January 25 | Experimental Zinemaking (4 Weeks)

The shapes and forms of books can be as wildly varied as their contents. A few simple concepts like folding, sewing, and gluing can be combined and stretched and iterated upon to make something wholly new but still recognizably “a book.”

Over 4 weeks, students will not only learn how to bind classic and experimental bookforms, but also how to use the Risograph to print the content of their books quickly and stylishly.

No experience is needed in either Risography or bookbinding, simply a creative spirit and a readiness to experiment.

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.

January 26 | Risography Explorations (4 Weeks)

The Risograph is an automated duplicator that efficiently produces multi-color prints with a distinct look and feel. Combining some of the best elements of photocopiers, screenprinting, and offset, risography can be an exciting medium for comic artists, writers, illustrators, designers, book artists, and more. 

Our Risography Explorations class teaches students to work with our machine. Beginning with a multi-color print, students will be introduced to risography techniques and mechanics. From there, they will create their own zine, mini-comic, or broadside to continue exploring the possibilities of the process. Students will also learn a variety of simple book forms that they can use for their independent project. 

Throughout the four weeks, students will learn best practices for designing and creating risograph prints, taking into consideration ink density, drying time, paper selection, and registration. Risograph machines are known for being rather finicky—students will also practice basic maintenance and troubleshooting, including how to change ink, reset and replace the master roll, and fix paper feed issues.

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.

January 26 | Intro to Intaglio, Etching (6 Weeks)

Intaglio printmaking emerged in Europe well after the woodcut print, with the earliest known surviving examples being undated designs for playing cards made in Germany, using drypoint technique in the late 1430s. Engraving had been used by goldsmiths to decorate metalwork, including armor, musical instruments and religious objects since ancient times. Scholars and practitioners of printmaking have suggested that the idea of making prints from engraved plates may well have originated with goldsmiths’ practices of taking an impression on paper of a design engraved on an object, in order to keep a record of their work, or to check the quality.

In our 6-Week Intro to Intaglio course, beginners to experienced students will benefit from learning etching techniques, drypoint techniques, and plate wiping techniques as they move onto familiarizing themselves with intaglio printing. By the end of the multi-week class, students will finish an etching with multiple proofs of their plate in various stages.

With the completion of this class, students will not only produce an edition of prints that reflect the skills built throughout this class but receive authorization in etching at Spudnik. Further lessons on intaglio can also be explored through booking Private Lessons so students can work on more specific projects with an instructor.

January 27 | Intro to Letterpress Printing (6 Weeks)

This course is the perfect introduction to letterpress printing. From its creation by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century until the 19th century, letterpress printing was the norm for printing text. Its use persisted in books and various applications until the late 20th century.

Letterpress printing evolved from simple platen presses, where paper was pressed onto an inked form, producing beautifully imprinted text and images. Over time, the flat platen was replaced by a roller in the flat-bed cylinder press, streamlining the process.

In 6 weekly sessions, students will develop foundational skills including hand setting metal and wood type, basic mechanics and proper use of presses, overview of materials (ink and paper), and community studio etiquette.

Students will learn how to set type with a composing stick, including adjusting letter and word spacing, building up type, and printing type with consistent impression. They will learn to print on our platen presses, including locking up in a chase, basic make ready to improve impression consistency, registration of multiple layers, and cleaning the press.

This class is great for creatives, graphic designers, writers, and anyone interested in exploring language as a visual medium.

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.

**Note:** There is a glitch in our system; please note that when putting this class in your cart, the title changes to a screenprinting class. While there is a gremlin in our system, rest assured that you are signing up for the correct class.

January 29 | Riso 101 (4 Hours)

The Risograph is an automated duplicator from Japan that efficiently produces offset-like prints in a variety of saturated colors. Though not originally intended for artistic application, the machine has gained traction (and notoriety) in small-press culture for its distinctive effects and efficiency—as well as for being rather finicky.

