INTRODUCTION
TO
TOUCHDESIGNER
Where education meets art
Presentation
In this introductory course on TouchDesigner, a powerful visual programming environment, students will dive into the fundamentals of a key tool for crafting immersive audiovisual experiences. Through practical lessons, participants will learn the basics of TouchDesigner’s workflow, exploring essential concepts and its diverse applications in the creative field. The course focuses on providing an overview of the software’s vast potential, with a specific emphasis on real-time integration of sound and visuals. By the end of the course, students will have a solid introduction to this exciting platform, ready to begin developing interactive projects that blend programming with visual art.
workshop
TouchDesigner
seats
6 - 10
frequency
In presence
duration
1 week
start
June to October
Goal
TouchDesigner is a versatile software for creating interactive audiovisual experiences. To master it, it is essential to understand its main tools and the basics of visual programming. Here are the key points to get started:
- Understand TouchDesigner: Learn the interface and main features.
- Visual Programming Basics: Use nodes and operators for workflows.
- Create Audiovisual Projects: Develop interactive visuals with sound.
- Sync Audio & Visuals: Ensure smooth interactivity.
- Real-World Applications: Explore uses in performances and installations.
- Independent Exploration: Gain confidence for personal projects.
Tools and laboratories
A personal laptop with a scroll wheel mouse is required.
System requirements:
- GPU: Minimum 4GB memory, up-to-date Nvidia/AMD/Intel drivers, Vulkan 1.1 support.
- Nvidia: GeForce 800+ o Quadro K+, driver 472.47+.
- AMD: HD 7000+ o W/V Series.
- Intel: GPU 500+ (not 5000/6000), limited performance.
- Apple: MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Mac Mini 2015+ with macOS 12+ (issues on Mac 2013 and earlier).
Programme of study
In this introductory course on TouchDesigner, a powerful visual programming environment, students will dive into the fundamentals of a key tool for crafting immersive audiovisual experiences. Through practical lessons, participants will learn the basics of TouchDesigner’s workflow, exploring essential concepts and its diverse applications in the creative field.
The course focuses on providing an overview of the software’s vast potential, with a specific emphasis on real-time integration of sound and visuals. By the end of the course, students will have a solid introduction to this exciting platform, ready to begin developing interactive projects that blend programming with visual art.
DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO TOUCHDESIGNER
Explore the interface and main components.
Learn the basics of visual programming.
Create a simple project using static images.
DAY 2: TOUCHDESIGNER OPERATORS
Deep dive into TOP, CHOP, and SOP operators.
Manipulate images and videos with TOP operators.
Use CHOP operators for animations and parameter control.
DAY 3: INTERACTIVITY INTEGRATION
Synchronize audio and video in real time.
Introduce interactivity with external inputs (mouse, keyboard).
Build an interactive audiovisual scene.
DAY 4: CREATING VISUAL EFFECTS
Apply filters and special effects.
Work with visual feedback and dynamic animations.
Implement effects in a practical composition.
DAY 5: PYTHON PROGRAMMING IN TOUCHDESIGNER
Learn basic scripting concepts in Python.
Develop custom functions for interaction.
Practice implementing code in a project.
DAY 6: FINAL PROJECT-AUDIOVISUAL INSTALLATION
Final Project – Audiovisual Installation
Plan and develop a project integrating all skills.
Work individually or in groups on an audiovisual installation.
Present the project and receive peer feedback.
6 DAYS OF NATURE AND CREATIVITY – SICILIAN ISLANDS
6 days connected with nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear seas, immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the Sicilian islands.
LANGUAGE
English and Italian
CREATIVE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
20 hours of artistic and educational workshops, structured as:
• 4 hours per day for 5 consecutive days
A unique experience that combines hands-on learning, creativity, and moments of sensory immersion in extraordinary natural settings.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
• Educate through real and inspiring experiences
• Surprise and engage the mind and senses
• Evoke emotions and stimulate imagination
• Provide a practical introduction to TouchDesigner
• Guide participants in creating a personal project
The course will be tailored according to the participants’ skill levels.
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
• Accommodation in B&B style (with kitchen access) for 6 nights (Arrival Monday – Departure Sunday morning)
• Breakfast
• 5 days of workshops – 4/5 hours per day – 20/25 hours total
• 3 boat excursions
• Transfers to/from airport and port
Option 1: Aeolian Islands – Stay in Lipari; excursions to the islands
Option 2: Egadi Islands – Stay in Favignana; excursions to the islands
EXTRA (not included)
• Additional excursions or transfers upon request
• Escursioni extra su richiesta
• Lunch and dinner
FINAL NOTES
An opportunity to combine travel, learning, and inspiration in a captivating setting where creativity meets nature
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Departure: June to October
Duration: 1 Week
From Monday to Saturday – Departure on Sunday
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
• Total training hours: 20 hours
• Number of lessons: 5
• Duration of each lesson: 4 hours
• Lesson schedule: to be determined
Favignana
Favignana is an Italian island that is part of the Egadi archipelago, in Sicily.
Located within the Protected Marine Reserve, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
Surrounded by pines, olive trees, and Mediterranean plants, the accommodations are built with the island’s traditional tuff stone and designed to reflect its natural beauty.
Each lodging features inviting outdoor spaces that create a relaxing and authentic atmosphere — the ideal place to enjoy the charm of Favignana.
Lipari
Lipari is an Italian island that is part of the Aeolian archipelago, in Sicily.
The selected properties offer air-conditioned accommodations equipped with every comfort, featuring private gardens or balconies overlooking the sea, or surrounded by the stunning nature that characterizes the island.
All the lodgings are located in privileged positions on the enchanting island of Lipari, the ideal starting point to explore the wonderful Aeolian Islands.
BIO OF: Michael Barteloni
Trained in Graphic Design at ABA in Bologna in 2016, he expanded his studies at the Milan Conservatory, specializing in Electronic Music & New Media in 2018. Inspired by the industrial-glitch movement and the sounds of labels such as Warp Music, Raster-Noton, and AD 93, he co-founded an audiovisual duo.
AV EXPERIENCES
He has collaborated with various creative and cultural organizations, exhibiting or performing at international events and venues such as:
• Air Max Day – Milan, IT
• Hoka – Milan, IT
• Kia – Opposites United – Milan, IT & Seoul, KR
• Swiss Institute – Milan, IT
• Zone Digitali – Bergamo, IT
• Wesa – Seoul, KR
• NeoShibuyaTV – Tokyo, JP
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY
Since October 2021, he has been working as an interactive designer and photography post-production professional at Circular Agency.
Experience
Concact us
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into our world of creativity, learning, and nature with our creative holidays in Sicily, on the Aeolian or Egadi Islands.
DISCOVER THE OTHER WORKSHOPS
A Papier-Mâché and Dance Workshop
ART EXPLORATIONS OF VIDEOMAPPING
BLUE MIND, Between land & sea
