Illustration into printmaking
This course is a playful, explorative and creative introduction into the collaborative world of illustration and printmaking.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 24 Sep 2025End Date: 22 Oct 2025Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)Course Code: VZ504Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
- Start Date: 08 Mar 2026End Date: 22 Mar 2026Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over -3 weeks)Course Code: VZ506Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
- Start Date: 01 Jul 2026End Date: 29 Jul 2026Wed (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)Course Code: VZ503Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will introduce you to drawing with printmaking and will explore various techniques for image creation. You will explore how these techniques can be used within your own Illustration and Graphic Design projects and will have the opportunity to create a range of prints and drawings on paper.
This course is suitable for learners who have an interest in illustration and would like to learn some techniques to enable them to progress within their work in a playful and creative way.
It 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
● Relief printing
● Drawing with different materials
● Gel plate printing and the creation of mono printing
● Colour and layering of inks
● Drawing and mark-making with a variety of tools
● Exploring textures
● Scanning prints to create digital files
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
● Create a range of prints using water-based inks and a range of papers
● Explore a range of techniques using printmaking as a tool for drawing
● Achieve skills and confidence in printmaking and illustration which may be used as a springboard for a more advanced 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?
- Presentations
- Demonstrations
- Practical tasks
- Individual and group tutoring
- Group discussion
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 and/or a USB drive 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 suitable clothing and footwear as we 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 printmaking.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.