Thursday 16 April 2015

The pitch

Before we were given this lecture, we were asked to research the one of the individual printing techniques that are available to us to perform with as illustrators. We were to chose from the list of techniques which was given to us:

  • Risograph
  • Letterpress
  • Screenprinting
  • Etching
  • Lithograph
  • Anything else of our choice
We were asked to research the process of the technique as well as the ways it is used, the companies which specialise in this method, the cost of it and how other illustrators and designers use it. 

I had chosen to research the Etching technique, and had to prepare myself for later giving a pitch on this subject, with an aim to sell this technique to my peers and convince them that this was the best technique available to use. 

I found most of my research for Etching here.


What I discovered


The process:

When gathering my research on etching using the above site, I learned about both the original method and process for etching as well as the modern day techniques used. Throughout the original process, a metal plate was covered with a waxy drawing surface which is unreactive with acid. The study of the artists choice was then scratched into the ground (waxy surface) with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. A tool used throughout this process was an 'Echoppe' which was used to swell the lines and create different effects. The plate is then washed with acid, dissolving some of the metal and leaving in its place the original lines sunk into the plate. The remaining elements of the ground are then also cleaned away. The plate is then cleaned all over and wiped thoroughly, leaving ink behind in only the engraved lines of the drawing. The plate is then taken through the printing process with wet paper, which when pressed against the plate picks up the ink from inside the lines and makes the print appear. The use of the metal plate is of a high advantage to the artist who can then continue using it to create identical prints countless times before the metal is worn out. 
The process of etching is regarded as a form of monoprinting and can also be combined with the technique of engraving and aquatint. The method overall varies and there are many different techniques that can be used when etching. For example in our print room at university, we complete the process very similarly to that of the original, however we use more modern materials and the process has developed greatly over time. We are fortunate enough to have cheaper, safer and more efficient ways of creating etchings. 

Ways it is used:

Etching is used to create varied and detailed prints. It is a very beneficial process because it enables us to create varied lines and patterns. It can be used to capture things like photographs, portraits, detailed drawings or expression.

Companies specialising in that method of printing: 

A company that uses etching is The London Print Studio who also encourage people to join courses at their institute to practice the technique and learn more about it. I couldn't find any specific companies online which use the etching process regularly and sell etchings either alone or amongst other works, however I do not believe that this is actually the case, as the likelihood is there are many incorporations who use the printing technique of etching on a regular basis for their work. 

The cost:

After looking into the different elements of etching such as the materials (1 and 2) etc, I have learned that etching is quite affordable. I did not find an exact price for how much etching costs creators, however the materials are reasonably priced especially for their quality, and knowing we no longer have to use things such as metals and acids makes the expenses much more cost effective. Also, very many art based institutions across the world hold access to etching machines and materials meaning it is obviously not difficult to keep up with the prices of these. 

How illustrators and designers use it: 

Many artists over time and centuries use the etching process for their own individual uses. It has been used for newspapers, advertisements, posters and framed art works. Many artists use it like they would any other form of art, and use it simply to create masterpieces. 

Artist Rembrandt, famously used the technique of etching to create many of his works during the 1600s. I think that his creations are beautifully created and detailed, especially when considering length of time ago they were created. 

Image found here

We can see here that the artist has captured a particular scenario in this piece. I admire how the artist has used darkness and light in this image and also how the detail varies to create this, as well as an interesting composition. We can see how he has used varying lines in this study using the etching process to create bold and intricate marks.
Image found here














Here is an example of how etching can be used to create portraiture pieces. I think this is a stunning image and we can again see how the artist has varied the thickness in his lines. It has an ancient feel to it, however this is interesting because the techniques he has used are still very accessible to this day.
found here
















Here is an example of how etching can be used to create landscape pieces. The artist has used different techniques in this piece to give varying textures which I think adds very interesting elements to the study. It also creates an incredible atmosphere and the detail he has managed to capture in this drawing is very inspiring. 











Many artists continue to use the technique of etching to this day. 


Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the lecture where I would have been able to pitch the information above I found when researching the technique of etching. I am hoping that there will be another opportunity to do this or something similar soon as I am aware that it is quite a crucial part of our development as it enables us to prepare for scenarios and situations we may face in our future careers as illustrators, if working for companies that rely on advertising in this way. 


I do also intend to practice etching much more in the future, having very limited experience with the process. I would also like to experiment further with the other printing techniques that are available for us to practice with at university, such as the ones I discussed earlier. I think that it is important to give each one a go and see where this could take me. 

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