Etsy shoppers are often on the lookout for affordable original art, and hand-pulled prints are a great place for art lovers to start building a collection. I won’t delve into too much detail regarding the different techniques, but if you’re interested in learning more, please take a look at the links listed below.
Put simply, printmaking is the process of making an artwork by transferring an image from a surface on which ink is applied – a plate, block, screen or stone – to another (usually paper). Often multiples are printed, which is known as an edition, but each impression is an original artwork, handmade by the artist. Limited editions are signed and numbered by the artist, which makes the print more valuable.
Monoprints
Sometimes only one print is made, called a monoprint or monotype.
Letterpress printed monoprint by FatCrowPress
“Woman King” trace monoprint by fadefade
“Lyretail” gyotaku monoprint by orchidstreetstudio
Find more monoprints and monotypes in the Etsy Art Category.
What determines the different types of printmaking, such as an engraving, etching, lithograph, linocut, woodcut or screen print, is the material the inked surface is made from, the way the image is created on its surface, and the way the ink is applied and transferred.
Relief Prints
For example, with relief prints, such as linocuts and woodcuts, the block is carved away by the artist until the image is left in relief, then the ink is applied to the surface with a roller (called a brayer), and pressure is applied — by using a baren, a press, or even the back of a humble spoon — to transfer the ink to paper (or sometimes fabric, or other surfaces).
“Where the Wild Iris Grow” Linocut by PeterMcLean
“ThreadBear” Woodblock print by VIZArt
Find more linocuts and woodblock prints on Etsy.
Mixed Media Prints
Artists also like to mix it up by using different printmaking techniques in the one artwork, or applying other media such as paint or collage, to create something truly unique.
“Beards of the World” Linocut and Screen Print by linocutboy
“Butterflies” Xerox transfer lithograph and collage on wood panel by loadedhipspress
“A Windy Disposition” Reduction woodcut and collagraph by studioegk
Find collographs in the Etsy Art Category.
Intaglio Prints
With intaglio printmaking, the image is carved into the plate. The intaglio printmaker can make her markings through various methods, such as engraving or etching. After the artist inks the plate, she wipes off the excess ink so that only the marked areas will transfer ink to the paper (or fabric, or other surface).
“Allure” Engraving by danieldishman
“Japanese Koi” Etching with aquatint by williamholt
Find more intaglio prints on Etsy.
Screen Prints
Serigraph and silkscreening are other words for screenprinting, the technique of forcing ink through a screen with an image burned into an emulsion layer. (For an in-depth look, check out this Screenprinting and You video). Gocco is a Japanese machine using the screenprinting technique with a built in flash bulb (see a How-To video Etsy made about Gocco printing).
“A Rose for Emily” Screen print by lanydevening
“Four Post-It Prints No.5″ Gocco prints by ChrisKeegan
“Cottonwood Spring” Hand-cut serigraph by HarmstonArts
Search for screenprints, gocco, silkscreen, and serigraph on Etsy.
Can all prints be defined as printmaking? The short answer is no. While browsing original prints on Etsy, you may also stumble on reproduction prints. Reproductions are copies of original artworks, such as paintings and drawings. They are not printed by hand, and most often printed digitally, such as inkjet or giclée prints. To add to the confusion, digital art and photography fall into distinct categories of their own. Although they are often printed digitally, they are not reproductions because they are not copies of existing artwork, and yet they don’t fit within the printmaking category either. Confusing? Luckily, most Etsy sellers are very friendly and helpful, and will happily answer your questions about the techniques and printing processes they use, so please don’t hesitate to contact the artist for clarification.
Enough details! Luckily, you don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the beauty of an original print. And even better, you don’t need to be a millionaire to start a collection of original art – printmaking is the perfect place to start!
Further Resources:
125 comments
Sign in to add your ownNanLawson says:
great article! makes me want to go print something...
4 years ago
makepienotwar says:
my husband and i make screenprinted shirts so its a nice change to have just prints so we can enjoy them everyday!!! i love etsy, there are so many artists on here!
4 years ago
DownToTheWireDesigns says:
This is a really great article! The prints used for examples are wonderful and I had not seen some of the techniques on Etsy before.
4 years ago
niTeBecOmEsdAy says:
i took a printmaking class in college, and this makes me want to do it again! thanks for the great article.
4 years ago
phippsart says:
Hooray for printmaking!!! (With a special nod to screen printing.)
4 years ago
DeNovoStyle says:
Oh, I love these! Marking some favorites today!
4 years ago
ArtbyElizabethBauman says:
Thank you so much for this series. This is another great article! Can't wait to explore all these artists further.
4 years ago
prettydreamer says:
Great story and just wonderful picks!!
4 years ago
chocolateandsteel says:
great article! I love the "beards of the world" wow, there are some really talented people here.
