get together:
Art workshops reveal to people the tools of creativity, offering them alternative ways of expression and problem-solving.
Once mastered, these tools can be used to explore and express one's own ideas and feelings, but also applied in various other professional or personal situations in everyday life.
community workshops
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community workshops 〰️
How they work?
Together with Format C, we’ve developed a series of creative workshops that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of any space.
These workshops blend image conceptualization through painting or analogue photography with copywriting, guiding participants to explore the untapped corners of their imagination.
objectives
Developing a 'design-thinking' process for creative problem-solving in practical and theoretical contexts.
Acquiring fundamental concepts and techniques in visual communication.
Enhancing teamwork skills.
Overcoming language barriers in a bilingual environment
structure
After a brief discussion with stakeholders to assess objectives, we define the theme and outline for the workshop. We then guide participants through different brainstorming techniques and image creation methods, ranging from doodles to AI-generated visuals, tailored to their skill levels, needs, and the expected outcome.
Suggested overall timing:
2 weeks
First weekend: 5 hours x 2 days of workshop, including a lunch break
Selection phase: 3 days for reviewing and choosing concepts
Preparation: 1 day for mural setup
Second weekend: 5 hours on the first day of the workshop, with a lunch break
Finalizing: 2-3 days for finishing touches, with optional participation from the group
mural workshop
Weekend 1, Day 1:
imaging
No prior art education is required for this workshop, where participants will explore various brainstorming techniques to unlock their most creative side and learn to communicate effectively through visuals.
This hands-on experience encourages experimentation and conceptualization, helping them discover new, unexplored aspects of their imagination while focusing on expressing ideas through diverse imagery.
Weekend 1, Day 2:
writing
I believe that written messages are a crucial part of visual communication, which is why I incorporate text into all my work.
In the second workshop, we focus on developing writing skills that encourage participants to express their thoughts through words, creating a blend of imagery and text that works together to deliver a more nuanced and impactful message.
Following days:
selection
Our aim is to create a series of at least three concepts by the end of the two-day workshop. From these three, stakeholders will have the opportunity to select their preferred concept and offer brief feedback, ensuring that the focus remains on the participants' vision and ideas. The feedback process will help refine the concepts while maintaining the integrity of the creative direction set by the participants.
Weekend 2, Day 1:
Sketching
On the first day of the second weekend, we begin by sketching the images and start working on the actual mural. Participants will have the freedom to fill in the spaces, using paint, brushes, and rollers without the pressure of staying within strict lines or perfecting every detail. The focus is on enjoying the creative process and having fun with the paint, allowing the mural to take shape naturally and expressively.
Weekend 2, Day 2:
polishing
In the final days of the workshop, I will add the finishing touches and details to complete the mural. While participants may not be directly involved in this process, they will see the piece come together and can offer input if desired.
The focus is on refining the work to create a vibrant, polished final piece that everyone can be proud of.
Exemples
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World refugee day
In June 2024, JBL Romania, Active Random, UNHCR, and Format C came together to create this mural for World Refugee Day, bringing together a group of local and refugee youth to collaborate on this impactful project.
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friends
In collaboration with the Mereu Aproape Foundation and Format C, we brought the voices of marginalized youth to the heart of Bucharest with this 100-square-meter mural in Heavy Yard.
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Together we do better
On the front of the UNHCR Community Center stands a mural created as a result of a workshop with a group of youth from Ukraine and local communities, made possible through the collaboration of Malva, Format C, and DGASB
Suggested overall timing:
8 weeks
Each week, we meet for a few hours to brief the participants, who then spend the week shooting a film based on a given theme. One week, they focused on conceptualizing their ideas through writing, using photography to bring their visions to life.
Analogue photo workshop
Week 1, 3, 5, 7:
imaging
No prior photography education is required for this workshop, where participants will learn to express their thoughts through images, focusing on the concept and idea they want to shoot. The limitations of working with analog photography aid in the conceptualization process, removing the option to shoot randomly and encouraging thoughtful, intentional creativity.
Week 2, 4, 6, 8:
writing
The written message adds context and depth to the image, prompting participants to reflect on and articulate their expectations, thoughts, and emotions about their photo.
The limitation of writing a caption or tweet encourages them to focus on the core idea while crafting a compelling and concise message.
In our workshop with the UiPath Foundation, In our workshop with the UiPath Foundation, we focused on empowering teenagers through storytelling and art. Together, we explored personal narratives and learned how to express them visually, fostering both creativity and confidence. By combining illustration techniques with practical life skills, we emphasized the importance of self-expression and showed how art can transform personal stories into something meaningful and shared. You can find some of these workshop moments and creations on Instagram at @topictureastory.
Curious about a workshop?
The workshops can be adapted to suit both small and large groups, as well as all types of content. If you're curious to learn more, contact us to discuss how we can collaborate.