# Laura Kampf

> Laura Kampf is a German maker, craftsperson, and YouTube creator known for transforming raw materials - wood, metal, reclaimed objects - into functional art and furniture. Based in Los Angeles since 2024, she has built a global following of 845,000+ subscribers with weekly builds that blend engineering precision with an upcycler's sensibility. Her workshop motto, 'Every defect gets respect,' doubles as a life philosophy.

- **Role:** Independent YouTube Creator & Maker
- **Organizations:** YouTube, Die Sendung mit der Maus, KiKa
- **From:** Wiehl, Germany
- **Nationality:** German
- **Education:** Bachelor's in Communication Design, Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences (FH Düsseldorf), Apprenticeship as Media Designer (Mediengestalter Bild und Ton), Vocational Training
- **Known for:** Goldene Kamera Digital Award - Best of Education & Coaching (2020), Webby Award - People's Voice, Events & Live Streams Branded (2021) for 'Fire Up 2021', Featured in Popular Mechanics as 'rising star among DIYers on YouTube' (2016)

## Career timeline

- **1983** — Born in Wiehl, Germany
- **2006-2012** — Studied Communication Design at FH Düsseldorf; built first machine (tattoo machine) during college
- **2010** — Moved out of parents' home; established base in Cologne
- **2012-2015** — Worked as camera assistant for three years; grew dissatisfied with desk work
- **2015** — Started YouTube channel with first video featuring a walnut wood lamp
- **2016** — YouTube became full-time job; featured in Popular Mechanics as 'rising star among DIYers'
- **2017** — Co-hosted 'Schrott or Not' on KiKa (German children's TV); living in caravan parked at workshop
- **2018** — Began hosting 'Lauras Machgeschichten' segment on Die Sendung mit der Maus
- **2019** — Beer keg bicycle sidecar video goes viral with millions of views
- **2020** — Won Goldene Kamera Digital Award - Best of Education & Coaching
- **2021** — Won Webby Award (People's Voice) for 'Fire Up 2021' project
- **2024** — Married Corinne Brinkerhoff; relocated to Los Angeles; documented road trip from Cologne to LA
- **2025** — Launched 'Janitor of LA' series; began $1 camper-to-ADU transformation project
- **2026** — Continued weekly builds from LA workshop; 845,000+ subscribers, 108M+ total views

## Achievements

- Goldene Kamera Digital Award - Best of Education & Coaching (2020)
- Webby Award - People's Voice, Events & Live Streams Branded (2021) for 'Fire Up 2021'
- Featured in Popular Mechanics as 'rising star among DIYers on YouTube' (2016)
- 845,000+ YouTube subscribers with 108+ million total views
- Regular host on Die Sendung mit der Maus (iconic German children's TV show) since 2018
- Co-hosted 'Schrott or Not' on KiKa (2017)
- Maintained weekly YouTube upload schedule since 2015
- Viral beer keg bicycle sidecar video (millions of views, 2019)

## Latest updates

- **2026-01** — Posted video about $1 camper purchase and initial problems discovered; ongoing ADU transformation project
- **2025-12** — Continued 'Janitor of LA' series featuring urban trash upcycling in Los Angeles
- **2025** — Collaborated with Simone Giertz on overengineered doorbell project
- **2025** — Established new workshop and shop space in Los Angeles

## Links

- Website: https://laurakampf.shop/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/laura_kampf
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurakampf
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_kampf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraKampfOfficial/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/laura-kampf
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-19