COURSE OUTLINE LETTERPRESS PRINTING - LEVEL 1
Contact 206-623-1560 [email protected] Register www.svcseattle.com
Topics & Schedule
WEEK 1 • Course introduction
• Rules, waivers & type deposit
• Introduction to typesetting
• Learn how to properly tie up type for storage on galleys
• Introduction to printing on the cylinder press
• Form lock-up and press wash-up
HOMEWORK: Assigned reading from handout. and prepare questions for next class.
Come into the studio on your own time to browse its typefaces, ornaments, & cuts (images) in order to get ideas for your broadside. Create a few thumbnail sketches of your ideas (no computer printouts allowed!) and be prepared to go over them one-on-one with the instructor next week.
WEEK 2 • Choosing paper
• Ink mixing
• Using the small proofing presses
• How to create a mock-up
• Go over thumbnail sketches one-on-one
• Begin typesetting
HOMEWORK: For next week, have an image you want to carve onto a linoleum block ready. Purchase and bring to class linoleum carving tools (or plan to borrow one of the school’s), an appropriately-sized linoleum block, and a rightreading, old-fashioned Xerox (not a laser or inkjet print!) of your image. Be sure to read page 13 of this handout for more info.
Continue proofing to develop a sense of what typefaces & imagery you would like to use for your project.
WEEK 3 • Guest lecture with Carl Montford, wood engraver and letterpress printer:
• View examples of fine wood engravings and linoleum cuts
• Discuss materials and technique
• Carve and proof linoleum blocks
HOMEWORK: Complete linoleum cuts. Complete the proofing you have been doing and create a preliminary mock-up for one-on-one review next week. Mock-up guidelines are on page 21 of this handout. WEEK 4 • Introduction to printing from plates
• Explanation of various types of plates
• How to set up electronifiles and order from vendor
• One-on-one review of project mock-ups
• Cut paper, if necessary
• Schedule printing appointments
HOMEWORK: Correct any issues that were raised during on-on-one review of project mock-up & revise mockup and review pages 22–25. Those scheduled in printing slots in the following weeks need to have paper cut, ink mixed, and their type forms all set and ready for lock-up by 6:30 sharp. Those scheduled to print the week immediately following will devote all class time to assisting on press. Those scheduled for the platen press demonstration may choose to prepare paper and a small, one-color form.
WEEK 5 • Printing Appointments begin. Those printing next week are assisting this week’s printers.
• If scheduled, receive a demonstration on the platen press.
• All others: Work on your project (typesetting, paper cutting, or redistributing type).
HOMEWORK: Those who have not printed: continue typesetting and prepping for printing. Those who have printed: redistribute your type and materials. Optional: Those scheduled for the platen press demonstration may choose to prepare paper and a small, one-color form.
WEEK 6 • Printing Appointments continue. Those printing next week are assisting this week’s printers.
• If scheduled, receive a demonstration on the platen press.
• All others: Work on your project (typesetting, paper cutting, or redistributing type).
HOMEWORK: Those who have not printed: continue typesetting and prepping for printing. Those who have printed: redistribute your type and materials. Optional: Those scheduled for the platen press demonstration may choose to prepare paper and a small, one-color form.
WEEK 7 • Printing Appointments continue. Those printing next week are assisting this week’s printers.
• If scheduled, receive a demonstration on the platen press.
• All others: Work on your project (typesetting, paper cutting, or redistributing type).
HOMEWORK: Those who have not printed: continue typesetting and prepping for printing. Those who have printed: redistribute your type and materials. Optional: Those scheduled for the platen press demonstration may choose to prepare paper and a small, one-color form.
WEEK 8 • Printing Appointments continue.
• Those printing next week are assisting this week’s printers.
• If scheduled, receive a demonstration on the platen press.
• All others: design enclosure and typeset label for class portfolio of broadsides
HOMEWORK: Finish redistributing your type. WEEK 9 • Overflow printing appointments.
• Print label
• Portfolio assembly
HOMEWORK: Finish redistributing your type and materials (or else lose your deposit). Bring 20 signed prints for distributing in portfolios, as well as some food/drink for our last class show & tell potluck. For next class, be prepared to discuss your choice of paper, typefaces, and ink color, as well as challenges and successes you encountered while typesetting and printing your broadside.
WEEK 10 LAST CLASS • Tidy up shop before critique starts
• Assemble portfolios & distribute to fellow classmates
• Show & tell discussion with guest critiquers
• Celebrate!