4 years ago
FancifulForm says:
I really want to learn some form of printmaking. Everything here is so inspiring!
4 years ago
yaelfran says:
lovveeeeeeeee fricdementol prints!!!
4 years ago
CwButcher says:
awesome really great prints cool picks
4 years ago
fricdementol says:
Thank you so much for this article! Hurray for printmaking :)
4 years ago
dogties says:
Great prints! Love the fish print.
4 years ago
michelemaule says:
I heart printmaking :) Great article.
4 years ago
PeppermintDaydreams says:
fantastic article!...i'm learning screen printing now, it's terribly exciting!
4 years ago
almapottery says:
very cool article.great idea,I would love to see a series of these articles covering all categories on etsy. well done!
4 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
Fantastic article; very informative. Printmaking was one of my very favorite studios in art school; I loved monoprints especially.
4 years ago
HelenGotlib says:
Love this article!Thanks SO much for including my "Tomoko" woodblock print in it!-heleng
4 years ago
popsiclestick says:
Am mad about prints - love the glossary - much needed. I'd have every square inch of every wall covered in art if I could. This is one of the best yet - so happy!
4 years ago
popsiclestick says:
Oh, and I'm a huge fan and proud owner of Magic Jelly's work.
4 years ago
thepairabirds says:
Great article! And, introducing us to so many printmakers
4 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
i love this!
4 years ago
BlackStar says:
Great article and wonderful prints! We have such amazing talent on Etsy. I have one from mLee that I adore~
4 years ago
MelissaSue says:
lovely! one day i'll get an original by 'bdelpesco' :)
4 years ago
tiltingpress says:
wonderful printmaking promo! great prints too!
4 years ago
VIZArt says:
magicjelly you are my hero!!! great article. i'm off to look at some new favorites.
4 years ago
odiliafu says:
Wonderful article! Love the prints!
4 years ago
craftgasm says:
Fabulous quick guide to the different methods. Thank you!
4 years ago
doodlesbydanni says:
Great selection!
4 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
so excited to see this wonderful and informative article on the many varieties of hand-pulled prints here on Etsy...thank you! (what amazing artists!!!)
4 years ago
livefunky says:
Wonderful feature on printmaking right here on Etsy! Lots of amazing, talented artists featured. I also LOVE the work of mLee.
4 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
i love lanydevening!! these are all fabulous artworks!! :)
4 years ago
EpicBones says:
this is great, i love printmaking!!
4 years ago
EnfinLaVoila says:
Fantastic! The perfect mix of skills and talent!
4 years ago
SouthwestFlower says:
Oh I love Ab Lincoln! Yeah
4 years ago
debhillart says:
Hats off to you magicjelly! Beautiful presentation.
4 years ago
TheDizzyPixie says:
I love prints! I've taken a couple classes on printmaking and can truly appreciate the effort that goes into every single one. Great collection!
4 years ago
loopyboopy says:
Excellent article. Wow, what talent. Thanks to for the clarification of what printmaking is, hopefully it will help the community to better understand too!!
4 years ago
Slowshirts says:
Printmaking 101. Great Work MJ!
4 years ago
BPyarns says:
All wonderful art pics ~ the sea turtle is my fav!
4 years ago
sweetestpea says:
Hooray for printmakers! My husband and I have collected from quite a few Etsy artists. Here are some favorites: http://mmcullen.etsy.com http://mlee.etsy.com http://azuregrackle.etsy.com http://cricketpress.etsy.com http://greenchairpress.etsy.com http://sepialepus.etsy.com And, looking through my favorites also inspired me to finally make a purchase from http://wondercabinet.etsy.com Thanks, storque, you did your job. :P
4 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Thank you for this article, it's interesting and informative for those of us who collect these sorts of things!
4 years ago
sandali says:
Amazing article... puts a huge smile on my face ;) Was never into printmaking but this article inspired me to take a closer look !! Happy Days ;)
4 years ago
deebeale says:
Thanks, great article.
4 years ago
kunklebaby says:
Great article! I have some new shops I want to check out. :D
4 years ago
plasticrooster says:
So glad to see this article. I have mostly paintings in my shop right now, but I recently graduated with a major in printmaking and my boyfriend and I met through our love of the medium. I was also glad to see an explanation of the difference between fine art prints and reproduction prints.
4 years ago
suzii says:
!!! More art for my walls :)
4 years ago
mirkah says:
I have some posters of printmaking techniques on my blog as well, http://mirka-h.blogspot.com/2008/12/posters-for-exhibition-done.html if anyone needs more clarification.
4 years ago
pepperhemBABY says:
majicjelly rules!!!
4 years ago
pepperhemBABY says:
excuse me :( maGicjelly rules!!!
4 years ago
spoonergregory says:
Brilliant!
