About the Printmaking Minor
Printmaking is an ideal area of study for students drawn to multiple forms of visual expression, blending elements of graphic design, drawing a photography into a single, dynamic practice. In the printmaking program, you'll explore both traditional and contemporary techniques while developing a studio practice rooted in the printed multiple. Through hands-on work and creative experimentation, you'll build strong technical and problem-solving skills, graduating with a versatile artistic skill set and the preparation needed for creative, professional and educational pathways in printmaking.
If you're curious about how to become involved in our department and interested in art, consider taking a tour of the UW Visual Arts facilities!
Those pursuing a B.A. in Visual Arts - Art History Track may minor in a studio discipline. However, students pursuing a B.A. in Visual Arts - Studio Art Track, 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 provides hands-on experience in techniques such as etching, screenprinting and lithography while strengthening creativity and visual storytelling skills. This versatile training prepares students for a wide range of career paths, including fine arts, illustration, design, arts education, gallery and museum work, commercial printing, publishing and craft-based entrepreneurship. Graduates also pursue roles as printers, bookbinders, press operators, curators, conservators and educators, and the minor offers a strong foundation for graduate study in printmaking and related creative fields.
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.
