What are "printmaking" processes?

Printmaking processes encompass a variety of techniques used to create artworks through the transfer of ink from a surface to another medium, typically paper. This artistic practice allows for the production of multiple prints from a single original design, enabling artists to reach wider audiences and experiment with different methods. Techniques within printmaking include engraving, etching, lithography, screen printing, and more, each offering distinct aesthetic qualities and degrees of complexity in the creation process.

The focus of printmaking is on the manipulation of different surfaces and inks to achieve unique images, which sets it apart from photography, painting styles, and digital methods. While photography and digital art often involve the creation of singular images or outputs, printmaking is inherently about reproduction and the tactile interaction between the artist, the medium, and the replicable nature of the work. This characteristic makes it a vital practice in the realm of visual arts.