The printmaking techniques have evolved with technological advances. Advances in photography and computer art have changed the concept of painting, and the definition of prints has widened as well. Nowadays, prints can be made by computer. So, what is a print? What are traditional prints? 

A print is a work of art created by carving on blocks and making copies of the original image

Have you ever tried printmaking? Probably potato printing, linocuts or woodblock printing?

Do you know of any kinds of traditional prints?

A carved printing block, plate or matrix with ink is brought into contact with paper by roller or brayer. There will be no ink on carved shapes on the printing block; instead, the print will reveal the uncarved parts with the ink. 

An image is incised into a copper plate or zinc sheet, and the incised line or sunken area holds the ink. The pressure of a press forces damp paper to pick up ink from the incised line and sunken area to make a print. 

An image is printed with a flat and even surface. The process performs chemical printmaking treatment and utilizes water's properties to not mix with oil. 

Example: Lithography or processed etching on metal surfaces (e.g., LIU’s artworks)

An image is printed with a fabric mesh to transfer ink or dye onto a substrate. The non-printing areas are blocked off, making the fabric surface a stencil. One color is printed at a time, so multiple screens shall be used to produce a color image.

Standards for Introduction to prints