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:

Entrance Exams For Printmaking Courses
DUET	CEED	NID Entrance Exam
SEED	UCEED	NIFT Entrance Exam
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam	JMI Entrance Exam	AIEED
IIAD Entrance Exam	TDV Entrance Exam	SEAT

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: 

Skills Required for Printmaking
Creative and artistic taste	Attention to detail
Organisation skills	Ability to focus & concentrate
Knowledge of Colour theory, shades, and tones	Technical skills
Good interpersonal skills	Imaginative skills
Communication Skills	Goal-oriented

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:

Bachelor of Printing Technology and Graphic Arts
Computer Basics & Computer Fundamentals	Computer Operating Skills	Computer Design
Text Setting	Image Processing	Binding & Finishing Technology
Design & Artwork	Printing Material Science	Printing Processes
Reproduction Processes	Screen Printing	Image Carrier Plano
Image Carrier Relief and Gravure	Press Work Relief and Gravure	Press Work Plano Sheet fed
Press Work Web	Press Management	Costing and Estimating
Electronic Color Separation and Correction	Packaging Technology	Digital Printing
Advanced Imaging Techniques	Newspaper Technology	Security Printing
MTech in Printing Engineering and Graphic Communication
Computer Graphics	Color Analysis and Tone Reproduction	Advanced Printing Technology
Digital Information Technologies and Architectures	Printing and Packaging Material Technology	Human Vision and Computer Vision
Workflow Management in Printing Industry	Digital Printing and Publishing	Imaging Technology and Devices
Standardization in Printing and Packaging	Digital Image Processing and Analysis	Optical Engineering
Data Analysis and Statistics	Multimedia Systems & Communication	Radiometry
Color in industry	Digital Color Imaging Laboratory	Design and layout for electronic media
Advanced Colorimetry	Total Productive Maintenance in Printing	Electronic Image Communication
Print Media Communication	Compression and transmission in media systems	Signals and Systems for Media Technology
Fundamentals of spectral science	Web Publishing	Cross Media Color Reproduction
UG in Graphic Arts
Sketching and drawing	Digital design tools- visual media	User interface graphics
Packaging design and printing technology	Design management	Design fundamentals
Design process and thinking	Visual identity design	Brand communication design
Environmental graphic design	History of art and design	Visualisation techniques
Introduction to photography	Information system design	Advanced illustration techniques
Craft design studies	Society, environment and design	Typography and publication design
Introduction to graphic design	Advertising design	Culture and design studies
Introduction to user experience design	Visual ergonomics	Portfolio making
Introduction to design for moving images	Sketching and drawing	--

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

Following are the most popular Printmaking Colleges in India. Learn more about these Printmaking colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular Printmaking courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Printmaking.

Following are the most popular Printmaking UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Printmaking PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the top exams for Printmaking. Students interested in pursuing a career on Printmaking, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.