Prints

 to produce text and other patterns using inks.

 prints are produced by drawing or carving image onto a hard surface called matrix usually wood block,
metal plate, or stone.
 the matrix is inked and the image is transferred to paper or another material by application of pressure.

Techniques in making prints

 Woodcut - carving designs into wooden block, inked and then pressed onto paper.
 Engraving - utilizes metal plate that is incised with a sharp tool called burin, the incised lines is inked
then pressed onto paper to create an image.
 Etching - A printmaking technique almost similar to engraving but this technique uses acid to make the
matrix more firm.
 Lithography - the image is drawn or painted onto a flat surface with a greasy medium. Then dampened
and the ink adhere only to the greasy areas, the image is pressed onto paper or other materials.
 Screen-printing - is the process of transferring a stenciled design onto a flat surface using a mesh screen,
ink and a squeegee. Fabric and paper are the most commonly screen-printed surfaces, but with
specialized inks it's also possible to print onto wood, metal, plastic, and even glass.
 Digital printing -Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety
of media.
Uses of Prints:
 Artistic Expression: Prints have been utilized by artists to create multiples of their work, making it more
accessible to a wider audience.
 Commercial Purposes: Prints are commonly used in advertising, packaging, and branding to create
visually appealing designs.
 Documentation: Prints serve as important historical and cultural artifacts, documenting events, people,
and places throughout history.
 Textile Printing: In the fashion industry, prints are extensively used to create patterns and designs on
fabrics for clothing and home furnishings
The history of printmaking dates back thousand of years ago, with the evidences of various printing technique
emerging in ancient civilization.
1. Woodblock printing (200 CE)
one of the earliest form of printmaking originated in ancient china - Han dynasty.
2. Engraving and Etching (15 - 16th century)-
Involves incising lines into metal plates, emerged as prominent printing techniques during Renaissance in
Europe.
3. Litography (late 18th century)
Invented by Alois Senefelder in 1796Become especially popular during 19th century for commercial printing
and artistic expression.
4. Screen Printing(20th century)
Also known as Serigraphy, originally used for commercial purposes later gained popularity as an artistic
medium. Especially during the pop art movement in 1960's.