#designyoursummer

dates / 7 - 11 July 2025
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 / 7 - 11 July 2025
teacher / Adam Kaňovský^guest
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. If interested, you can use your own drawing tablet.

-    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

Adam Kaňovský is a Czech illustrator and concept artist with experience in the book, gaming, and film industries. He studied illustration at the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. His work experience includes visual design and illustrations for film and television projects, including the second season of Carnival Row and the sci-fi series Blade Runner 2099. His work involves creating character, costume, and environment concepts, as well as other visual elements that enhance the overall aesthetic of these productions.

dates / 7–11 July 2025
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 / 7–11 July 2025
teacher / Marto Kelbl^guest
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.

Marto Kelbl is a Czech illustrator and a graduate of the Didactic Illustration studio at the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. She has gained artistic experience in Portugal, the USA, France, and Italy and is now based in Pilsen. Her work focuses primarily on children's and educational illustration, comics, and authorial books. In addition to illustration, she is also involved in education through workshops for children and intensive courses for adults.

dates / 7–11 July 2025
teacher / Viive Noor (guest, Estonia)
language/ en
price / 260 EUR

Topic / Leporello - Little Red Riding Hood

Let’s retell the story of Little Red Riding Hood through pictures.

Led by renowned Estonian illustrator Viive Noor, participants will reinterpret the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood in their own artistic style. Using mixed media, primarily paper collage, they will create the pages of a folding book. To make their books more varied and engaging, they can also incorporate other techniques alongside collage.

Whether they are beginners or experienced artists, participants will enjoy the creative process while discovering or refining their personal artistic style. They will have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and gain insights into the world of illustration.

The story of Little Red Riding Hood allows many interpretations and visual approaches. How will you retell this story without using words? Let’s create a folding book and find out.

Viive Noor is an Estonian illustrator and graphic artist renowned for her enchanting children's book illustrations. Her work often draws inspiration from Estonian folklore, nature, and mythology, giving her illustrations a timeless and poetic quality. Noor has gained recognition both in Estonia and internationally for her ability to create art that captivates audiences of all ages. In addition to her illustration work, she curates exhibitions and actively promotes book art.

dates / 7–11 July 2025
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 the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art is unique in terms of its equipment in the entire Central European region.

dates / 7–11 July 2025
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 / 7–11 July 2025
teacher / Eva Šindelářová
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

The course is designed for all participants interested in exploring new possibilities and forms of artistic expression. It is especially suitable for open-minded and creative individuals who wish to broaden their experience in experimental artistic practices.

Participants will create an artwork (such as an audiovisual piece) in an interior or exterior setting and prepare it for a final presentation simulating a gallery exhibition. Through this course, they will gain insight into what it is like to study at the New Media Studio.

The initial part of the course will introduce the history of fine arts in the 20th and 21st centuries, with a focus on new media, including conceptual tendencies, action art, land art, installation, electronic media, environmental art, information technologies, and performance.

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

• developing a concept based on a given topic
• choosing a suitable medium
• project planning (drawing, text)
• realization
• presentation

dates / 7–11 July 2025
teacher / Ilan Garibi^guest
language/ en
price / 260 EUR

topic / The Art of Paper Folding – origami in design, design with origami

Come and unveil the secrets of origami and its uses in the design world.

Although paper folding is an ancient traditional craft, the modern design world is harnessing its many benefits in industrial, fashion, and interior design. From jewellery to lamps, as well as tiles and tables, the potential is endless!

Origami is a vast field of art and craft based on the simple manipulation (folding) of a flat surface (paper). While the most popular genre of origami is figurative, this course will focus on geometric and abstract forms. Throughout the course, participants will learn the basics and briefly review classic models to establish a common starting point for everyone. The next step will introduce tessellations, a unique genre that focuses on repetitive patterns.

This is your chance to learn how to fold magic out of paper from an origami expert who has been teaching design through origami for the past 15 years!

Ilan Garibi is an Israeli artist and designer specializing in folding techniques. He experiments with unconventional materials like metal, wood, glass, and ceramics, creating art pieces and functional designs such as lamps, vases, and tables. He also designs unique folded jewelry and large-scale geometric installations. He has designed over 200 models, primarily tessellations and modulars, and has published five books on origami. He teaches at the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT).

dates / 14–18 July 2025
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 / 14–18 July 2025
teacher / Michal Poustka
language / cs, en
price / 260 EUR

topic / Space and Form: Art in the XR Environment

This workshop opens the door to the world of XR technologies and their creative potential in artistic practice. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate participants. Participants are required to bring their own mobile phone and laptop.

