Essential Information
Students in a silkscreen certificate program are introduced to the basic concepts and techniques of printmaking, and they learn how to replicate the printmaking process on a screen made of silk.
Enrollees are taught to identify and use the various materials, stencils and tools that are included in the process. They also spend time learning how to stretch a silk or mesh surface over a frame, lay a stencil over a silkscreen to block out a pattern, drag ink over a screen surface and then push a screen up against a blank surface to create a final piece. Some programs require hands-on training practicums. Program graduates might seek membership in the Specialty Graphics Imaging Association.
Certificate programs in silkscreen printing are often introductory and have very few education prerequisites. Some are designed for individuals who have an educational or professional background in art, while others simply require incoming students to meet an age requirement and have a solid grasp of the English language.
Certificate Program in Silkscreen Printmaking
Silkscreen printmaking is a type of screen-printing in which designs are laid upon swatches of silk. While some concepts and techniques included in a silkscreen printmaking certificate program may be taught initially through classroom lectures, the majority of courses are provided through workshop and practical-training situations. Some examples of course topics include:
- In-plant graphics
- Advanced and basic photo silkscreen
- Introduction to pre-press
- Color theory
- Electronic pre-press
- Offset presswork
Popular Career Options
Some silkscreen printmaking certificate programs are offered for personal fulfillment or enjoyment. Others provide graduates with a set of skills that they can translate into a career in the art world. Potential careers include:
- Printmaker
- Freelance illustrator
- Art studio assistant
- Art gallery assistant
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes artists who use silkscreen printing on textiles in the career category of craft and fine artists. A 1% employment decline was expected from 2019-2029 for these artists, according to the BLS. In 2020, the BLS reported an annual median salary of $35,180 for craft artists.
Certificate programs in silkscreen printmaking teach students the printmaking process and techniques to work as various kinds of artists and printmakers. These introductory programs are typically for personal enrichment purposes and include classroom and practical assignments.
