Meet the DLAB team: Tana Antón García

A short introduction
Tana is an open book. She really likes ducks, she is a yogi, a huge electronic music nerd, always dancing, she’s a science girl and a bit of a history fanatic – 3D printing busts of Augustus for fun and, much like him, bringing peace and vastly gaining popularity at the DLAB, just by being, well: Tana. So without further ado, please meet Cayetana Carlota Antón García, Demonstrator Lab’s workshop and makerspace manager. 

Meet Tana
Hi, I am Cayetana – I like to be called Tana. I was Born in Madrid, raised in the neighbourhood of Austrias, the best place to go for a walk to enjoy the quiet and beauty of the 17th-Century city center. I now live in Amsterdam – 3 years already – and the city has stolen my heart. Living on the Kloveniersburgwal has been a dream and it’s probably no coincidence that it’s also the location of my “stamkroeg” De Engelbewaarder. 

A little bit more about me personally, is that I love design – an appreciation for beauty I inherited from my parents who are art dealers (https://www.montbaron.org/). I think design is the perfect intersection between art and science. I have a passion for Bauhaus and the Memphis design style. The nicest thing in my house? I used to have a zigzag chair but I sold it – now I’m making a new one. 

What is your role in the Demonstrator Lab? 
I am DLAB’s lab manager since mid-November, here to assist anyone who comes in on how to use the machines, what materials to use and to give overall advice on their projects. So technical and creative input – the latter whether it be asked or not. 

What are your ambitions in the role of Lab Manager?
I want to become the go-to person – the face of the lab. I intend to make DLAB an open and safe space to exchange knowledge, be eager to learn, implement workshops and extracurricular activities for people to come and learn. In my own Uni in Madrid, lab managers were often too intimidating to approach when it should be fun to experiment – no one is born knowing how to use tools.

What do you like most about Demonstrator Lab so far?
The people! There’s a real sense of community; people are always willing to help you and share their expertise. For example, I’m not too versed in electronics and then our robotics start-ups are there to offer their advice – some horizontal knowledge exchange happening here! 

You are both part of and shaping “DLAB the movement”. What change would you like to bring? 
I want the same that I want from the makerspace for the whole of DLAB: a welcoming place. I want for people to know you can just appear out of nowhere, ask around a little bit and before you know it you’ll probably end up on a nice adventure – there’s so much potential. So let’s really put DLAB on the map as a place where everyone is welcome. 

What is your favourite DLAB sticker? 
Fail sleep fail reheat. I love the Fatboy Slim reference. I do have a – be it very moderate – coffee dependency. It’s just that one kick in the morning and I’m good to go!

Who is one of your biggest inspirations and why? 
My mother. She always followed her dreams and did what she wanted, never allowing anyone to have a say in what her path should be.

What is your most epic failure ever? 
Nice story: it’s a failed exam. It was my last opportunity to pass a subject related to electrical engineering. My calculator was set to radians instead of degrees (Ed. how you measure angles) so everything I did was wrong. Failing this subject is what prompted me to switch from mechanical engineering to design. Best epic failure up to date. I went to the park, cried cried cried, called my mother and decided to change my studies, and got all honors the next year! 

What compliment do people give you often? 
That I’m so nice (Ed. A big smile appears on Tana’s face). People tend to feel comfortable around me, which is great in my position and being part of this community. 

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The perfect ending to this interview with Tana, because we also think she is so nice. If you, like us, look forward to being in her comforting presence, find her in the lab from Tuesday to Friday, and here on Linkedin.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayetana-antón