Participants will explore how to create content for XR environments, focusing on artistic applications. They will be introduced to scanning real objects using mobile devices, modelling and animating in XR headsets and 3D editors, and using created or scanned models and scenes for presentation in AR and VR.

The course focuses on practical and accessible tools that allow for experimentation and the exploration of new forms of visual expression without requiring deep knowledge of programming or game development. This workshop is not about VR game development but about combining traditional and modern artistic techniques. XR technology serves here as an innovative tool for expanding artistic expression.

As a result, the workshop is particularly suited for sculptors, installation artists, scenographers, and artists experimenting with performance and movement. It is designed for students and artists seeking new means of expression and wishing to enrich their work with technological elements.

The course provides a foundation for further development in XR technologies while also offering inspiration for interdisciplinary approaches that push the boundaries of contemporary art.

dates /  14–18 July 2025
teacher / 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 / 21–25 July 2025
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 / 21–25 July 2025
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 (preparation of folios and text blocks, book cover, gluing text blocks into the book cover)
- booklet binding (three types), exposed spine binding, Coptic binding
- paper decorating

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 their handmade books and notebooks.

dates /  21–25 July 2025
teacher / Dawn J Kelso^guest
language / en
price / 260 EUR

topic / From inspiration to final outcome

What does it take to be a fashion designer?
Learn how to work through each stage of the fashion design process; from inspiration through to outcome. Working with an experienced fashion designer, you will explore your own design identity while developing a specialised portfolio that includes research, idea generation, creative styling and 3D experimentation.

By the end of the course, you will illustrate a final fashion line-up, applying the skills acquired throughout the course. This course is designed to empower you with your own unique perspective as a fashion designer and will fill you with the confidence you need to turn your ideas into reality.

Dawn Kelso is a Glasgow based artist with background in fashion design and textiles. She teaches at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art. In her own work she takes inspiration from traditional crafts and folk practices, and uses natural, handmade and found  materials to create pieces on the boundary between design and fine art. She also explores the areas of jewellery making, sculpture, visual art and printed textiles.

dates / 21–25 July 2025
teacher / Adi Karailo^guest 
language/ en
price / 220 EUR

The course will introduce participants to the process of drawing a figure from a live model. They will learn essential measuring techniques to achieve accurate proportions and gain a deeper understanding of figure construction. They will also learn how to use simple shapes as building blocks in establishing the form of the figure.

The course will further focus on working with light and shadow and their role in creating volume and depth. Over the week, participants will practise drawing techniques while depicting the human figure, refining their skills and working with various tools and materials.They will discuss their progress individually with the tutor.

The course is suitable for participants who already have at least a basic understanding of drawing principles. It offers an opportunity to develop both creativity and drawing skills and can serve as part of the preparation for entrance exams to art schools.

Adi Karailo is an artist and teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, where he teaches drawing and painting. He studied painting at the same academy and has been a member of the Association of Artists of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2013. He actively participates in local and international exhibitions and regularly presents his work to a wider audience. He lives and works in Sarajevo.

dates / 21–25 July 2025
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 / 21–25 July 2025
teacher / Libuše Jarcovjáková, Dorota Franková
language/ cs, en
price / 260 EUR

Collaborative photography workshop with world-renowned photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková and Dorota Franková.

This workshop is designed for experienced photographers looking to deepen their expertise in portrait photography and refine their personal artistic approach.

Throughout the course, we will explore not only the creation of traditional portraits but also the layers that lie beneath the surface of the photographed subject. The workshop will focus on authentic, personal photography, portrait photography, and the search for human identity in images.

We will examine the concept of the meta-portrait - a portrait that goes beyond conventional representation and embraces the subject’s complexity. The emphasis will be on discovering and capturing identity, emotions, and narratives often overlooked in traditional portrait photography. Participants will learn how to use digital technologies and creative techniques to produce images that are more than just surface-level depictions of physical appearance.

Together, we will seek new ways to express personality and create portraits that reflect not only external features but also the psychological and symbolic dimensions of the subject. We will draw inspiration from approaches to authenticity and personal storytelling, as well as contemporary conceptual and performative tendencies in photography.

During the workshop, we will:

• Explore the boundaries of portrait photography and its possible transformations
• Work with staging, fiction, and introspection in photography
• Create visual narratives that go beyond traditional concepts of identity
• Develop a personal and distinctive approach to portrait photography

dates / 21–25 July 2025
teacher / Martin Schwarz^guest
language/ sj, en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Sketching, Its Possibilities and Creative Potential

How often have you watched your favourite artists sketch?
Have you ever thought about the potential of points, lines, shapes, textures, and colours?

