Printmaking is the act of making art by printing pictures, usually on paper. It offers a lot of advantages, such as printing many of the same image, which is called a print. The print isn’t a copy but rather, it is an original. It comes from the same source, which is different than drawing or painting. You can use many techniques and materials to start your print. For example, pictures for prints are sometimes cut into metal plates, such as zinc or copper, perfect for etching and engraving. Stone can be used for lithography while wood blocks are used for woodcuts. They can also be published in magazines or books.
Why Consider Education
The university you attend will provide you with the most up-to-date print media equipment, such as cameras, darkrooms, bookbinding studios, printing presses, and more. You’ll also find 3D printers/scanners, CNC routers, laser cutters, and more advanced technologies. Most people don’t have these items at home, but you must learn how to use them and manipulate them to get the desired effect. You’ll learn about all the technologies and methods first, and will then be able to utilize the machines to create things yourself.
You’ll also have faculty available to answer questions and help you along the way. These people should already be accomplished artists or scholars, hoping to expand print notions and get more people interested and involved.
You are likely to find undergraduate and graduate programs, as well.
Coursework
Your courses will depend on your level of experience and the printmaking university you choose. However, you will likely learn about etching, lithography, screen-printing, photomechanical process, and computer-generated imagery, among others. They will have options available for beginners and those in more advanced stages of their education.
A printmaking University is the perfect place to learn everything you need to know about the field. Visit SAIC to find out more today.
