#designyoursummer

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Bart Van Dijck^{guest, BE}
language/ en
price / 220 EUR

topic / ÎNTERZONE (ART + THERAPY + RITUAL)

The course offers you a transformative experience and takes you on a journey to your inner self, where you are invited to step out of your comfort zone, face your demons and tap into your inner strength.

The Înterzone is a space-in-between, in the periphery, and refers to the transitional phase of rites of passage. In the Înterzone we connect with ourselves, the collective and our environment.

We will be mostly working outside, without distractions, in the green zone surrounding the faculty, where we create a ceremonial circle that enables us to relate to our ancestors, the four directions and their symbolism. Through embodied learning we activate our intuition and pay attention to what is really important in our lives. We learn from ourselves, nature, and each other through challenges, conversations, and a silent walk in the woods. During meditative jam sessions we build trancy soundscapes. Using natural materials, we create sculptures and charge them with meaning so they can help us to gain insights. You can recognize elements from shamanism, therapy and folklore. 

The week culminates into a threshold ritual, where we leave the old behind and welcome the new.

The course is open to everybody, no experience is needed. 

Some preparatory work will be required.

Înterzone is guided by Belgian interdisciplinary artist Bart Van Dijck. He teaches at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and is currently working on a PhD research in which he explores the connection between artistic and ritualistic practices. He developed Înterzone in response to a lack of contemporary, meaningful rites of passage in our society.

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Ján Sorokáč
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course is suitable for people who are new to drawing, who have no experience with drawing comics, but would like to get to know this medium.

During the week, you will be introduced to the basic principles of comics, such as the sequencing of boxes on the page, how to work with perspective, text bubbles and the use of text. With the help of specific examples, you'll explore the potential relationships between image and text, as well as look at examples of how lettering and sound effects are used, and the approaches different artists have taken to the shortest form of comics – the strip. You will design your own character and capture his small humorous episodes in a few panels. You won't need any graphics programs or tablets, just a pencil and some markers will do.

The outcome of the course will be a joint collection of works. Participants will also be acquainted with the work of students of the Comics and Illustration for Children Studio at the Sutnar Faculty.

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Václav Šlajch, Dominika Lizoňová
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

The course will introduce its participants into the principles of work of computer game designers, considering the type of game and the selected game genre. The participants will work on practical exercises  which will lead them through the proces of designing layout, characters, costumes and objects in logical order from the initial sketching and brainstorming, through layout illustration and storyboard to the final design. The course is based on hand-drawn sketches and designs without use of computers.

-    basic types of computer games and team brainstorming
-    selection of game genre and appropriate methods of work
-    sketching, layout
-    designing the setting, characters, costumes, objects
-    storyboard to the opening and final animation
-    final designs, promotional artwork, final presentation

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Martin Dokoupil
language/ cs, en
price / 260 EUR

The course will connect two not only historically very different approaches to making a photographic image. The current digital approach will enable us to take a picture, edit it and prepare a digital negative. Then there is the photochemical approach, or cyanotype – one of the first techniques of printing photographs. We will use this contact printing technique to print the resulting image on paper (or other suitable materials like fabric or wood)  in a variety of sizes.

When working on the digital negatives you will deepen your skills  in taking and editing digital photographs. The possibilities of using smartphones as quality cameras can be included in the course as well.

In the process of printing you will learn how to prepare and apply a photosensitive emusion and how to choose the right paper or other suitable material for printing. We will also experiment with photograms and combine the techniques in a creative way. If the weather permits, we will use direct sunlight to print the photographs. In the opposite case we will use an UV lamp. This technique does not require a dark room and chemicals – the photographs are developed and stabilised with pure water. We can also try to tone some of the photos in various ways.

It is advisable to bring your own digital camera and laptop. All the other supplies necessary for printing will be available. The participants will print and take home several photographs in different formats.

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Luděk Míšek
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

The course focuses on modelling a sculptural portrait using a life-size model. Participants will learn how to perceive the sculptural portrait, its shape and the proportions of a clay model. This course is taught individually, it can therefore be attended by complete beginners who are interested in spatial art and who want to explore their possibilities and abilities. It is also suitable for participants who already have experience in portrait modelling and who want to deepen their current sculpting skills.

This course is recommended to those interested in studying at art colleges as part of their preparation for the entrance exams and to expand their portfolio of existing sculptural work.