Drawing is not just a mimetic or reproductive technique that captures what we see. It can be—and truly is—a creative process that helps shape and materialise our ideas and emotions. It serves as a fundamental bridge connecting the world of thoughts and ideas with the tangible, visible world. Through drawing, not only artists but anyone can express their thoughts and concepts.

This course focuses on developing the creative potential of participants. Through creative exercises, they will experiment with various materials and approaches to depicting the world around them. Depending on each participant’s skill level and experience, topics may include portrait drawing, the human figure, studies of other artists' works, landscapes, plants, or animals.

Martin Schwarz is a Slovak artist and educator specialising in illustration, comics, drawing, and printmaking. He also has experience in film production and teaches at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. He is a co-founder of the Pomimo platform for comic culture development and the Panel comic conference.

dates / 21–25 July 2025
teacher / Ondřej Líbal
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

Participants in this course will learn to work with professional audio software and equipment, develop their creativity in sound design, and master techniques for mixing, recording, and mastering. They will explore practical examples of how sound is used and its significance in both commercial and artistic contexts.

Throughout the course, participants will work on various assignments, such as creating an opening jingle for a selected radio show, a commercial sound logo, a short audio report, a sound-based joke, a musical composition, or an audio track for a video of their choice. Collaboration with the Video Production course is also possible.

As a result, participants will create original projects that can be included in their portfolios or applied in practice.

This course is ideal for students of sound production, aspiring and experienced sound designers, creatives, and all sound enthusiasts who want to enhance their skills and explore new possibilities in audio communication.

At least basic knowledge of Adobe Audition is recommended for full participation in the course.

dates / 21–25 July 2025
teacher / Federico Chericoni^guest
language/ en
price / 220 EUR

topic / Fundamentals of Storyboarding

In this class, led by a professional storyboard artist, you will gain a basic understanding of cinematic language to enhance your storytelling skills. You will learn about different types of shots and the key questions to consider when positioning the camera. We will also analyse selected film sequences and explore the differences between storyboarding for live-action and animated films.

The class structure consists of lectures in the morning, followed by practical exercises in the afternoon, during which you will develop your own storyboard under the teacher’s guidance.

lectures:
Overview of camera shots and angles
Basic cinematic rules
Composition and working with light and shadow
The working process: from thumbnails to rough sketches
Storyboarding for live-action and animation
Portfolio tips for entering the industry

Over the course of the week, you will apply your new knowledge and skills by creating a storyboard based on a 30-second to 1-minute sequence, drawing inspiration from a provided script or your own experiences and interests, such as a film sequence or a book.

You can create your storyboard either traditionally or digitally, depending on your equipment and preferences.

Federico Chericoni is an Italian storyboard artist with over 15 years of experience in the animation industry. He has contributed to animated series such as Transformers: Cyberverse (Hasbro) and Wander Over Yonder (Disney), as well as the feature film My Father's Dragon (Netflix/Cartoon Saloon). Since 2019, he has been working at Cartoon Saloon, a studio that has been nominated for an Academy Award five times. He currently works as a senior storyboard artist at the studio. His work is distinguished by dynamic visual storytelling and precise drawing.

dates / 21–25 July 2025
teacher / Lukáš Kellner
language/ cs, en
price / 220 EUR

This course is designed for advanced creators and is not suitable for complete beginners.

The practical part of the course will focus on high-speed cinematography, specifically slow-motion recording using the Phantom 4K camera (1000 fps). Participants will create slow-motion sequences using physical materials and then assemble them into short artistic or music videos. The course will also provide space for refining personal creative techniques when working with individual equipment.

Throughout the course, participants will deepen their knowledge of video production in its full scope. They will learn about different video formats and their applications across various fields, including documentary, music videos, product videos, aftermovies, reports, and event recordings. Additionally, they will gain insight into technical processes ranging from sports and reportage videography to live broadcasting.

Students preparing for entrance exams to art universities will have the opportunity to consult their portfolios and previous works during the course.

To fully participate in the course, participants need to bring their own video recording device (camera, DSLR, or smartphone) that they are comfortable operating. A computer lab equipped with Premiere Pro will be available, and at least a basic knowledge of the programme is required. Participants may also bring their own laptops with their preferred editing software, such as CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, or other editing programmes.