Introduction to TouchDesigner — by Davide Santini
From 12/12/2026 to 13/12/2026
This introductory course on TouchDesigner will guide you step-by-step through the use of this revolutionary node-based visual programming software—now a benchmark tool for digital artists, designers, performers, and creatives of all kinds.
Over two intensive days—Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13—we will explore the fundamentals of TouchDesigner together through theory, practical examples, and live exercises. Conducted in Italian and designed for absolute beginners, the course requires no prior experience; you simply need to download the free version of TouchDesigner from the official website: derivative.ca
The tutor is Davide Santini (Deltacut)—an art developer, educator, and key figure in the European TouchDesigner community—known for an approach that blends technical rigor with artistic sensibility.
Organized in collaboration with Recontemporary, the course offers a comprehensive overview to help you start creating with one of the most powerful tools in the contemporary digital landscape.
Activities
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Day 1 - December, 12 (10 am – 5 pm)
- What is TouchDesigner? Description and real-world project examples.
- Information on downloading, installation, and licensing.
- Introduction to the user interface.
- Operators: nodes, families, and connections.
- Help! Where to find it.
- Getting started with 2D graphics.
- Interactivity (mouse and keyboard).
- Output to screens and projectors.
- Audio: file playback or live input.
- Audio-reactive visuals.
- Additional audio analysis techniques and interactive visuals.
- Sensors and artificial intelligence for real-time interaction. -
Day 2 - December, 13 (10 am – 5 pm)
- Let’s recap what we’ve covered.
- Introduction to 3D: modeling, geometry, rendering, lighting, materials, and textures.
- Instancing: the most important technique.
- Particles and point clouds.
- POPs and the future.
- A few exercises together!
- Your questions.
Infos and costs
December 12–13, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
Maximum 15 participants
Cost for one day: €150
Cost for two days: €250 / Early bird rate if you register by 20/09: 220€
Format: In-person (at Recontemporary)
Level: Beginners
Language: Italian
Book a seat
write us at info@recontemporary.com
Deltacut
An art developer and TouchDesigner expert.
His scientific background and focus on the art world enable an interactive approach to the conception and development of interactive systems and technical infrastructures. An instructor, writer, and manual translator, he collaborates with artists and developers worldwide and is a central figure in the European TouchDesigner scene—the leading software development platform for new media artists.