If they wish so, the participants can buy the final clay model (1 300 CZK including the stand) or rent it to make a cast (a refundable deposit of 1 000 CZK is required).

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Vladimír Merta
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

The course is designed for all participants interested in new possibilities and forms of artistic expression. It is especially suitable for those who wish to prepare for their studies at the New Media Studio of the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art or at other art schools, and for those who wish to broaden their experience in experimental forms of artistic work. The course is particularly suitable for openminded and creative persons. The participants will create an artwork (for example an audio-visual one) in the interior or exterior. They will document their work for the final presentation and create an artist portfolio. The participants will get an idea of what it is like to study at the New Media Studio.

The initial part of the course will offer an introduction to the history of fine arts in the 20th and 21st century with regard to new media (conceptual tendencies, action art, land art, installation, electronic media, environment art, information technologies, performance etc.).

The practical part of the course will include hands-on exercises that will acquaint the participants with the basic principles of creating an artwork:

-    developing a concept based on a given topic
-    choice of a suitable medium
-    project (drawing, text)
-    realization
-    presentation
-    documentation
-    assembly of artist portfolio

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Zdeněk Daněk^{guest, CZ}
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Realistic Landscape Painting

This class is intended for students with previous painting experience who want to improve and expand their painting skills. In the event of bad weather, the lessons will take place in the painting studio at the Sutnar Faculty, and the course content will be adjusted accordingly.

A famous painter once said: He who loves landscape painting doesn't love nature as much as the process of painting itself.

In the landscape painting course, we will be painting the surroundings of the Sutnar Faculty and the Pilsen countryside. We will concentrate on the principles of picture composition and the basic principles of painting. You will learn how to simplify the landscape, how to begin painting from large areas and how to gradually refine the landscape details. You will learn how to use colour to build space and perspective, work with textures and details and use shortcuts. We will place emphasis on understanding the logic of painting, not just the creation of paintings.

Join us and share the joy of creation and exploring the world of landscape painting!

dates / 8 - 12 July, 2024
teacher / Avigail Reiner^{guest, IL}
language/ en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Foreign Typography as means of exploring visual cultures

There seems to be nothing more contrary than Hebrew and Latin letters. They do not sound alike nor are they written in the same way. They ‘belong’ to two different geographical spheres and contrasting cultures. Yet in the past these forms of writing merged different cultures via visual communication based on a cluster of signs – the proto-canaanite alphabet. Most of the alphabets all around the world have evolved from this form of writing, developed two thousand years ago.

The workshop aims to create an intercultural meeting through the shape of the written letter by producing new typographic structures that will include signs which will bridge the gaps between the two kinds of writing.

We will examine the existing tensions between the two ways of writing, for example: while Hebrew typography is written from right to left using dominant horizontal lines, Latin typography is written from left to right and has dominant diagonal lines, etc.

We will experiment how the foreign typographic structures “feel” and not only how they are read.

We will examine typographic forms that are similar to the Hebrew writing but different in essence, such as the Arabic alphabet, which has different shape and character although it was also developed in the Middle East.

We will experiment with creating a new form of typography relevant for today which will give visual space for each of the visual cultures we have examined. The final result of this workshop will be the creation of a new unique Hebrew-Latin form of typography.

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Vojtěch Kočí
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Motion as a Means of the Artist’s Expression

This course is an introduction to the history, theory and practice of hand-drawn animation as a unique means of artistic visual expression. In the workshop we will discuss theoretical principles of animated motion, analyse existing motion images and, of course, create new animations. By following but also breaking the theoretical principles of animation during short exercises, we will try to find the individual artistic style of each participant.

In the second half of the course we will work on individual short projects, such as short animated loops, ultra-short films, motion posters etc. The participants can bring their own thought-through themes or very short storyboards and use the time in the workshop to work on them. If the participants wish so, the last day of the workshop can be dedicated to compositing in After Effects or adding sound to the projects in Adobe Premiere.   

We also will give the participants an opportunity to present their portfolios so that they can get to know each other better (please bring a flash drive with examples of your work).

The course is designed for participants with a basic knowledge of any drawing/animation software (Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, TVPaint, ToonBoom, Krita etc.). We can provide computers with Photoshop and graphic tablets. However, we recommend that you bring your own equipment so that you can work with programmes and systems that you are accustomed to. If you wish to use another animation software than Photoshop, please bring your own computer. 

