How to Learn Printmaking

Printmaking is a very wide medium in art, and can be learned almost anywhere in an art school or from an artist. You can learn many different forms of printmaking from different people and art institutions, and you can also start investigating it on your own at the library. Once you learn the basics, you will discover there are many ways to make a really great print. Read on to to learn more about how to learn printmaking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Art studio
• Print shop
• Printmaking books
• Artist supplies

1. Search in your library for books on the subject of printmaking and study them carefully. Find books that tell you how prints are made, as well as books that show you examples of great print making art.
2. Search you local directory for artists studios, print shops and any artists that specialize in printmaking, and contact them to ask for a demonstration. Observe how they ink their press rollers, and what types of print materials they use. Are they glass or plastic prints? Are they using wood block prints? Study how each one is different and ask a lot of questions.
3. Take a class at an art school that teaches print making, or if your local community college does not offer this, take a drawing or illustration course and make a few contacts with artists that have been involved with print making. You are bound to find someone who knows a printmaker.
4. Volunteer your services to assist a printmaker in your area a few weekends a month, or after work. Local colleges and universities usually run their own print shops, and local art schools, community colleges and even a few traditional companies still operate lino-type style print presses, used to make graphic art. If you are willing to learn, and can provide them with help for free, they will gladly show you a few of their tricks, and at least how to set up a wood block print.
5. Apply for a job as a printer creating brochures, posters and other graphic materials at a commercial company. This is not as good as working at a print shop, but you will learn the basics of printmaking, like mixing inks and creating graphic materials on a professional level.

Tips & Warnings

• The various types of printmaking you might encounter involve lino-type press printing and offset printing using a large machine with ink rollers and a wood block printing plate, cut with hand tools, or a wood block with a clay-like covering that you can cut into with carving tools. You may also see photo sensitive printing plates used with an offset printing machine, made with a metal plate and light sensitive emulsions which harden to form the engraving plate.
• Do not be too over anxious to learn printing and intrude on an artists studio. They may see that as a threat and be less likely to welcome you into what they may see as a sanctuary.

Who Can Help:

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