Mert Otsamo had had a great career and lots of exposure before he turned twenty. He worked as a successful fashion designer for 16 years before gaining a formal vocational qualification. He encourages everyone to do things in the order that suits them best.
It was the early 2000s when 14-year-old Mert Otsamo got interested in cosplay. ‘Cosplay’ or ‘costume play’ means dressing up as a fictional character, usually by making the costume yourself. The hobby of dressing up first introduced him to sewing and making clothes. It was a natural extension of the fact that he had always been interested in graphic novels, video games and animation.
– I have always drawn. After I got my first drawing equipment at the age of three, I had to take them with me everywhere I went.
When the first Finnish version of the Project Runway programme, Muodin huipulle, was looking for participants, Mert's friends encouraged him to apply.
– I didn't think I had what it takes, let alone a background in fashion design, but I decided to apply just for fun.
It was good that he did, because 18-year-old Otsamo made his way to the finale and finished third in the competition. It was clear that he had the talent. Otsamo completed his first clothing collection quite quickly after the programme, and people began ordering clothes from him.
–After Muodin huipulle, I moved from Oulu to Helsinki and got a job at Spirit Store. However, they quickly told me that it might be better to focus on designing clothes full-time, Otsamo says and laughs.
Muodin huipulle was a springboard for Otsamo, but success also had to be kept up. He was so successful that he did not feel the need to go to school.
– When I started as an entrepreneur, I only had my comprehensive school certificate. I had studied Lybecker Media Centre for a while to become a better cosplayer, but I hadn't studied costume design.
Otsamo was even a little annoyed at the time by people who said that he was talented but needed to get a formal qualification. He thought that he had done well enough without it. It wasn't until years later that Otsamo felt that the time was right to go back to school.
Even though I have a long career behind me, I am
interested in new things and want to learn something new every day.
– I had matured and calmed down with age, and it seemed that at that moment all the other things in my life were in order. I now had the time to study.
He started his initial vocational studies in textile and fashion at Helsinki Vocational College, Stadin AO. Because of his diverse experience and expertise, Otsamo completed his studies largely through competence demonstrations and exams. He graduated as a bespoke dressmaker in autumn 2025.
– I am grateful that the teachers were very understanding and happy to adapt my study path with my needs. We had respect for each other and were also able to exchange information, he says.
Now that Otsamo holds an upper secondary level qualification, he can continue to university in the future, either in Finland or abroad, if he so wishes.
– I want to keep as many future possibilities available to me as possible. You never know what you will get excited about later.
Otsamo's tip for those wanting to enter the industry is to stay curious and keep learning new things. If something does not work out right away, don’t be discouraged; instead, you must learn from it and do things differently next time.
– I think a wise man knows nothing. This means that even though I have a long career behind me, I am interested in new things and want to learn something new every day.
While to outsiders Otsamo's career may seem like a series of successes, he has faced both ups and downs much like other entrepreneurs.
“The most challenging aspect of my career has been striking a balance between wellbeing and sustainable working practices, and finding my own voice.
Otsamo's role models and inspirations include many 90s designers such as Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler, actress Tilda Swinton and artists Lady Gaga and Grace Jones. He names Irja Harjula, who taught participants how to use Bernina sewing machines in the Muodin huipulle programme, as a mentor.
– Irja is now one of the most important people in my life, not only as a mentor but also as a mother figure and friend. I have learned a lot from Irja in terms of things such as technique.
Feel free to message different people and places, and don't get discouraged even when you face adversity.
Otsamo encourages young people to be brave enough to ask professionals in the field for advice.
–Feel free to message different people and places, and don't get discouraged even when you face adversity. If someone says no, it doesn't mean your career will end there. Someone else may say yes.
Getting a good traineeship can be essential for a student's future. Otsamo is happy to employ trainees, but the selected student must have the necessary basic skills. This will allow the trainee to absorb and benefit from Otsamo's teachings and act as Otsamo's right-hand.
– I had a very skilled trainee from Helsinki Vocational College last October and November. So, I told them that they could also come next year leading up to the president’s Independence Day reception to help out if they wanted to.
The driving force behind Otsamo's career has been a deep desire to create. That is why he urges anyone who dreams of working in fashion to think about why they want to go into the field. You should not become a fashion designer for the sake of fame and financial gain.
– It is a very rewarding but challenging industry. Those who love sewing and concepts and have a passion for creating will do well, he says with a smile.
Mert Otsamo talks about his career path and the importance of his vocational qualification to him.
