Printmaking

art · hands-on · ancient craft · multiple copies

Press and print. Printmaking works by covering a carved or prepared surface with ink, then pressing it onto paper or fabric to transfer the image. You can make the same print over and over, with each one being an original artwork.

Many different surfaces. Artists can print onto more than just paper. They also print on fabric to make designs for clothes, on wood to create posters, and even on metal or leather to explore new creative ideas.

Carved by hand. Traditional printmaking uses techniques where artists hand-carve designs into blocks or surfaces, then ink them up. This hands-on process has been used for thousands of years across many cultures.

Make it multiple times. One of the coolest things about printmaking is that you can create an edition, meaning you print the same design many times. Each print is unique because ink and pressure vary slightly each time.

Old meets new. While traditional printmaking uses carved blocks and hand-pressing, modern artists also blend these methods with digital tools and photography to push the art form in fresh directions.