katriin Raudsepp: The biggest challenge was the lack of materials and tools to achieve my desired result. But I managed to find alternatives and figure everything out.

What specific outcome or insight will you take away from working on your avatar or outfit?

Katriin Raudsepp: I think I will use the program in the future for designing clothing in addition to my accessories.

Was there a moment that positively surprised or particularly inspired you?

Katriin Raudsepp: I think the overall feeling of working with so many inspiring people and collaborating on our results was very enriching.

Which technical tools did you work with the most, and what did you learn from using them?

Katriin Raudsepp: I primarily worked with CLO3D, the 3D printer, and the embroidery machine. I learned how versatile and precise digital tools can be used in the design process.

Which result of your work in the Makerspace are you particularly proud of?

Katriin Raudsepp: The machine embroidery part was the most beneficial for me. I was able to implement my ideas directly and try out new things.

How do you plan to continue after the Makerspace?

Katriin Raudsepp: I think I will continue to incorporate the research aspect of this project into my work, as well as the new technical skills I’ve learned.

Are there any ideas or projects that you would like to develop further, whether for the Holo-Show or other areas?

Katriin Raudsepp: I will further develop some leatherwork for my pieces, as well as jewelry. I want to integrate these materials and techniques more strongly into my work in the future.

What was the biggest personal gain from your time in the Makerspace?

Katriin Raudsepp: It was a very educational experience that showed me the possibilities of working with existing materials and finding alternatives for necessary tools. Learning new software programs was also very valuable for me and something I will continue to use in the future.