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Eva Majerová
language/ cs, en
price / 260 EUR

The course will introduce its participants to special bookbinding terminology, materials and tools. According to their individual skills and experience, they will work on basic or experimental types of bookbinding including:

-    flat-back case binding
-    paper decorating
-    preparation of folios and text blocks
-    book cover
-    gluing text blocks into the book cover

Advanced participants will be offered to work under individual supervision on their own project resulting in an author´s book.

The participants will take back home a set of handmade books and notebooks.

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Marie Kohoutová
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This class is designed for artists who already have experience with drawing comics and would like to try and create a complete comic story in the range of 3 to 7 pages.

After concluding the week-long course, each participant will leave with a printed story in the form of a workbook. In addition to the creation of the comic itself and everything that goes along with it (such as panelling, perspective changes, lettering, etc.), participants will also design their own comic book covers.

During the week, students will work independently on their theme using a technique that suits them. This can be pen and ink, pencil drawing, watercolour, crayon or even digital drawing if they choose to work on their own tablet.

In order to complete everything on time, participants will be asked to provide the text (max. 1 A4 in length) or a script in advance, which they subsequently plan to turn into a comic book. You can use your own or other people's short stories or even song lyrics or poems. We will take care of the preparations prior to printing the comic as well as the printing itself on site.

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Martin Schwarz^{host, SK}
language/ sj, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Sketching as the Quickest Way to Capture Real Life and a Tool for Generating Ideas

In this course you will not only learn how to sketch, but you will also expand your way of thinking. The greatest works of art started out as simple sketches. In the most famous galleries around the world, we can admire sketches by world-famous artists such as Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Today, this part of the creative process is basically a category of its own (so-called "urban sketching" or sketchbooks by artists such as Kim Jung Gi or Karl Kopinski). It is also a very important skillset for any part of the visual industry. I believe that also thanks to the influence of artificial intelligence and technological advances, sketching brings us back to human nature and closer to ourselves.

During this course we will explore different techniques and methods of sketching (yes, sketching doesn't have to be solely an intuitive affair). We will explore selected techniques and attempt to sketch in a way that will help you develop a better visual memory, which will later allow you to sketch from memory and bring forth different ideas.

The course also includes the necessary theoretical and historical background to help participants gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of the visual arts and learn to record the world around them with greater confidence.

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Klára Klánová
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course will guide participants through the reality of the video game industry in the Czech Republic and abroad. The main focus will be on practical work in small individual projects, accompanied by lectures on the theory of game production and discussions on topics that are shaping the video game industry.

Each participant will produce several small games during the course of the week while using non-traditional game engines and work on paper. Participants will also learn about the differences between gaming and game development, as well as how game development progresses from the phase of design to the actual game release. They will discover the many different jobs the industry has to offer and gain a better understanding of which is most appealing to them.

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Karel Míšek
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

Topic / Posters for Social and Cultural Events

Both in Europe and around the World, creating posters remains a respected way of artistic expression in the field of graphic design. The course is focused on posters for theatre, film and social events, touching also on books and illustration. The participants can also decide to work on another topic of their choice. The course is suitable for those interested in studying graphic design and developing their creative potential.

The course will take place in a computer lab, but we recommend that the participants bring their own laptops with the graphic software they are accustomed to. The participants can also create their designs with classical visual techniques and then transfer them into an electronic format.

Emphasis will be placed on the essence of the visual message, its form and the heterogenous means of expression for the topics which the participants will choose at the beginning of the course or beforehand. The final posters will be printed in B1 size (100x70 cm) and displayed during a presentation at the end of the workshop. 

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / Barbora Mrázková
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / A Look Beneath the Surface of Photography

During this course we will focus on the medium of photography and its various forms in the context of contemporary art. In particular we will focus on the "algorithmic" nature of contemporary photography, which is mostly created by automated functions and algorithms embedded in our mobile phones and other automated devices used to capture images. We will try to establish our own standpoint with respect to these automatically generated images and deal with our personal subjectivity. The workshop will include lectures and discussions on related topics and daily consultations on the ongoing assignments.

Participants will learn about the term "post-digital photography", deepen their critical thinking about the medium of photography that we use on a daily basis, they will also learn how to interpret selected works of art and to reflect this experience in their own work.

