Printmaking: Screen Printing – Level 2
Overview
This 10 week course is an opportunity to develop and focus on traditional & contemporary screen printing skills and techniques.
Screen printing is a versatile medium with a wide range of applications. It is possible to print on paper, board, wood, glass, metal, plastics, and a wide range of textiles.
‘A magical combination of tradition, innovation, process and imagination’ (Printmaking Traditional and Contemporary Techniques, Ann d’Arcy Hughes & Hebe Vernon – Morris. 2008).
The unique characteristics and endless creative possibilities of printmaking, open a whole new world of image making.
During this course you will learn about health and safety in our specialist printmaking studio, design fundamentals and image preparation, screen preparation and exposure, ink mixing and printing methods.
We will explore and experiment with a range of screen printing techniques. This will include drawn & painted stencils, hand cut paper stencils, direct stencils & photographic stencils.
Key information
No previous experience is necessary, just an interest and passion for the subject area. Learners would benefit from attending every term, if possible, although this is not essential.
Throughout the course you will be guided and instructed by an experienced tutor. Our position within a ‘School of Art and Design’ along with a specialist print studio presents the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the screen printing process. The work is assessed against a range of criteria. During the course learners will complete a booklet of outcomes and create a small portfolio of screen prints.
Introduction to Screen Printing and Safety Protocols
- Overview of the history and evolution of screen printing
- Understanding the basic principles of screen printing: stencil creation, image exposure, and ink application
- Introduction to the necessary equipment and materials
- Safety protocols and best practices in the screen printing studio.
Design Fundamentals and Image Preparation
- Exploring design principles and composition for effective screen printing
- Hands-on activities to develop basic design skills
- Introduction to digital design software for creating stencils
- Preparing and optimizing images for screen printing.
Screen Preparation and Exposure Techniques
- Detailed exploration of different types of screens and mesh counts
- Hands-on experience with screen preparation, coating, and drying
- Understanding exposure techniques for creating high-quality stencils
- Troubleshooting common screen preparation issues.
Ink Mixing and Printing Techniques
- Introduction to various types of screen printing inks
- Colour theory and ink mixing exercises
- Hands-on printing sessions covering single-color and multicolour prints
- Exploring different substrates and materials for printing
- Introduction to specialty materials such as foils and flocking
- Incorporating multiple layers and gradients into designs.
Portfolio Building and Final Project
- Reviewing and refining individual projects from the course
- Complete a booklet of outcomes
- Building a small portfolio of completed works.
Progression from any part-time course could offer a pathway to full-time courses in art and design. For adult learners considering a creative career, the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course could provide a progression route for this.