Esa is an Operations Assistant at Yukonstruct and you will see him around in both the Makespace and the Cospace helping out with general Yukonstruct duties! He also makes vinyl collectible characters named Mawa and he sells them online and in person at pop-ups every now and then. Esa also loves snowboarding! We have a really great community of snowboarders in the Yukon that he loves being around. He also does some snowboard coaching which is an absolute blast! He gets very inspired by the hard work and determination of the up-and-coming generation of riders.
Why did you join YuKonstruct?
Once I learned about all the amazing tools and opportunities that Yukonstruct offers, I felt I had to spend more time there. Being in a space that is filled with creative minds and hard workers is really inspiring and motivational. Yukonstruct really does attract some amazing people!
Why should people become YuKonstruct members?
My favorite part about Yukonstruct and the reason I think it’s a great place to be a member is because of its community. Of course, the space is great but it’s really the people that make it what it is. Every day you get the opportunity to talk with brilliant people working on their own unique businesses and projects. It’s incredible!
What has been your favorite project so far?
I made a collection of Mawa as trophies for the athletes where each award had custom packaging with the award title and the name of the recipient. I really enjoyed seeing the faces of the athletes as they received their individualized trophies. They seemed to be well received!
What do you want to build at YuKonstruct?
I have an interest in learning the laser cutter. It’s great for making professional-looking, custom signage for my business.
What advice do you have for other makers in the Yukon?
Follow your gut instincts and make what you want! This way you’ll have a better experience making the art and it’s much more rewarding when you find the people that enjoy your unique taste!
What inspires you to make things?
I think one reason I’m drawn to making things is that I find it to be quite relaxing to get caught up in a great project. Sometimes when I’m working on something I lose track of time and hours have gone by! The process of making something is definitely my favorite part about art but having a finished product at the end is also a very rewarding feeling.
What are you working on now?
Yukonstruct has given members a great opportunity to sell their work at the fireweed market! Right now I’m making some of my collectibles and merch to sell there.
Do you remember the first thing you made that you felt proud of?
Haha, I have a memory from when I was a kid, where I drew a 3-dimensional robot. It was the first time I had drawn something that wasn’t from a front-facing perspective so I remember being extremely proud of it because it looked like it was coming off the paper.
Thanks for sharing these, Esa!