Cynthia Kingsley-Smith
Illustration



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First Time Silkscreen Printing Results


This week: 

As this was my first time, I recorded the entire process so I wouldn’t forget any steps when doing this without a tutor. 

  • PREPARE SCREEN HOLDER: Add double sided tape to all sides of the frame 
  • The MATTE side of the screen should be on the OUTSIDE of frame 
  • Stretch the screen as TIGHT as possible across the frame, this is vital to get a clean image transfer 
  • Place the frame now with screen attached into the Miscreen machine with arrow graphic side pointing up (there are metal guides that can fit together)  
  • Prepare imagery for printing on an A4 photoshop PNG
  • to complete the image you must EITHER 
  • Image > Mode > Greyscale 
  • Image > Mode > Bitmap (this allows you to experiment with halftone textures depending on the art) 
  • OR  
  • Apply Gradient map and try to push out as much gradient as possible (PURE Black and White is the goal!)  
  • Open “screenmaking” or “miscreen” on Windows PC (not Mac!).   
  • Open Image File button in bottom right of application.  
  • Send Image 
  • HOLD DOWN the miscreen logo with palms, apply firm pressure. 




  • Prepare a 50/50 mix of chosen acrylic paints and medium enhancer. (This is to ensure the paint is not too viscous to flow even through the screen.)
  • After aligning and securing the screen over the paper, spread the paint mixture evenly across the top part of the print.
  • Using a squeegee, apply firm pressure and pull the ink down to the bottom of the print!

For my experimental subjects, I chose photography of a protest I attended, royalty-free photography of an eye found online, linocut letters designed and scanned by me, and some varied and rouch textures. My intention was to see how these would come out, and wether this medium could produce aesthetically sound results with overlayed elements and textures.




This process was really smooth, I really enjoyed the feeling of it and I’m so excited to experiment with screenprint as part of multi-media. 

Next, I will be shifting my focus to my personal 2 - Cheltenham Illustration Awards brief for a few reasons

  • I can pull these screenprinting skills forward into my outcome.
  • My goals and max amount of time I can dedicate for this module are very clear.


READING:
        


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