Printmaking
Overview
Printmaking programs teach people how to produce images on paper or fabric using ink and color dyes.This program includes topics such as:
- Black-and-white and color printing
- Fundamentals of printmaking, including silkscreen, lithography, and woodcut
- Techniques including relief, intaglio, stencils, and etching
- Basic art principles, including art history, drawing, and design
- Different types of papers and materials, including stone, tile, and fabric
Typically, students concentrate on one or two printmaking techniques. Most courses are designed to give time in a studio where students create their own style and focus on a particular method of creating their work.
Schools
Very few community colleges and independent art schools offer associate degree programs in printmaking. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.
Several independent art schools, colleges, and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in printmaking. A BFA usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.
Several universities offer Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in printmaking. A MFA typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Apparel and Textiles
- Art and Fine Arts, General
- Art History
- Art Therapy
- Crafts
- Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts
- Graphic Design
- Painting and Drawing
- Printing Technologies
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Many programs require you to submit separate application materials in addition to your general college application. Usually you have to complete preliminary art courses, write a personal statement, and submit a portfolio of your work.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Art
- Art Appreciation
- Art History
- Computer Graphics
- Drawing and Painting
- Graphic Arts and Printing
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in printmaking
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio review and personal interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Art History
- Art Appreciation
- Book Arts
- Collage
- Collotype
- Concepts in Printmaking
- Drawing
- Etching
- Intaglio
- Monotype
- Print Media
- Relief Printing
- Serigraphy
- Two- and Three-Dimensional Design
- Woodcut
- Works on Paper
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in printmaking typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis and portfolio of finished work (master's degree)
- Preliminary exam (doctoral degree)
- Dissertation (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
You can begin developing your portfolio in high school with hobby and project work.
Independent art schools may focus more intensively on studio work and career preparation. Colleges and universities typically require general courses in addition to studio art requirements. Most programs now also teach computer techniques in visual arts.
In many cases you have to pay a fee in addition to regular course tuition. The fee covers the cost of materials, which include inks, stencils, paper, stone, and other materials.
Many programs offer personal studio space to BFA students. Usually this is for junior- and senior-level students.
Most programs require that you display your finished pieces in a showing at the school's local gallery. Some schools allow you to sell your work in shows that are open to the public.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Fine Arts--General Studio Option
King-Snohomish Area
Cornish College of the Arts
- Art
Spokane Area
Gonzaga University
- Art
Whitworth University
- Art--Track I: Two Dimensional (Drawing/Painting and Printmaking)
West Side Area
Grays Harbor College
- Art Pre-Major
Western Washington University
- Art--Studio