pcb design for artists

from €95.00
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How can artists use the language of circuitry to explore the hidden connections in their own creative process?

• 2. - 3. November 2024
• Sat. - Sun., 11-3PM CET
• IRL! at School of Machines in Berlin, Mitte
• Small class of participants
Sign-ups end one week before class begins

Artist / Student (Full Time)
€95*

Freelancer
€115*

Professional
€135*

Generous Supporter Ticket
€155*


course
description

Printed Circuit Boards are modern sorcery: the amount of technology packed in their tiny footprint is bewildering, and incomprehensible to most of us. When we open up an old computer, we look with awe and wonder at the maze of copper traces and cryptic markings laid on its motherboard. Printed Circuit Boards are fascinating!

Can we as artists tap into wonder evoked by these mysterious high-tech objects?

In this course, we will misuse PCBs. We will look away from their functional, electronic purpose, and instead use the medium for artistic expression.

We will learn EDA software required to design PCBs, export production files, and learn how to place orders from JLCPCB.com. We will combine this with other graphics software (Illustrator, Procreate, etc) and see how PCB design is indeed quite accessible to visual artists, illustrators and graphic designers. More interestingly, we will discuss the aura around PCBs, look at the graphical elements that characterize them, and design our own artistic PCBs.

By the end of this course you will have learned the technical skills required to design and manufacture your own PCBs, and will have been exposed to references and rich conversations enabling you to elevate your designs.

Important: Electronics knowledge is not required to design "artistic PCBs", and this course will not cover any electronics topics. 

In this course, you will experiment with…

  • - learning design automation software to design your own unique PCB

  • - constraints and ordering process of PCBs

  • - Basics of graphic design tools (as necessary)


course
outline

Day 1: Introductions

In this first class, we will all introduce ourselves, and share motivations and expectations for the class. We’ll discuss PCBs, what they evoke in us, take a closer look at references and do some playful group exercises around the defining elements that make up PCBs.


Participants will be introduced to EDA Software and we will cover topics including copper traces, silk screen mask, board outlines, mounting holes and previewing a board.

Day 2: Manufacturing

On this second day, we’ll walk through placing an order on JLPCPB.com. We’ll go over design and manufacturing constraints and where to find information to ensure a smooth order.

We’ll continue our exploration of the EDA Software with an introduction to PCB manufacturing process (photolithography)and cover topics including: everything is a layer, importing vector graphics from external design software, importing images and working with text.

Additionally, you will create your own PCB, sharing your design and process with each other. Optionally, for those interested in this final step, you will work through placing your first order to manufacture your own PCB design.


who is this
class for?

This course is for artists, illustrators,-graphic designers, objects designers, architects and anyone curious about exploring the possibilities of the PCB as an artistic medium. No prior PCB experience is necessary.


meet the
instructor

Samuel Mann
Artist, Creative Technologist

Samuel Mann is an artist and creative technologist based in Berlin. He’s been working with electronics, programming and fabrication for the past 7 years and has a particular interest in interactive installations in which the viewer is invited to explore, touch and play with the artworks.

As his projects became more complex, he had the need to build custom PCBs; and what at first seemed like an obscure, intimidating task, turned out to be very fulfilling and inspiring opportunity. He’s been playing with PCBs ever since! Sam loves to share his knowledge and can't wait to see what you build with it!