Across all industries there is a need to specialize to stay a competitive job candidate, and by specializing in a skill high in demand you set yourself up for high success. Digital knitting positions you not just in fashion, but in interior, automotive, architectural, and innovation sectors. The future of design is in cross-collaboration and sustainability, and knitting is a perfect fit to open those doors into other industries. It’s becoming increasingly more valuable to be a designer with both the technical and aesthetic knowledge. I started knit programming in my sophomore year because I knew I needed to start early to build mastery in a skill. At Kent State, I became known as ‘The Knitting Guy’. I was able to set myself apart from others at the school and within the job market. My specialization in knit programming has landed me internships in Denmark, Netherlands and opportunities throughout different regions within the States. I’m currently a Knit Engineer at Variant in Malibu CA working in textile innovation.

Shuntaro Ogawa
Knit Engineer, Variant