Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective Printmaking Students

What are employment opportunities after graduation?

Printmakers are generally self-employed, selling their prints in galleries, art shows, and juried competitions. Sometimes, corporations, galleries, or private patrons will commission an artist to produce prints. Others may teach in art schools, universities, or high schools, while some may obtain jobs in photography or the printing industry because they make use of similar interests and technologies.

What print techniques are available?

Beginning students work in screenprint and intaglio. Upper level students may choose to work exclusively in one process.

Is it necessary to have printmaking classes in high school before taking college level classes?

NO, the beginning class assumes that the student has no prior experience in printmaking.

How many students are in the beginning classes?

Intro classes are generally from 15-20 students. Follow up classes are much smaller, from 3-6 students.

What types of printing inks do students use?

Screenprinters work entirely with water-based inks, while intaglio prints are done with oil-based inks.

Does the professional printmaker need to buy their own press?

NO, it is desirable to have your own studio and intaglio press, but it is often not financially feasible for the print artist to purchase their own press. Consequently many artists try to obtain teaching positions at a college or university, where they are able to use the facilities for their own work. Screenprinters, however do not need expensive presses and can produce prints in any area that has a table and space to dry prints. Some printmakers may also join local art co-ops that rent studio space and presses.

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Cinema and a Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Science?

The BFA is considered the professional studio degree, as it has more credits in the Drawing/Painting concentration and has more specific requirements in studio, such as Printmaking and Photography. The BFA also has more art history requirements and does not allow a minor. The BA and BS degrees provide students with the option to pursue a minor such as a major in Drawing/Painting and a minor in Music (20 credit hours). The BA also has a language requirement.

Does the school require a portfolio review before you are accepted into our programs?

If you are accepted into the university you are able to pursue a degree within the school. However, you can present a portfolio to the professor in your studio area who will use your work to gauge whether you should receive an advanced placement credit (replaces course and credit hours) or a waiver (replaces course but not the credit hours) or at what studio level you would begin. This portfolio can be reviewed during a campus visit or with a faculty member during an office hour during the semester. Although there is no required portfolio review to enter the program, Art and Design majors must participate and complete two faculty reviews that are scheduled the twelfth week of each semester.