Print Media

The Print Media cohort enthusiastically work together in a community of practice. We hold the shared purpose of researching, discussing, and producing work that lands within the vanguard of contemporary art practice. 

Our program centers around the studio and supporting individual students’ practices. In addition to studio practice, ongoing critical dialogue is fostered through peer review during weekly critiques, one-on-one meetings with the Artist-in-Residence, regular reading groups, professional practice seminars, studio visits and lectures with visiting artists and critics as well as through the campus wide critical studies program.  

We hold workshops on various traditional methods of printmaking (screen-printing, lithography, letterpress, and intaglio) and novel print processes (hydro-dipping, image transfers, etc.)  Workshops are led by students, Artists-in-Residence, and Visiting Artists. 

The department’s schedule reflects our program’s dedication to the development of each member’s individual studio and research practice, as well as the growth of a shared set of critical thinking, writing, speaking and making skills that will contribute to, and advance the discipline of Print Media. Formal office hours with the Artists-in-Residence are also available weekly to ensure access for students to address any concerns. 

Every semester Print Media hosts visits by a diverse array of notable artists, critics, and curators from around the world to share their expertise through public lectures, studio visits, and workshops.

In addition, the department regularly visits galleries, studios, and other spaces in the city of Detroit to engage with the local contemporary art scene. Students have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with Detroit artists, studio collectives, museums, and galleries.

Print Media’s studio spaces are semi-private and diverse in size to accommodate different ways of working. Studios are located in both Cranbrook’s Adminstration building and the nearby Annex building which is also home to the 2D Design department. Both are equipped with a communal kitchen. 

These spaces serve as a focal points for the department and are where we meet for discussions and shared meals.  These formal and informal interactions allow Artists-in-Residence and students to form lifelong connections with one another. 

The Print Media department facilitates a variety of department trips, selected with input of the current cohort.  Past travel includes Mexico City, Mexico; Marfa, TX, USA; New York City, NY, USA; in addition to attending the Mid America Print Conference and the Southern Graphics Print Conference.   

The department regularly visit Detroit, about 30 minutes away from the Cranbrook campus, where we have long standing relationships with a number of galleries, artist run spaces, and non profit print shops.  We have recently visited Signal Return, Talking Dolls Studios, David Klein Gallery, 3rd Man Records, What Pipeline? Gallery, Wasserman Projects, Hamtramck Disneyland and Heidelberg Projects. 

The Print Shop, in the Academy’s Administration building, is the primary working space for Print Media students and is available for all Academy students and Artists-in-Residence. Our shop contains necessary equipment for a wide range of traditional and experimental printmaking processes in addition to substantial square-footage and large tables to accommodate large-scale works and wide-reaching collaborations.

• Cincinnati  Long Arm Poster Printing Press
• Takach Etching Press (72”x40”) 
• Charles Brand Etching Press (30”x16”) 
• Takatch Lithography Press (72”x40”) 
• Hinge Clamp boards and jigs for printing on dimensional substrates.
• Shared 110 & 230 screens
• CMYK printing inks, trans base, mixing tools, and containers 
• Shared photo emulsion, scoop coaters 
• Shared inks, modifiers, and non-toxic etching grounds
• Various lithography rollers (leather and rubber) 
• Tools for hydro-dipping and marblizing
• Punch system for pins and tabs registration
• Heat Press

Print Media students also have access to Cranbrook’s Central Materials Lab for fabrication in metal, wood, ceramics, fiber, and other materials and Central Media Lab which houses large format printers, an embroidery machine, computer stations, a theater, and a photography studio.