The final output will be a multi-media presentation of the individual project completed during the course.

Bring your own digital camera that you are used to working with. A course requirement are at least basic editing skills in editing programs (e.g. Photoshop). A computer lab will be available, or you can work on your personal laptop.

dates / 15 - 19 July, 2024
teacher / BcA. Daniel Doležal
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / From Idea to Sculpture – designing an original object and bringing it to life using the traditional plaster casting method.

This course will guide participants through the process of creating a sculpture – from the initial idea to plaster cast.

Together we will look under the surface of a traditional technique that has been used by sculptors for centuries. We will analyse the selected topic and compile a design, which we will transform into an actual work of art following a group discussion. We will use the technology of the so-called single use "lost" plaster mould and subsequent plaster casting with modifications to preserve the work of art.

The course is also suitable for students with no previous experience - we will explore and master the technology together.

At the end of the course, each participant will create their own sculptural work to keep as inspiration for their future artwork.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Michal Pustějovský
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

Topic / AI in Creative Design with ml5.js

By bringing the participants to the crossroads of art and technology, this course will provide a unique opportunity to explore how machine learning can change interactive design. The participants will learn to integrate AI models into their web-based projects, creating dynamic and responsive art installations and digital experiences. Basic knowledge of Processing, JavaScript or another similar programming language is required to ensure a smooth learning process. Join us and discover the potential of AI in your creative projects that can range from webcam interactions to gesture-controlled artworks.

The course is suitable for artists, designers and curious programmers who wish to broaden their horizons and their set of tools in the digital age.

Participant requirements:
Basic knowledge of Processing, JavaScript, Python or a similar programming language is required.

Basic knowledge of website development is recommended (HTML/CSS).

A laptop computer with a webcam, an up-to-date web browser and a code editor installed (Sublime, Visual Studio Code).

A passion for learning about the crossroads of art and technology.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Martin Prachař
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course focuses on the drawing of a life-size nude based on a live model, and helps develop shape knowledge, deepen drawing skills, and introduces participants to various drawing techniques. Participants will learn to depict the figure in correct proportions, understand the laws of perspective and the basics of anatomy. In the beginning of the course, they will learn to structure the figure's complex anatomy into geometric shapes. They will then be able to depict a figure in perspective using the sighting technique. A part of the course will also focus on drawing anatomical details, and attention will be paid to the role of light and shadow in drawing figures. Participants will be able to add original expressivity and their signature style to their realistic figure drawing.

Drawing stimulates the ability to visualize and promotes the development of thinking and creativity. Therefore, this course is recommended as part of the preparation for the art college entrance exams.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Marto Kelbl^{guest, CZ}
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

Artist’s book is a unique discipline which allows the author to perfect their artistic skills and express their creativity. The course focuses on illustrated artist’s books, providing the participants with a detailed insight into the creative process. It is ideally suited for more experienced artists who wish to broaden their skills and experiment with various formats to find the optimal visual approach that will turn an original story into a unique work of art. During the course we will explore various painting and drawing techniques that will help you get rid of your fear of blank paper and that can be instrumental in creating an artist’s book. The course’s final product will be a maquette that can be used for personal presentation or submitted for visual art competitions.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Nagisa Yagi^{guest, JP}
jazyk / jp s tlumočením do en
price / 260 EUR

topic / Peel and Strip Prints – New Print Art from Japan

This course introduces a modern printing technique from Japan that uses familiar materials to create beautiful printed art.

Conventional print art requires specialized experience and knowledge, and is usually made by applying pressure to a plate with the help of tools and printing equipment. However, this course uses normal Kraft packaging tape, acrylic paints and acrylic emulsions. Images are created directly on cardboard plates wrapped in tape, and subsequently transferred to paper.

As some acrylic emulsions have a strong adhesive strength, very fine details can be portrayed on the tape. If you keep painting while the emulsion dries, the nuances of your brushstrokes and the overlapping colours will be captured as layers, giving you an opportunity to create a unique piece of print art.

It is an experience that can be easily tried without special knowledge or experience, and will allow you to discover new possibilities in print art.

Nagisa Yagi is a Japanese artist and printmaker who teaches at the Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Daniel Jirkovský^{guest, CZ}
language/ cs, en
price / 260 EUR

topic / IDENTITY

This course is designed for advanced jewellery makers who are familiar with the basic jewellery making techniques and have an elementary insight into the current state of the discipline. 