4 years ago
recycledwares says:
what a great article and wonderful prints, makes me want to start collecting, starting with the original art listed above.
4 years ago
ArgyleWhale says:
Thanks MJ! You have introduced me to lots of new favorite artists! I agree that collecting prints is an affordable way to start an art collection of originals.
4 years ago
lilworkerb says:
Great article! I love buying art, maybe someday I'll be good enough to sell it too.
4 years ago
GwenOttingerArtworks says:
Thanks for a informative article with absolutely beautiful selections. They each have such distinct feel.
4 years ago
magicjelly says:
Oh hooray! It's up! Thanks everyone...& thanks Vanessa! I really tried hard to choose artists whose work may be new to people on Etsy...wow there's some incredible printmakers out there!! :)
4 years ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
Oh yay! Excellent article!
4 years ago
theaxx says:
Oooh, which one to choose, all these would make any wall so super sexy!
4 years ago
Knotaway says:
Fantastic guide! Love it!
4 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Love it!!
4 years ago
planetdebris says:
thanks, magic. there are such amazingly talented artists and printmakers here. Now I want to have a try!
4 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Fabulous selections! Amazing talent!
4 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
Thanks for clearing up some of the confusion. Makes me want to get out my woodblock supplies again...hmmmm
4 years ago
GreenMamba says:
Informative, very readable, and chock full of original-print goodness! (Am drooling over that amazing Tomoko print . . .) Danke, MJ!
4 years ago
doodleandhoob says:
Great article and examples! Thanks, mj!
4 years ago
jamieribisi says:
MagicJelly-- you're the glue that holds the Etsy art world together-- LOVE you and everything that you do!
4 years ago
LaVogue says:
This is a wonderful article, showing some absolutely stunning artwork by highly expert artists. Etsy should show off more of its real live art this way. THANK YOU, MagicJelly, and thank you Etsy for paying attention.
4 years ago
Signs says:
very cool printing making is lots of fun
4 years ago
bhangtiez says:
luv the windy & the tress...sharing is caring
4 years ago
Lundberg says:
this is fantastic!!! great job and love the work that is highlighted... I hope this helps to bring more collectors of printmaking on here.. there is so much really good work here!
4 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
This was a really informative article. Thanks so much!
4 years ago
CallMeOut says:
wonderful article, easy to understand and very relevant. Knowledge is power! magicjelly rules!
4 years ago
bunnyboutique says:
I just adore art and printmaking. I've managed to collect some great prints from etsy. I have even made some prints in my time. it's such an enjoyable process. I love the experimentation part of it the most. Often it produces unexpected and stunning resaults.
4 years ago
JesseMosher says:
yeah ,great ...I stated out doing hand pulled slkscreens - even posted a few in my shop ,oh so recently . Thanks MagicJelly good to see this here .
4 years ago
fatcrowpress says:
A very wonderful and informative article! I am honored to be one of the printmakers chosen. A lot of the artists listed are on my favorites list. There is so much talent out there and I love looking at and collecting handpulled prints. Thanks for your great reporting!
4 years ago
raegunfabric says:
great finds, love the thread bear
4 years ago
essimar says:
collector and maker of prints. it's the only way to have a true!
4 years ago
themefragrance says:
thanks for all the info on printmaking! loved seeing all the work...
4 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
FABulous!! Thank you for a VERY informative article - with such beautiful, original works of art.
4 years ago
AKjapan says:
Magic Jelly is the clearest thinker on Etsy. Orchidstreetstudio's gyotaku are absolutely fantastic.
4 years ago
sheridesthelion says:
thanks for writing this!
4 years ago
LyonSmithGallery says:
cool, thanks
4 years ago
DeanDymentStudios says:
thank you for writing this. So many people are confused as to what a print is that I think sometimes avoid them. Wonderful printmakers on this site.
4 years ago
barehandedpress says:
I often worry that shoppers don't know the difference between original and reproduction prints. Thanks for posting the info!
4 years ago
vantiani says:
Thank you, Karena! Such an awesome post! Vantiani.
4 years ago
StudioSeventySeven says:
Loved screen printing in college in Dublin. In between copious amounts of alcohol!
4 years ago
slinkymalinkicat says:
This is brilliant, really interesting. Thank you!
4 years ago
LeftHandHats says:
Great information! Thanks for the article!
4 years ago
maggiemaescolours says:
Great article. magicjelly you are magical. Thank you Etsty for bringing so many fine arttist together.
4 years ago
whyte says:
magicjelly, great explanation of types of printmaking...hard to do in a few words but you did it wonderfully! Nice selection of talented artists too!
4 years ago
ourfrontyard says:
Absolutely Beautiful Prints!!!!! :-)
4 years ago
DeconstructTheWorld says:
Very informative, I've been wanting to make some of my own Origami paper. I may just try my hand at it!
