Matěj Doležel has created merch for the Mark Ther: May exhibition for the Telegraph, namely needles, which you can buy on our eshop. In addition, he participated in the Promotion in the Creative Industries #3 event, and it was on that occasion that this interview with him was conducted.
When did you first encounter screen printing and what attracted you to it?
I first encountered screen printing in high school, where I learned mostly theory and production technology. But what I was looking forward to the whole time was the practice. I got excited about it, and knew at that point that it was a technique I wanted to pursue in my art. I subsequently returned to screen printing as part of one of my practicums in college, and in 2015 I created a t-shirt design for a children's camp. I bought my first screen and went straight to printing a six-color motif. It was totally crazy, no carousel, on my knee. Plus, printing on t-shirts was completely different than printing on paper, I couldn't do it at all. But this was the beginning of my passion.
What are the advantages or disadvantages of screen printing compared to other graphic techniques?
Definitely the clarity and areas of colour. I also like the machines and the speed of printing. Screen printing is worthwhile if you want a lot of pieces. Ironically, I often only print a few pieces, sometimes just one. Sure, there's digital printing, but it can't print the shades and formats that screen does.
Your Test Print Platform workshop is located in Ostrava. Do you have a special clientele here for your orders or do you take orders from the general public and from other cities?
Nowadays I live in Ostrava, that's why I have a studio here. But as far as commissions are concerned, I do them practically for the whole republic and recently also abroad. Of course, I have a few regular clients in Ostrava and the commissions in this city have a direct influence on my surroundings. Which is important for me. But I also work in Prague or Brno. I often do quite specific print jobs that are difficult to do in a traditional shop.
You also edit books, catalogues and magazines. Are you currently working on any interesting projects?
I feel like everything I work on is interesting in its own way. In recent years I have been working with the Ostrava publishing house Bílý Vigvam. We are practically continuously working on new books, mostly fiction and prose by young Czech authors. Apart from this cooperation, I prepare graphics for a motivational mindfulness book or a physical education textbook for kindergarten teachers. More artistically oriented is a forthcoming book about Czech furniture, which we are preparing together with the National Centre of Furniture Design, and books for photographers.
You have also contributed your work to projects such as Kamera Oko Ostrava, Plato Ostrava, FSUP Prostějov and you have also collaborated with HAdivadlo. Are collaborations with these projects or institutions important to you?
Undoubtedly yes. I really appreciate what is happening around me in terms of culture and that I can be part of it. I think art and culture is terribly important to society. That's why I'm also happy for any project I can contribute to.
You're not only into graphic design and screen printing, but also photography. How did you get into this other skill?
I started photography because I didn't know anyone who could do it for me. And since no one in my area took many photos either, others sought me out at the same time. So I gained a lot of knowledge about how to document my work. But the more you know, the more you know you don't know. So lately I'm realizing that if you want something great, you need a pro to do it. When I take pictures of my stuff, I try different ways of composition, which results in a lot of photographic material. I'm getting overwhelmed by it and am no longer able to pick the best possible version. It's quite challenging to keep it all under control.
What social platforms do you mainly use for your promotion or which ones have worked best for you?
No online platform has worked for me, but people have. Real social contact and individual approach. I'm often asked where I get my work. I say she comes to me alone, even though I know it's not quite that literally. The most important thing for me is that the client leaves happy. Sometimes when that doesn't happen, I'm very sorry. That's why I try not to let that happen. People's opinions depend on my continued cooperation. Of course I struggle with social media too, but practically only with Instagram. Somehow it works, and I'm glad that followers have the opportunity to see my work. My numbers aren't high here, but I think it's my little activity. I do design or art that interests me, which unfortunately is not as popular as nudity for example.
Do you have any advice for young graphic designers, photographers and artists who are just starting out in the industry?
I think the most important thing of all is passion. Also the interest and desire to do things properly.
Matěj Doležel is a graphic designer working across typography, photography and screen printing. His clients include cultural institutions, artists, as well as commercial entities. He designs book publications, visual identities and brands. He documents exhibitions, architecture and art. Since 2015, he has been building an independent screen printing studio, Test Print Platform, which produces art exhibition projects and small-format original products in collaboration with artists.
Photo: Matěj Doležel
