Printmaking

Explore your artistry in impressions

Herron’s printmaking curriculum gives you comprehensive exposure to traditional and contemporary tools and processes, as well as book arts.

From intaglio to lithography, silkscreen to letterpress, you will learn a refined balance of technical skills while developing individual drawing, self-expression, conceptual, and critical thinking prowess.

Your coursework will proceed from beginning to advanced levels in spacious and well-equipped studios devoted exclusively to printmaking. As you progress, you will have considerable autonomy, working largely in self-defined directions.

Integrate processes

Herron printmaking students learn various processes for producing handmade prints, including lithography, letterpress, screenprint, monotype, relief, and digital printing. Whatever your focus, you will learn the production of multiples and develop integrative approaches.

Intensify your experiences

Group critiques, field trips, and student exhibition opportunities, as well as workshops and lectures by visiting artists, will complement your studio experience. You may also intern with local artists, work on commissions, or work with high school students in the community.

Plan of study

B.F.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.F.A. in printmaking

IU Indianapolis Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.F.A. in printmaking

I first developed a love for lithography at Herron and … learned about Tamarind. … It seemed like a dream, one that stuck with me through grad school and eventually drove me to apply to the [apprentice] program.

Amanda Morris (B.F.A. Printmaking + B.A. Art History ’13), master printer apprentice at the Tamarind Institute
A student cuts pieces of denim fabric.

Foundation studies

Your first year at Herron focuses on skills that are crucial to your success in art and design school. You will explore basic principles and techniques, as well as your own historical, cultural, and personal influences as an artist or designer.

Learn more about foundation studies

Facilities

Located in Eskenazi Hall, Herron’s printmaking facilities comprise well-equipped studios for lithography, etching and relief, and screen printing. Our expansive print shop will provide everything needed for your studies, including a darkroom and a computer lab with large-format printing capabilities.

  • Charles Brand lithographic press and large Rutherford offset press
  • Takach, Parks, and Fuchs and Lang lithographic presses
  • More than 100 lithography stones in varying sizes, from 8 x 10 inches to 36 x 50 inches
  • Stone, aluminum plates, and photo plate lithographic processes
  • Large graining sink for lithography
  • Rubber rollers of all sizes
  • Drying racks
  • Fully equipped acid room for zinc and copper plates with a full-size rosin box for aquatint
  • French Tool etching press
  • Two Charles Brand etching presses with the largest measuring 36 x 60 inches
  • Praga etching press
  • Two table-top Takach presses for etching, monotype, and relief
  • 88-by-72-inch vacuum table for screen printing
  • Large exposure units and darkroom
  • Full range of Hanco, Speedball, and etching inks
  • Dedicated computer lab with Epson Stylus Pro digital printer
  • Access to the Think It Make It Lab as well as ceramics, photography, and sculpture facilities

Minor in Art History

Minor in Book Arts

Professional opportunities

Many of Herron’s printmaking alumni are self-employed, exhibiting and selling their work, and teaching at community art centers. After graduating, you may follow similar career paths or follow your interests to museums, artist residencies, and galleries as well as fields related to graphic design, illustration, and arts administration.

Pursue your calling as a professional:

  • Master printer
  • Studio owner
  • Pre-press designer
  • Educator or instructor
  • Curator of works on paper
  • Shop technician
  • Artist in residence
  • Book artist

Join Indiana’s premier school of art and design

Degree programs