Tool of Tools

Workshops by Camilo Sandoval with the intention that we learn to create our own tools, following our own specific needs.

Workshop 5(mini), My own Football Jersey

Duration: two sessions (3 hours each)
Dates: TBA, before the end of the Football World Cup
Location: new exMedia Lab, Peter-Welter Platz 2 - 3rd floor
Materials: t-shirts, textiles, sewing machines

The 2026 football world cup is a cultural and social disaster. USA's Visa restrictions to both fans and participants are discriminative and xenophobic. FIFA’s new rules are clearly based on market, elitism, power and profit. Football has always been from the people and for the people and should remain that way. Let´s reclaim it back!
In this workshop we will customize our own football shirts, following our own principles and values and not give any room for mean actors to hijack our bodies making them publicity banners.

Workshop 4, Pen Plotter with everything but a Pen

Duration: five sessions (4 hours each)
Dates: -First Session: 30.06.2026, 09:30 - 13:00
-Upcoming sessions: we decide them together with the participants
Location: new exMedia Lab, Peter-Welter Platz 2 - 3rd floor
Materials: laptop, mouse, pen plotter, various materials

@antigoon_ large format spray plot

Pen plotters are in vogue. They extend the possibilities of digital image into the analogue world. They are versatile, easy to build and control, and not so expensive to put together. Pen plotters can be used in most situations where there is a cartesian plane. You could use it to draw a series of prints, or to sign letters for you. Put a magnet and move physical chess pieces. Put a needle on it and read/scratch a reccord! Just try stuff. Imagine them as 3D printers but in 2D.

We will learn:

-the principles of using vectorial drawing, and going from .svg files through Vpype optimization and finally G-Code commands as a way to control a pen plotter
-using open source DIY projects to learn how to build your own pen plotter
-hacking and modifying the plotter so it accommodates individual needs
-experiment with all kind of plotter heads, support materials and “drawing” materials
-expand the plotter usage, understanding it as a 2D-time output
-play around with it

@arnaudpfef drawing using a sponge and water ink

@blahblahpaperblah using the plotter to weave around needles

Workshop 3, Fountain of infinite Fonts

Duration: five sessions (4 hours each)
Dates: -First Session: 23.06.2026, 09:30 - 13:00
-Upcoming sessions: we decide them together with the participants
Location: new exMedia Lab, Peter-Welter Platz 2 - 3rd floor
Materials: laptop, mouse, paper, scissors

Vivir Sabroso, Camilo Sandoval - 2021

Do you always use the same boring fonts? Are you not tired to scroll and scroll through an infinite list of fonts to always end up using plain old Helvetica? Why not design your own characters that reflect more accurately your project´s character! In this workshop we will:

-learn the basics about typography
-play a loooooot with paper, scissors and pens to create the must wacky and fun typographies
-learn how to use open source software to digitalize them into usable fonts and export our own .ttf (True Type Font) file
-Your font can be used everywhere from printed media, to your website to your text editor
-learn how to vibe code so we can animate the font into time based media like video or interactive installations

No previous knowledge is requiered.

You will need to install:
-Inkscape https://inkscape.org/
-Processing https://processing.org/
-Font Forge https://fontforge.org/

My first font, Camilo Sandoval - 2025

My first font, Camilo Sandoval - 2025

Workshop 2, Control Freak

Duration: three sessions (4 hours each)
Dates: 23.01.2026, half day - 26.01.2026, full day
Materials: ESP32, cables, buttons, resistors, potentiometers, cases

Controlador Rata Azul, Camilo Sandoval - 2022

Why leave anything to chance if we can control everything?! Computer autonomy? NO thanks. We will control image, sound, VR, 3D, IRL installations, etc. all in real-time! Control, control, ctrl.
We will learn how to build and program our own MIDI/OSC controllers using open source software and hardware.
From selecting a case, through soldering together buttons, knobs and other inputs, to establishing a communication protocol; all the basics of DIY electronics will be covered and each one will go home with a functional device. In the end, it is all just an excuse to build funky, freaky, playful and personalized electronics. :) Let's have fun in building custom made electronics to fit each one's artistic needs.
No previous knowledge is requiered but it helps out if you have already soldered or programmed a bit.

Here some examples of some past controllers:

Controlador Conchita, Camilo Sandoval - 2025

Controlador Pulmoll, Camilo Sandoval - 2022

Controlador Hiroshige, Camilo Sandoval - 2019

Workshop 1, Multi-threaded conversations

Duration: two sessions (4 hours each)
Dates: 19.01.2026, full day
Materials: wool, cardboard and hands

Schedule is as follow:
Monday 19th:
1-We will start at exMedia lab at 10:00am
2-and then do a lunch pause at 1pm.
3-At 2pm we will restart until 5:30pm.

All the materials are provided. We have a lot of yarn of different colors and types, but if you feel like working with a specific one then just bring it.

-Check out this cool guy with his andean sling!
-As it is an extended period of working time, I would recommend to bring something to drink and something to snack and even to share. I will bring some fruit for everybody.
It will be a chill and fun atmosphere! We will craft a looot, watch fun videos and chat and chat.
This is totally the mood ;)

Image taken from „Wie man ein Seil macht“, from Sabine Hoeth – SWR, in the video: Bernhard Muffler

Following the example of the “círculos de palabra” (word circles) we will exchange thoughts and stories that we will weave into an object. Based on several handcraft techniques, we are going to twist, braid, and loom ropes together. Each rope is the materialization of an algorithm and the vessel of a narration. All hands will be working rhythmically in a collective choreography, harmonized to the sound of our words.
This is a hands-on-workshop that emphasizes on group storytelling, as a way to escape individualism.
We will have the common goal of making a “Warak'a” (Andean sling) and a “Chumbe” (belt).
No previous knowledge is needed.

Here some examples of the objects we will do:

Replica of a Warak'a by Rosa García, 2024

Chumbe Camëntsá, author unknown

Here some examples of my recent work:

Mochila Roja, Camilo Sandoval - 2026

Mochila Mazorca, Camilo Sandoval - 2025

Mochila Nido de Serpientes, Camilo Sandoval - 2025