OUGD501: COP- Essay to practise workshop!

Question: 'How do traditional printmaking methods affect contemporary Graphic Design?'

Technique: In my essay I discussed a range of different theories based on how printmaking is used in current graphic design and art. So therefore to continue this I will need to learn new printmaking techniques and practise these myself. So therefore the techniques I will need to use will be using traditional methods such as screen printing and letterpress which are examples I have previously looked at in my essay. 

Content: The content for printmaking is incredibly broad so therefore I need to research further myself into what kind of designs I will want to create. For instance traditional techniques can often also link to ethics and crafts which are quite artistic instead of commercial. 

Communication: Within this project I need to communicate the idea that print is not competing with digital print methods or new media. It has its own uses and as stated previously it is has an 'aura' which cannot be created through any other medium. So perhaps it would be useful to show a digitally printed piece of work alongside a screen print to clearly show the differences. 

Research/analysis- Research into the different print methods and how they are created. Research into current artists who use traditional methods and perhaps ask them about their work. Look in detail at screen prints and letter press designs and how they differ to similar work created on the computer so I can see what I need to include within my designs.

Exploration/ evaluation- What different methods can I use to create my design? hand rendered first or computer created? Colours/ finishes? 

Testing- Primary research asking others about the designs I will be creating/ ideas and on going crits. I would need to test whether my ideas are relevant for the project and if the concept is representative in the artwork. Would any changes be necessary? 

My research question for the practical part will follow along the same lines as my essay question- 'How do traditional printmaking methods affect contemporary Graphic Design?

However when I begin to research I will probably find that I prefer one or a couple of techniques more than others. As I have said above a lot of the primary research will be talking to those who create using traditional techniques and also practising these techniques myself. The conclusion in my essay was that print has its own purpose and it doesn't compete but create something different and therefore I need show these differences through stock used and inks by changing the perception of the artwork to be something important or worth keeping. The deadline for this work is within May however between then and now I need to thoroughly look into current artwork and techniques. The next interview week would be a perfect time to allow for experimentation as well as the easter break- although at some points I will need access to the screen print workshop and vernon street.