4 years ago
minouette says:
thanks for writing up this guide, magicjelly!
4 years ago
erindollar says:
thank you so much for including info on the difference between original hand pulled prints and reproduction giclee prints! i find that most people don't know the difference, and there is definitely something to be said for owning an original!
4 years ago
BluCille says:
Neat stuff.
4 years ago
LittleGreenSquirrel says:
Super great article! Thanks!
4 years ago
Blubeary says:
Fantastic work
4 years ago
Iammie says:
Nice arts
4 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Thanks for sharing, Magicjelly! It was a pleasant surprise to see the other Iris on the blog. I am still totally loving my original art work from you :)
4 years ago
jeremisavoie says:
woww we have some much talented artist here on Etsy:)
4 years ago
Ennaa5 says:
:O OMG! hahaha i NEED to paint something haha, those prints are AWESOME! ;) Very original, fantastic work. Congratulations-
4 years ago
badcatjewelry says:
Incredible article Magic Jelly. I am a fan of linocuts and woodblock, myself. There is lots of talent on this site and your article helped in starting a treasure hunt for me.
4 years ago
loadedhipspress says:
Thank you magicjelly! You summed it up so beautifully. And look at all the rockin' printmakers on Etsy.
4 years ago
FoundVintageStyle says:
this is such a valuable article. very well thought out, easy to grasp. your choices are stunning as well. thanks MJ and thanks to Etsy as well!
4 years ago
LANCERIKA says:
interesting article,so much to learn about printmaking.. really great info*
4 years ago
TokenEmotion says:
wonderful article! I'm so excited about my first etsy storque "debut" :) And I'm a big fan of fricdementol. great talent here!
4 years ago
bizarregalah says:
Brilliant article, thanks!!
4 years ago
kirstenfrancis says:
Wonderful! Thanks for explaining the various kinds of printmaking. The featured artists' work has inspired me to set up my own shop (as well as endlessly browse). Hooray for printmaking and printmakers!
4 years ago
studiobeerhorst says:
Taking time here is getting my printmaking fire roaring again.
4 years ago
panchromatica says:
I'm glad you have made the point that digital images and photos are not copies. It might have been useful to point out that despite the way some people use the term this applies to giclee/inkjet too. Giclee is a process that can be used to make reproductions - and often is - but it can also produce originals - as with photographs and digital paintings.
4 years ago
kariusdeparius says:
TX for enlightening the masses! I'll now soon come up with some... FARE FORWARD VOYAGERS - LOVE from FRANCE
4 years ago
tugboatprintshop says:
awesome! so great to see this as a topic!
4 years ago
soule says:
OH! I Love Printing!
4 years ago
anagrampress says:
As a printmaker myself, THANK YOU! I find myself having to explain these distinctions almost every day—now I know where to send people for great information!
4 years ago
Furiousdreams says:
These are great examples and thanks for a fantastic article on printmaking. Agreed about the point on giclée and offset printing. A good way to buy prints is through a limited edition. Archival prints can also be high quality and a reasonable way to purchase otherwise more costly original paintings. I offer original woodcuts, etchings and linoleum block prints in my own shop, please drop by for a visit! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19841205
4 years ago
artisticle says:
makes me want to return to printing as soon as I finish up these drawings.
3 years ago
projectspeaklove says:
great article - i'll be adding a link to my new blog. thanks!
3 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
I have always wanted a different source for art prints. I have seen some unusual print techniques demonstrated at my collage in the art department my artwork is featured here http://galleongalsblog.blogspot.com/
3 years ago
Tina669 says:
i love this!
3 years ago
silversorbetdesigns says:
Great article! I didn't know much about printmaking before.
3 years ago
TheArtBoutique says:
It is very nice to refresh my memory about all of those techniques. It does save so much time!
3 years ago
jbeaudet says:
I worked at a serigraph printing studio for 5 years so I know about all the time and labor that goes into creating a print of an original. The color separators are very talented artist that help bring the prints to life. It's an interesting process from beginning to end. We also did giclees that had the same care given to them. The use of this term has been a bit cloudy on here as there is a big difference on how much a giclee printed from a printing studio is worth compared to a home office printer. Sometimes spot colors are added with ink screens as well as hand applied textures and finishes. The substrate(material printed on)used is also a factor in quality and cost. It's hard to distinguish between the different sources, when viewing a print online, which makes it important that the seller gives the buyer this information. Sorry I went on so long I just wanted to add some info here.
3 years ago
BlueShoeStudio says:
I love looking back at these older articles and finding new shops and talents to explore! It's my favorite 'poking-around-Etsy' jaunt.
3 years ago
Patty McAuliffe from EtchingsPlus says:
This is a great article with nice explanations of what we printmakers do! We need more publicity like this! THANKS for it.
83 days ago