Printmaking for Graphic Design Students in the Age of the Digital Screen: An Art, a Craft or a Creative Intersection

Abstract

This article discusses the research, exploration, practice and positive impact on student learning outcomes of a ‘Blended Learning’ initiative printmaking project course that was introduced into a digital platform-based graphic design program. Printmaking is the transference of an artwork via various means onto the surface of a substrate, mainly paper, involving media, technologies and crafts that are distinctly different to the digital platform. The pedagogical learning methods involved practice led-research where students explored various printmaking forms whilst developing creative works in these mediums. This practicum initiative for design students that do not have traditional art practices within their program structure was important as it furthers their education whilst developing a number of important personal qualities, particularly those of initiative, perseverance and self- reliance. Importantly, these traditional skills broadened their interplay and understanding between visual arts, the craft of printmaking with conventional and digital technical skills, resulting in a dynamic body of work for their portfolio. The course and following offerings included the conversion of their handcrafted work onto a digital platform into actual design outcomes, thus providing a clear link between the handcrafting and digital technology. Graphic design students completing the printmaking course embraced the opportunity to draw methods from cross‐disciplinary pursuits to compliment and extend their knowledge and to support fresh, contemporary ideas in which to contribute to their various major design studies.

Keywords: Printmaking, handcraft, pedagogy, graphic design, digital, computer