Explore: Gel plate printing

What is the course about?

This course will introduce you to the technical skills needed to explore mark-making and drawing within gel plate printing.

You will have the opportunity to use a variety of materials and textures to create multi-layered images and discover new mark-making techniques within this creative and illustrative printmaking process. 

This course is suitable for beginners. No previous experience is necessary.

The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
 

What will we cover?

•    Hand cutting paper stencils
•    The use of colour and layering of inks within gel plate printing
•    Drawing and mark-making techniques using a variety of tools
•    Transference of pre-existing digital images onto paper
•    Print registration
•    Creating layered images using a variety of materials and textures
 

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

•    Create an 5” x 7” print using water-based ink onto paper
•    Discover ways that printmaking can be used to create illustrative and unique monoprints
•    Achieve skills and confidence in printmaking and illustration which could be used as a stepping stone for your creative practice.
 

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for beginners. No previous experience is necessary.

English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.

This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
 

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Demonstrations of techniques
- Practical tasks
- Tutor and peer feedback will be used to evolve and improve your work

Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
 

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder to transport work to and from City Lit.  Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. 

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear as you will be working with inks.

Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.

To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
 

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

If you are interested in developing your skills further we recommend looking at our range of Graphic Design and Illustration courses as well as our courses in animation.

For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.

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