Studio Art and Printmaking Careers
- Fine Artist
- Printmaker
- Independent Artist
- Master Printer
- Lithographer
- Silkscreen Artist
- Book Artist
- Printshop Owner
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Studio and Production Careers
- Studio Manager
- Print Studio Manager
- Print Technician
- Commercial Printer
- Print Production Manager
- Production Artist
- Print Production Designer
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Education, Museums, and Arts Organizations
- Art Educator/Instructor
- Curator
- Gallery Director
- Arts Administrator
- Art Conservator
- Art Critic
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Design and Creative Industries
- Illustrator
- Graphic Designer
- Typographic Designer
- Apparel Print Designer
- Print Publisher
What Does a Printmaker Do?
Printmakers create original artwork using techniques such as screen printing, lithography, relief printing, etching, letterpress, and digital printing. They transfer images from surfaces like wood blocks, metal plates, screens, or stones onto paper and other materials, often creating multiple editions of a single artwork. Printmakers design images, prepare printing surfaces, mix inks, operate presses, and experiment with texture, layering, color, and composition.
How Do You Become a Printmaker?
There are many ways to become a printmaker, but developing strong technical skills is an important first step. Many printmakers build their skills in studio art or fine arts programs, where they create portfolios, learn professional studio practices, and work with other artists. Building connections within the printmaking community through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations can also help artists grow their careers. While a degree is not always required, it can be a strong path for building a portfolio and gaining hands-on experience with techniques and equipment.
What Skills Do You Learn?
Printmaking majors develop technical, creative, and professional skills through hands-on studio practice and collaborative projects. Students learn traditional and experimental printmaking techniques while building their artistic voice, creating a portfolio, and gaining experience with professional studio practices.
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Printmaking and Studio Skills
- Screenprinting and lithography
- Intaglio and relief printing
- Etching
- Letterpress and book-making
- Monotype and digital print processes
- Operating printing presses and specialized equipment
- Ink mixing and print production
- Editioning and print documentation
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Creative and Visual Skills
- Visual storytelling
- Composition and color theory
- Concept development
- Drawing and design fundamentals
- Developing a personal artistic voice
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
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Professional and Collaborative Skills
- Portfolio development and exhibition preparation
- Collaboration with artists and creative teams
- Giving and accepting critique
- Independent creative practice
- Professional studio practices
Freelance Printmaking Careers
Many printmakers work as freelancers or independent artists, selling prints, collaborating with galleries, or producing work for clients, studios, and organizations. Freelance roles can offer creative freedom and flexibility, but they also require strong professional and business skills. Independent printmakers often manage their own pricing, contracts, editioning, studio time, materials, marketing, shipping, exhibitions, and communication.
For printmaking majors, this is one reason professional practice matters. Learning how to document and edition work, price prints, apply for exhibitions and residencies, communicate with clients and collaborators, protect intellectual property, and build a professional network can be just as important as learning techniques. PNCA's Career Design advisors host workshops to help prepare students for all the skills they need to succeed.
Why Choose PNCA for
Printmaking?
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Studio Space and Equipment
The Gilkey Center for Printmaking supports lithography, letterpress, bookmaking, relief, monotype, intaglio, gravure, screenprinting, offset, and Risograph techniques. Students also have access to dedicated intaglio and relief studios, along with four intaglio/relief presses, three Vandercook letterpresses, three lithography presses, and a Mailänder offset press.
Additional resources include an exposure room, GR1700 and RZ220 Risographs, storage spaces, a printmaking store, the Fabrication Lab, the Digital Print Studio, and more than 100 traditional lithography stones.
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Opportunities
The professional print publishing program brings visiting artists to campus for residencies, and while the Printmaking MFA program runs Watershed, select undergraduate students may participate and support work in the studio. Watershed has hosted master printers and artists including Alison Saar, Sandow Birk, Nikki McClure, Regina Silveira, and Wayne Coyne.
Students also complete a thesis and explore a range of techniques. They can also build professional connections through events such as First Thursdays, workshops, and exhibitions to engage with the art world.
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Career Support
It is critical for students to find career support. Our advisors have a deep understanding of artistic career paths and can help you prepare for your goals. Join workshops to craft your resume, learn how to write grants, build a network, and even perfect your professional portfolio. We also offer workshops related to taxes, contracts, copyright, marketing, and accounting for artists.
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Join a Creative Community
Students can build connections within PNCA’s art and design community by collaborating with peers and engaging with MFA students to explore ideas through the printmaking process. The college also offers a strong alumni network, with graduates working across a range of creative fields. PNCA alumni have become art school directors, earned competitive fellowships, worked as communications managers, and created work for clients such as Nike and Wieden+Kennedy.
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