The Printmaking studio in the Art & Visual Culture Department at Iowa State University offers a comprehensive printmaking curriculum, with courses in relief, intaglio, lithography, screen printing, letterpress and book arts. We believe that it is important to have a strong foundation in traditional skills, while also encouraging our students to experiment and embrace new technology, as they gain confidence in their medium of choice.

Studio Fundamentals and Advanced Techniques

The Studio Fundamentals Course introduces students to relief, intaglio, lithography, and screen printing, giving students a fundamental understanding of each technique so they can make informed choices about which print media to pursue further. As students’ progress through the curriculum, the development of concept is emphasized along technique and craft. Throughout, we promote critical thinking through the hands-on process-based problem-solving involved in printmaking.

The Printmaking studio is located in room 0011, College of Design.

Printmaking studio equipment

  • Charles brand etching press (28” x 50”)
  • Conrad press (18” x 36”)
  • Hot plate
  • Oven
  • Table top Takach press (18” x 36”)
  • Table top Takach press (24” x 36”)
  • Vertical etching tank (ferric chloride)

  • Bavarian limestones (ranging from 10×12 to 18×24)
  • Exposure unit
  • Graining sink
  • Hand operated Takach lithography printing press (25 ½” x 48”)
  • Levigators
  • Plate support
  • Punch registration system
  • Table top Takach press (24” x 36”)

  • Cam spray industrial pressure washer
  • Lightspeed exposure unit (25” x 36”)
  • Screen printing screens (23” x 31”)
  • Washout booth
  • Wood vacuum presses

  • Book cradles, bone folders, needles, awls, etc.
  • Book press
  • Chandler and Price pilot press
  • Challenge cylinder press (14” x 18”)
  • Kelsey platen press (6” x 10”)
  • Martin Yale manual ream cutter (18”)
  • Poco cylinder press (12” x 18”)
  • Showcard 711 tabletop press
  • Type cabinets (metal and wood type)
  • Vandercook 01