Identity is understood as the ability of an individual to realize their own distinctiveness, which differentiates them from others, but which also allows them to be aware of their origin and their place in the society. All that can be communicated through a jewel.

How can you use a jewel to find and complete your identity? How can you communicate your identity to the world around you? Can you use your identity for artistic creativity, and if so, how? Can you train your courage to show your identity?

During the five-day course, we will intensively focus on the identity of each participant. Through creative exercises we will deepen our awareness of identity, origin and culture. The learnings from the exercises will be used to create a jewel as a means of communication. An integral part of the workshop is building your self-confidence to wear the jewel, encouraging new discussions in the society. The workshop will also include lectures about current jewellery makers who reflect their identity in their work.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Bedřich Kocman
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course will take participants through the fundamentals of the traditional graphic technique of lithography. In the course of the week students will learn about its origins, evolution and position in relation to other printing technologies. They will learn about the tools, machines and materials used in lithography. They will gain hands-on experience with the processes of preparing the lithographic stone by grinding and graining. Depending on their individual abilities and experience, they can then produce their own artistic motifs on the stone using a technique of their choosing.

Furthermore, the students will learn about the prepress preparation of the motif on stone and the possibilities of reproduction during printing with and without a machine. The aim of the practical execution is, in addition to gaining a basic understanding of the technology of stone printing, to test the expressive possibilities of this traditional graphic discipline in the field of free graphics.

The stone printing department at FDU is unique in terms of its equipment in the entire Central European region.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Andrea Uhliarová
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Realistic abstraction and abstract realism

The course will introduce its participants to the principles of transition from a realistic painting to abstract art. They will learn about the historical milestones of this development, their causes and effects. They will put this knowledge into practice while working on given painting tasks and deepening their sensitivity to colour, working with colour contrasts and colour modelling. They will orient themselves in the space of the image through understanding its constructs and composition schemes.

The main idea we follow is that art is a multi-layered process with stages that can be studied and explained. Each painting task will be continuously consulted, taking into account the individual needs and experience of the participants. The resulting artworks will be mutually compared and discussed. The participants will gain experience with abstracted and abstract work and broaden their awareness of the context of modern painting.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Miroslav Moc^{guest, CZ}
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

Led by an experienced storyboard artist (www.mirekmoc.com), the participants will learn the basics of film and commercial storyboarding by examining existing storyboard sequences and film clips and with practical drawing exercises based on script segments.

The participants will also develop their production drawing skills and the ability to express ideas and moods with fast, clear drawing techniques.

- storyboard principles and terminology including the basic kinds of shots
- practical examples, analysis of film sequences, discussions
- transformation of a written script into a storyboard
- creation of a shot list, chronology of a story, working with the scenes and characters
- creating a ground plan to explain camera locations
- drawing with minimal reference
- various kinds of perspective
- image composition

The participants are encouraged to bring script samples written by themselves (or others) to be used in the course.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Lukáš Kellner
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course is suitable for students who have at least a basic knowledge of how to use a camera/DLSR device and are familiar with video editing programs.

The main focus of this year's course will be the preparation and execution of a live video broadcast. Students will learn about the principles and techniques used in live broadcasting.

Thanks to the available technical facilities, there will be room to learn about the advanced technology of image recording, its subsequent processing and distribution to the internet. There will be the possibility to simulate a full-fledged "live broadcast" as well as specific broadcasts for social networks. Participants will try out a diverse range of skills that are needed for high-quality live broadcasting. The same principles are also applicable to other original video productions. In addition to technical and technological skills and literacy, an integral part of the work will also be preparing the content in terms of concept. The topics and depicted situations during the course will be based on the interests and focus of the attendees.

dates / 22 - 26 July, 2024
teacher / Jan Kokolia
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course will guide its participants through the world of virtual reality. They will learn how to work in a VR environment, exploring the possibilities and boundaries of virtual reality. Throughout the week, they will go through all the production stages from choosing a topic, creating a concept, preparing assets, assembling them into a scene, to voiceover and export.

Projects will focus on constructing a personal metaverse, a virtual portfolio or implementing a personal VR memory palace.

A prerequisite for this course is basic knowledge of working with Blender or other 3D software.