Simple Technique, Sophisticated Design
Screen printing involves pushing ink through a fine mesh screen onto a chosen material. Areas not meant for printing are blocked to prevent ink penetration. With different mesh densities, both intricate line work and rich color layers can be achieved. While the basic technique is straightforward, the design possibilities are vast and complex. In the Screen Printing Workshop, students not only learn the technical process but also explore effects, colors, forms, and proportions, gaining insight into the aesthetic potential of screen printing for their artistic and design projects.
Expert Knowledge, Craftsmanship, and Creative Exploration
Process steps, screen selection, ink layers—students in the introductory course learn all essential technical and artistic principles through hands-on, creative assignments Experimenting with the medium’s materiality, they explore its technical limitations and expressive potential. Students collaboratively create small-scale magazines, fine art editions, and posters, gaining a deep understanding of the conceptual and design applications of screen printing.
In the “Techniques and Craftsmanship in Design” course, students refine these skills further—improving precision, intentionality, and aesthetic sensitivity. They examine the unique artistic effects achievable through screen printing and conceptually integrate its characteristics into the design process.
Aesthetic Solutions and Design Sensibility
Screen printing stencils can be created manually or photo-mechanically, enabling a wide range of visual outcomes. Since each color is applied in a separate print pass, the process encourages visual reduction and clarity. This method challenges students to distill their visual language and hone their design instincts. Whether working digitally or analog, adapting designs for screen printing often leads to unexpected aesthetic discoveries, reinforcing the art of deliberate design rather than mere technical reproduction.
State-of-the-Art Facilities, Creative Atmosphere
The Screen Printing Workshop at the Folkwang University of the Arts is equipped with three manual printing stations for various formats, offering top-tier technical capabilities. The workshop is open to all students within the College of Design, providing intensive and individualized mentorship both during and outside of coursework.
Additional Information
The workshop primarily uses water-based inks on paper, though experimentation is encouraged. Students gain a holistic understanding of the screen printing process, fostering a deep connection between craft and design. As much as possible, students operate the equipment independently.
Workshop Equipment:
- 3 workstations, each with individual tables, printing presses, drying racks, squeegees, and tools
- 1 large-format screen printing station (118 × 158 cm)
- 2 medium-format screen printing stations (93 × 118 cm)
- Standard frame sizes: 118 × 158 cm / 93 × 118 cm / 73 × 93 cm / 50 × 70 cm
Getting Started
The Screen Printing Workshop is open to students from all disciplines. Prerequisites include:
- Participation in a workshop introduction
- Training in machine operation
- Material testing before printing (test screens are available in multiple mesh sizes)
- Maximum frame height: 4 cm
Materials & Costs
Students are required to bring their own printing materials. Basic consumables such as cleaning cloths, sponges, tape, registration marks, mixing sticks, palette knives, rulers, utility knives, and blades are provided.
