Printmaking

Program of Study

Influencing culture for centuries, printmaking embraces, utilizes, and challenges technology as an experimental method to image making. As a Printmaking major at one of the premier art and design schools in the nation, you will develop a comprehensive approach to understanding, defining, and making prints.

Our coursework is designed to expand your intellectual, creative, and critical abilities under the guidance of our committed faculty, who are widely-respected, practicing artists in the field. Using kinesthetic and theoretical learning styles, you will acquire a broad knowledge of several print mediums including traditional intaglio, lithography, and relief printing as well as digital media applications.

You also will be tutored in creating a professional portfolio, developing grant-writing skills, and proper etiquette for successfully approaching dealers, curators, and collectors. In addition, you will gain an understanding of how to set up your own professional studio in our Professional Practices program. Your CIA experience culminates with a BFA exhibition that entails presenting a body of self-initiated work, an oral defense, and a written artist statement.

In the Printmaking major, we emphasize cooperation and teamwork with students and faculty investigating, challenging, and influencing the field together. Our structured program fosters a vigorous environment that nurtures, challenges, and supports individual vision and talent.

As part of the Visual Arts Environment, you will share in an integrated curriculum studying other disciplines within the environment including Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture + Expanded Media.

Each spring, you also will have an opportunity to visit professional galleries and exhibitions, such as the Whitney Biennial and The Armory Show, in New York City.

Real-world experience for real-world careers
What may best set CIA apart from other colleges of art and design is our commitment to preparing students for a career path through real-world experiences. You'll learn by working on real-world projects with external partners or clients, or in the public sphere—all before graduation.

These opportunities allow you to put your classroom and studio knowledge to work in a professional setting while still being guided by faculty. You’ll learn what it takes to meet clients’ expectations, and you will emerge with confidence that will serve you as you launch your career.