About the Printmaking Minor
Printmaking is a wonderful study for students who are interested in many types of
artistic expression — because it incorporates graphic design, drawing and photography
into one medium.
During the minor program, students develop their art practice and learn various printmaking
techniques. So they graduate with highly sought-after artistic ability and appropriate
preparation for a printmaking career.
Those pursuing a B.A. in Art History may minor in a studio discipline. However, students
pursuing a B.A. or B.F.A. in Studio Art or a B.A. in Art Education cannot minor in a specific studio discipline.
Students should plan on a minimum of five semesters to complete a printmaking minor
due to upper-division course prerequisites.
Please note that all courses require a minimum grade of C to earn a printmaking minor.
What can you do with a printmaking minor?
A printmaking minor equips you with hands-on experience in techniques like etching, screen printing and lithography, enhancing your creativity and visual storytelling skills. It can lead to careers in fine arts, illustration, design, arts education or gallery work and also provides a strong foundation for graduate study or roles in creative industries like publishing, fashion or advertising.
Here are some of the job titles that UW art grads have held:
- Art Director
- Content Production Manager
- Printmaking Instructor
- Fine Artist
- Lead Product Designer
- Digital Designer
- UI Designer
- Art Instructor
- Studio Manager
- Web Designer
- Graphic Designer
Where UW art grads are getting creative:
- Apple
- Nike
- Bighorn Design Studio
- Faire
- Say Media
- Teak
- TEKsystems
- University of Wyoming
- Self-employed
- Art Students League of Denver
- TrainingPeaks
- DEPT
- Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists' Residency
Industries that hire those with printmaking expertise include:
- Fine arts – as professional artists, printmakers or studio assistants
- Graphic design and illustration – for visual storytelling and layout skills
- Publishing – in book design, zine creation and print production
- Textiles and fashion – for surface design and pattern development
- Museums and galleries – in education, exhibition prep and curation
- Arts education – in schools, colleges and community programs
- Advertising and marketing – for creative concept development and design work
- Art conservation and restoration – for those with specialized training
- Nonprofit and community arts organizations – supporting outreach and programming
A printmaking class teaches students how to create images using various print-based techniques. These may include methods like relief printing (woodcut or linocut), intaglio (etching or engraving), lithography, screen printing and monotype. Students learn how to design, prepare and transfer images onto paper or other materials using presses and hand tools. Our courses often explore both traditional and experimental processes, emphasizing craftsmanship, creative expression and the development of a personal visual style.
