Using printmaking techniques — City & Guilds Limited Occupational Qualification Art and Design Revision

    Printmaking techniques involve creating images by transferring ink from a matrix onto a surface. This topic covers safe use of tools, materials, and proces

    Topic Synopsis

    Printmaking techniques involve creating images by transferring ink from a matrix onto a surface. This topic covers safe use of tools, materials, and processes, as well as research and production of samples and a final collection.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using printmaking techniques

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    Using printmaking techniques involves working safely with tools and materials, researching printmaking contexts, and producing experimental and final prints.

    2
    Learning Outcomes
    6
    Assessment Guidance
    6
    Key Skills
    2
    Key Terms
    9
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate In Creative Techniques in 2D
    City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate In Creative Techniques in 2D

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Creative Techniques in 2D is a vocational qualification that introduces you to the fundamental skills and processes used in two-dimensional art and design. This includes drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and digital image manipulation. The course is designed to build your confidence in using a range of media and techniques, from pencil and charcoal to acrylics and Photoshop, while encouraging creative experimentation and personal expression.

    This qualification is ideal if you are considering a career in art and design, such as graphic design, illustration, or fine art. It provides a solid foundation for further study at Level 3 or an apprenticeship. By the end of the course, you will have a portfolio of work demonstrating your ability to research, develop, and refine ideas, as well as your technical proficiency in 2D processes. The emphasis is on practical skills and creative thinking, rather than just theory.

    The course is structured around three main units: exploring 2D creative techniques, developing ideas through 2D processes, and producing a final 2D outcome. You will learn how to use visual elements like line, tone, colour, texture, and composition effectively. Assessment is through practical assignments and a portfolio of work, which is internally assessed and externally moderated. This qualification is recognised by employers and further education institutions as evidence of your creative and technical abilities.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Visual Elements: Understand and apply line, tone, colour, texture, shape, form, and space in your 2D work. For example, using hatching and cross-hatching to create tone in a pencil drawing.
    • →Media and Techniques: Gain proficiency in a range of materials such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, watercolours, acrylics, and inks. Also explore techniques like blending, layering, impasto, and sgraffito.
    • →Composition and Design: Learn how to arrange elements within a picture plane to create balance, contrast, emphasis, and unity. Consider the rule of thirds, focal points, and negative space.
    • →Research and Development: Develop ideas from primary and secondary sources, including observational drawing, photographs, and artist research. Use sketchbooks to document your creative journey, showing experimentation and refinement.
    • →Health and Safety: Follow safe working practices when using materials and equipment, such as proper ventilation for solvents, correct use of cutting tools, and disposal of hazardous waste.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • be able to work safely and effectively using tools, equipment, materials for printmaking, know the materials and processes required to create prints, be able to research printmaking techniques and contexts, be able to produce experimental prints, be able to produce a collection of prints
    • be able to work safely and effectively using tools equipment and materials for printmaking, know the materials, processes and techniques required to create prints, be able to research printmaking techniques and contexts, be able to produce samples for printmaking, be able to produce a collection of prints

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Work safely with printmaking tools, equipment, and materials.
    • Research printmaking techniques and historical/contemporary contexts.
    • Produce experimental prints exploring different techniques.
    • Create a collection of prints demonstrating skill and creativity.
    • Evaluate own work and identify areas for improvement.
    • Demonstrates safe and effective use of printmaking tools and equipment.
    • Selects appropriate materials and processes for intended print outcomes.
    • Produces a range of samples showing exploration of techniques.
    • Presents a coherent collection of prints with clear creative intent.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Experiment with different papers and inks to see effects.
    • 💡Keep a sketchbook to document ideas and processes.
    • 💡Learn from artists who use printmaking in their practice.
    • 💡Document your process and experiments in a sketchbook to show development.
    • 💡Practice registration and alignment to ensure clean, consistent prints.
    • 💡Research historical and contemporary printmakers to inspire your work.
    • 💡Tip: Use your sketchbook to show the journey from initial ideas to final outcome. Include annotations explaining your choices, such as why you selected a particular colour palette or technique. This demonstrates critical thinking and reflection.
    • 💡Tip: When experimenting with techniques, try to push beyond the obvious. For example, if you are working with charcoal, explore different mark-making tools (e.g., erasers, cloths) and surfaces (e.g., textured paper) to create varied effects.
    • 💡Tip: Pay attention to the assessment criteria. For each unit, the criteria specify what you need to demonstrate, such as 'explore a range of 2D techniques' or 'develop ideas through experimentation'. Tailor your work to meet these criteria explicitly.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Not cleaning equipment properly between uses.
    • Over-inking or under-inking the plate.
    • Failing to register prints correctly for multi-colour work.
    • Neglecting health and safety procedures when using inks and solvents.
    • Failing to properly prepare the printing surface, leading to poor registration.
    • Not experimenting enough with different techniques before final collection.
    • Mistake: Thinking that you must be naturally talented to succeed. Correction: Art and design skills can be learned and improved with practice. The course focuses on developing your abilities through guided exercises and experimentation, not innate talent.
    • Mistake: Believing that digital tools are 'cheating' or less valid than traditional methods. Correction: Digital techniques are an integral part of modern 2D design. The course encourages you to combine traditional and digital approaches to create innovative outcomes.
    • Mistake: Assuming that a final piece must be perfect and that mistakes are failures. Correction: The creative process involves trial and error. Your sketchbook should show experimentation, including 'failed' attempts, as these demonstrate learning and development.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic drawing skills: Ability to observe and record simple shapes and forms using pencil or pen.
    • •Familiarity with colour theory: Understanding of primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, and how to mix them.
    • •No formal qualifications are required, but an interest in art and design and a willingness to experiment are essential.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • be able to work safely and effectively using tools, equipment, materials for printmaking, know the materials and processes required to create prints, be able to research printmaking techniques and contexts, be able to produce experimental prints, be able to produce a collection of prints
    • be able to work safely and effectively using tools equipment and materials for printmaking, know the materials, processes and techniques required to create prints, be able to research printmaking techniques and contexts, be able to produce samples for printmaking, be able to produce a collection of prints

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