Printmaking

Printmaking is the process of creating artwork by printing on paper, fabric, wood, metal, and other surfaces. It is based on the principle of transferring images to other surfaces. In traditional printmaking, a template is made from wood, metal, or glass and a design is engraved on it. The ink is then applied to transfer the template to the desired surface. This is done in a printing press to apply the controlled pressure required to print. And thus a uniform impression of the design is created when printed on paper or fabric. At the same time, modern printmaking techniques such as screenprinting do not require a press. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, engraving, linocut, and lithography, while for screenprinting the available techniques are expanded. Candidates interested in design can take a course in fine arts to make a career in printmaking.

Printmaking Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can pursue degree, diploma or certificate courses in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Graphic Arts etc with specialisation in printmaking. The eligibility criteria for courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level is given below:

UG-Level: To pursue a programme at degree or diploma level candidates should complete Class XII in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate percentage (usually 50%-60%). Sometimes universities/ colleges also demand basic knowledge of Arts (Fine/ Visual/ Performing) subject in which candidates are applying.

PG-Level: To pursue a programme at PG degree or diploma level candidates should complete their graduation in Arts with the minimum percentage stipulated by a particular university/ college in which they are seeking admission.

Besides, candidates can opt for certificate-level courses which can be pursued after clearing Class XII in any stream. 

Printmaking Entrance Exams

Admission in most of the popular design or fine arts colleges in India is offered through an entrance exam. These entrance exams shortlist aspirants for admission in the courses offered by them based on a candidate’s performance in the below-mentioned tests/ rounds:

• Design aptitude test
• Studio test/ group discussion (GD) round
• Personal interview (PI)/ portfolio round

Popular entrance exams that aspirants should consider giving are tabulated below:

Printmaking Required Skillset

If you are a creative and expressive individual who is passionate about your form of art, a career in printmaking is apt for you. This field requires aspirants to have passion for design along with an eye for detail. Basic skills and traits that a candidate should possess to build a career in printmaking include: 

Printmaking Syllabus

Candidates can pursue several courses such as Bachelor of Printing Technology and Graphic Arts, BE in Printing Engineering, Diploma in Print Technology, MFA in Graphic Art (Print Making), MVA in Print making and News Media, MFA in Painting - Graphics (Print Making), Advanced Diploma in Printing Technology and Graphic Arts to make a career in printmaking. The syllabus covered in these courses varies from college to college. Here, the syllabus of some of the courses is given in detail:

Printmaking Job Profiles 

There are a plethora of job opportunities available in the field of printmaking. Generally, printmakers work as freelancers or for large printing companies. The main functions of printmakers include producing prints for events, design companies, clothing manufacturers or other artists. They prepare prints as per the requirements of the client keeping in view the technical specifications. In addition, printmakers are also hired by advertising, marketing and event management companies to create brochures, posters, display signs and other promotional materials. There are various job profiles you can work in the field of printmaking:

• Illustrator
• Graphic Artist / Visual Artist
• Print Designer / Graphic Designer
• Art Technician / Curator
• Exhibiting Artist
• Editor
• Production In Charge
• Marketing Executive
• Lecturer / Professor

Printmaking Top Recruiters

Candidates can work in the below-mentioned fields after completing the course in Printmaking: 

• Advertising / Commercial Companies
• Textile Industry
• Publishing Houses / Print & Electronic Media
• Art Studios / Exhibitions
• Designing Industry