This 4-hour workshop will walk students through the fundamentals of risography for bookmaking and fine art printing. Students will learn techniques and best practices for reproducing imagery, giving consideration to ink density, drying time, paper choices, registration, and patience. Students will become acquainted with the mechanics of the printer and learn basic maintenance, including how to change the master roll and a drum’s ink tube. Everyone will leave with an individually designed two-layer print.

Students will receive risography authorization and an Open Studio coupon, redeemable within the following 60 days. The Open Studio coupon is worth 4 hours of studio time (valued at $40) to work independently and continue what you have learned from the class.

January 31| Intro to Monotype Printing (4 Weeks)

Monotyping is printmaking in a very pure form: the transfer of ink to a singular image that cannot be duplicated. Monotypes are unique, precious, “one-of-one” and the process of creating them is ripe for experimentation, play, and working quickly through ideas and iterations.

In this 4-week class, students will learn techniques in both oil-based and water-based inks that resemble everything from delicate watercolor to chunky fingerpaint and fine ballpoint pen. Participants will also learn to work with “ghost” prints and templates to create variable editions, as well as unique and collaborative prints as a class.

Come surprise yourself and each other with the possibilities of this generous and flexible medium!

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.

February 5 | Intro to Relief Printing (4 Weeks)

Relief printmaking dates as far back as the 7th century and is considered the oldest form of printmaking, appearing first as woodblock images in China. It is a graphic yet versatile process, capable of hardedge imagery as well as soft tonality. In relief, an image is carved in reverse into a block which is then inked and sent through a press. The tools are simple and approachable but the possibilities are expansive.

Our Intro to Relief Printing class equips students to plan, carve, and print in relief practices. During this class, students will be guided through the best methods for planning and transferring their images utilizing subtractive techniques that exploit line, shape, contrast, and texture. In addition, students will learn how to mix and modify inks, handle paper, methods of registration, and how to finesse pressure on the press for the best results.

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.

With the completion of this class, students will not only produce an edition of prints that reflect the skills built throughout this class but receive authorization in relief printing at Spudnik. Further printing in relief can be explored through our Open Studio or Keyholder programs.

February 10| Collagraph Printing 101 (4 hours)

This 4-hour workshop introduces students to the process of creating a mixed-media matrix that is printed in relief. Understanding how collaged materials visually transform when printed in relief will show students the transformative property of printmaking.

Students will gain familiarity with collagraph printing, plate wiping techniques, and relief printing. By the end of class, all students will have a finished collagraph plate and have at least one print of the plate in black ink on white paper.

This class would benefit students who are looking for an experimental and abstract way to understand the fundamentals of printmaking.

February 19| Screenprinting Explorations (8 Weeks)

Screenprinting is an art form with a sometimes daunting degree of possibility. From bold graphic shapes to delicate and detailed halftones, almost any image you can think of can be created with a screen and some ink. So where to begin?

In Screenprinting Explorations, students will be walked through the steps necessary to pull a successful print in a variety of styles and with increasing complexity. At every stage, students will be encouraged to experiment and explore, pushing the techniques and trying new things. Our eight-week class provides adequate time for new printers to complete a range of projects on paper and fabric. Along the way, students will become familiar with dark room exposure, mesh count, screen tension, ink consistency, and registration. In addition to developing A+ printing skills, this class will help students develop their imagery, be it hand-drawn illustration or digital files, to successfully translate to print.

By the end of the class, students will know their way around the print shop, and be well equipped to continue printing independently at Spudnik Press.

February 20 | Analog Screenprinting: Stencils, Marks, and Monoprints (4 Weeks)

In analog screenprinting, students will learn multiple methods for stencil and image generation without the aid of machines (aside from our exposure unit). We will begin by experimenting with cutting, tearing, and selectively oiling our stencils to change how light passes through them, before moving on to the interactions between drawing fluid and screen filler, before finally exploring monoprints using watercolors and transparent base.

Decompress and unplug during this class, while meeting other like minded printers to see what you can accomplish with just a few simple tools on hand.

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.