For centuries, people have used printmaking to create beautiful works of art. But with the rise of digital technology, some people believe that printmaking is no longer relevant. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re right.
Keep reading to learn more about the state of printmaking today and how you can get involved in this fascinating art form. Is Printmaking a Dying Art Form? Not quite.
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Here’s Why Printmaking Isn’t Dying But Is Evolving
Any art form that has been around for centuries is bound to change and evolve. Printmaking
is no different. While some may say that printmaking is a dying art form, the evidence suggests otherwise.
Here are four ways printmaking is evolving in the modern world.
Printmaking Techniques Are Being Used in New Ways
In the past, printmakers would use etching or engraving to create their designs on metal plates, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper to create a print.
However, modern printmakers are using a variety of new techniques, such as digital printing, which allows for a wider range of colors and tones to be used in a print. Also, laser-cutting and –etching machines have made it possible to print images on various materials, such as wood, glass, and ceramic tiles.
Printmakers Are Using a Variety of Mediums
Traditionally, printmaking involved carving designs into metal plates, which were then inked and pressed onto the paper. This labor-intensive process often resulted in prints that were dark and muted in color.
However, modern printmakers have access to a much wider range of mediums, which gives them greater freedom to experiment with color and texture. For instance, you can use vinyl to create prints with a bright, glossy finish and Mylar to produce sleek and translucent images.
As a result, printmakers today can produce a wide array of unique and visually stunning prints.
Printmaking Is Being Used in a Variety of Fields
While most people think of prints as works of art that hang on walls, the fact is that prints can be used for a wide variety of purposes outside the world of fine art.
For example, many businesses use screen-printed t-shirts as promotional items, and some architects use relief printing to create models of their building designs. Additionally, many educators use prints in the classroom as teaching tools (for instance, having students create lithographs to illustrate concepts like mapping or geometry).
Printmaking Is a Popular Field of Study in Several Schools
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of colleges and universities that offer courses in printmaking. This suggests that there is still significant interest in this ancient art form among young people today.
Some schools even offer printmaking degrees, further underscoring its importance as an artistic discipline worth studying.
Here are a few well-known learning institutions that offer printmaking undergraduate degrees:
- The University of Brighton in the UK.
- Ball State University in the U.S.
- Arizona State University in the U.S.
- The University of North Texas in the U.S.
Modern Challenges Facing Printmaking
Now that we’ve looked at how printmaking is evolving in the modern world, let’s look at some of the challenges it currently faces.
The Rise of Digital Art
In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of digital art. With the rise of digital drawing tablets and software like Photoshop, more and more people are creating art digitally. This trend has hurt printmaking, as fewer people are interested in traditional art forms like printmaking.
Here are a few reasons digital art remains the most significant threat to printmaking:
- Most people today are more familiar with digital art than traditional art forms like printmaking. That’s because digital art is more accessible; it can be created using various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
- Digital art is also more convenient than traditional art forms like printmaking. For instance, a digital artist can make changes to their work without starting from scratch, whereas a printmaker would have to carve a new plate if they wanted to make changes to their design.
- Digital art is highly versatile. Artists can create anything they can imagine without being limited by the medium. Additionally, digital art is easy to share and distribute. With a few clicks, an artist can reach a global audience.
- Finally, digital art is environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require paper or ink. That’s in contrast to printmaking, which is a very resource-intensive activity.
The Cost of Materials Is Rising
The cost of materials is a significant challenge facing printmakers. The cost of paper, ink, and other printmaking supplies has steadily increased in recent years, making it more expensive to produce prints. This price increase has made it difficult for printmakers to profit from their artwork.
In response to this challenge, some printmakers have started experimenting with alternative materials, such as fabric or recycled paper. Others have begun selling their prints online, which allows them to reach a wider audience and sell their work at a lower price point.
Despite these challenges, printmaking remains a popular and vibrant art form. And as the costs of materials continue to rise, printmakers will undoubtedly find new ways to keep their craft alive.
The Lack of Understanding of Printmaking
Many people are not familiar with printmaking, which makes it difficult to market prints to the general public.
Most people are unaware of the different printing techniques (e.g., screen printing, block printing) or the process involved in making a print (e.g., carving a design into a block of wood or creating a stencil). As a result, many see prints as being less valuable than other types of artworks (e.g., paintings or sculptures). However, there are many reasons why printing and litographs are still valuable.
Tips for Getting Started in Printmaking
If you’re interested in trying printmaking, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Do your research. There are a variety of printmaking techniques, each with its own set of materials and processes. That’s why it’s essential to do your research and find a technique that interests you.
- Start small. Don’t try to tackle a huge project right away. Start with a simple design, such as a basic shape or a word. Once you get the hang of the process, you can start experimenting with more complex techniques.
- Find a mentor. There’s nothing quite like learning from someone who’s been doing it for a while. If you know someone who’s a printmaker, ask them to show you the ropes.
- Use recyclable materials. One of the great things about printmaking is that you can use recycled materials, such as old newspapers or magazines. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your materials, especially if it helps reduce your costs.
For more tips and tricks on how to get started in printmaking, check out Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials & Process (link to Amazon). The guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on everything from carving a woodblock to sustainable printmaking practices.
Final Words
As you can see, printmaking is far from being a dying art form; if anything, it’s currently undergoing something of a renaissance thanks to the way modern artists are using new techniques and mediums to create their work.
And while there are some challenges that printmakers face, they are not insurmountable. With a bit of creativity and perseverance, printmaking can continue to thrive for many years to come.