Discover the Best Screen Printing Classes in NYC
Screen printing is a printmaking technique that involves transferring ink onto a substrate, such as paper or fabric, using a mesh stencil. You can make the stencil by blocking out certain areas of a fine mesh screen with a stencil material or emulsion. Ink is then pushed through the open areas of the mesh using a squeegee, creating a printed image or design on the substrate below.
The screen printing technique can be used to print on a number of surfaces, including textiles, ceramics, glass, and paper. It is commonly used to produce custom t-shirts, posters, and other promotional materials, as well as for creating fine art prints. You can also use screen printing to print multiple colors in a single design, making it a versatile and visually interesting printing method.
Why You Should Learn Screen Printing in NYC
Learning screen printing in NYC can be a useful skill for both personal and professional reasons. First, it allows you to produce high-quality, custom-designed products for your own use or to sell. This can be particularly valuable for small business owners or individuals who want to make their own merchandise or promotional products. Screen printing can be used to print on a range of materials, including fabrics, paper, plastics, and more, making it a versatile and adaptable technique.
Second, learning screen printing can give you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment as you see your designs come to life. It’s a hands-on process that requires attention to detail and a certain level of skill, but the result can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're printing t-shirts for a local sports team or creating artwork to display in your home, screen printing lets you turn your ideas into tangible, physical items.
Lastly, the process of screen printing can be an enjoyable hobby, providing a creative outlet and a chance to experiment with different techniques and materials. If you’re considering taking a screen printing class, you’ll find that it’s a helpful skill that offers a range of benefits, from your own artistic satisfaction to professional opportunities.
In-Person Screen Printing Classes & Schools in NYC
There are several kinds of venues that offer in-person screen printing classes in NYC. These spaces include community centers, art studios, colleges and universities, recreation centers, print shops, and manufacturing sites. Beginner-level screen printing classes that are affordable and accessible to learners are often offered at community and recreation centers. For more experienced learners, ateliers and art studios may provide advanced classes or specialized classes. Screen printing classes are typically included in the art programs of colleges and universities, with offerings at various levels from beginner to advanced. Additionally, some print shops, manufacturers, and retailers may conduct classes or workshops to exhibit their products and techniques.
Super Silk Screen, Inc., situated in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York, makes silk screens based on artwork submitted by artists who then use these screens to make their own prints. The company also offers weekly workshops and classes on introductory fabric printing. Their classes are conveniently scheduled with both day and evening hours.
Super Silk Screen offers a personalized Fabric Printing workshop suitable for all levels of experience. Prior to attending, you’ll need to email your own graphic art design at least two days in advance, which they will then use to create a screen for you to use during the workshop to print on fabrics. Each student can bring up to five fabric items to print on, and they provide a range of inks, squeegees, and other materials free of charge. At the end of the workshop, you can take home your screen and the printed items, along with a Certificate of Completion. As a bonus, you’ll receive a screen made from your own design that you can keep and reuse.
Kids Fabric Printing Workshop with Magic! offered at Super Silk Screen is an exciting opportunity for kids to explore the world of screen printing. To participate, parents should submit a design created by their kids via email prior to the workshop. Super Silk Screen will then use the design to create a screen for the kids to print with during the workshop. The design should be solid black on white and measure eight by ten inches. During the workshop, youngsters will have the chance to print up to five fabric items such as t-shirts, bags, or hoodies. The screen used for printing can be kept and reused in the future. The workshop will be led by magician Ian Carpenter, who previously performed with Shari Lewis and Lamb Chops on television. To make the experience more interesting, the workshop combines magic with screen printing techniques. Parents are required to attend the workshop with their kids at no extra cost. At the end of the workshop, everyone will earn a certificate of completion to recognize their participation and hard work.
Better Than Jam's Store & Studio in Brooklyn’s East Williamsburg section was founded in 2007 as the textile printing and fashion line of owner Karin Persan. There’s a remaining showroom on site where local artists displayed handmade creations before the pandemic. Now the space is primarily Persan’s big private studio, where all screen printing and textile dyeing occurs. As a student in their classes and workshops, you’ll be a welcome guest in the artist's creation space.
The Screenprinting Beginners Workshop at Better Than Jam's Store & Studio is a class suitable for those who are new to screen printing and aims to teach you how to print your own design. You’ll learn the techniques required to achieve a "perfect print" and which inks are best to use. Moreover, you’ll discover how to do screen printing in your own home. Before the class begins, you’ll create your own design and submit your artwork. The design will be prepared on a screen in advance and will be ready for you to start printing when you arrive. You’ll be able to print on an assortment of materials, including textiles and paper, and sample materials will be provided. If you want to keep your screen for future use, add it to your order when booking the class.
Virtual Screen Printing Classes & Schools
There are some significant differences between in-person and online screen printing classes. In-person classes allow you to physically engage with the equipment, materials, and instructors, which is especially useful for beginners who need hands-on guidance. With in-person classes, you can receive immediate feedback and ask questions in real-time, and instructors can observe and correct your mistakes as they occur. Meanwhile, in-person classes provide the opportunity to socialize and connect with others who share similar interests.
On the other hand, online classes offer more flexibility and accessibility, as you can learn from anywhere with an internet connection. You can participate in live virtual instruction or watch pre-recorded lessons at your own pace, which is useful if you need extra practice or have a busy schedule. Online classes are sometimes more affordable and provide a wider range of courses and instructors than in-person classes.
However, online classes may not offer the same level of interaction and engagement as in-person classes. You may have limited opportunities to ask questions and receive immediate feedback, and you may miss out on the social aspect of learning alongside peers. Online classes may also require specific equipment and materials, which can be hard if you're starting from scratch or have limited funds.
Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person screen printing classes depends on your learning style, preferences, and resources.
Private Group Screen Printing Classes in NYC
If you're in NYC and looking for a private group screen printing class, CourseHorse offers customized live online classes that can cater to your organization or business. This can provide an opportunity for team-building that fosters engagement and creativity. To book private group screen printing classes, simply use the contact form to get in touch with CourseHorse and explore the available options.
