Discover the Best Screen Printing Classes in Los Angeles
Screen printing is a printing technique that involves transferring ink onto a substrate through a mesh screen. The screen is prepared by coating it with a photosensitive emulsion that is exposed to light with a stencil of the design, causing the emulsion to harden in the desired areas. Once you prepare the screen, ink is poured onto one end of the screen and spread with a squeegee, which pushes the ink through the open areas of the stencil onto the substrate. The screen is then lifted, and the ink is allowed to dry.
The technique of screen printing is widely used for printing on textiles, such as t-shirts and hats, but it can also be used on paper, plastic, glass, and other materials. It’s a versatile way to print that allows for precise and high-quality impressions, making it a popular choice for a range of applications.
Why You Should Learn Screen Printing in Los Angeles
There are many compelling reasons to learn screen printing in Los Angeles. First and foremost, screen printing is a highly versatile technique that can be used to print on an array of materials, including textiles, paper, plastic, glass, and more. This makes it an ideal skill for anyone who wants to create custom designs or make their own products. Whether you want to make custom t-shirts, posters, or even skateboard decks, screen printing gives you the power to turn those ideas into reality.
In addition to its versatility, screen printing is also a cost-effective printing method. Unlike other printing methods that require expensive equipment and materials, screen printing uses simple tools and supplies. It's an accessible and affordable option for those who want to get started with printing. Furthermore, screen printing allows you to produce high-quality prints in large quantities, making it an attractive option if you’re looking to make your own merchandise or promotional items. By learning screen printing, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to create unique, high-quality prints that really stand out.
In-Person Screen Printing Classes in Los Angeles
In-person screen printing classes are offered in all kinds of venues around Los Angeles. These include community centers, art studios, colleges and universities, recreation centers, print shops, and manufacturing spaces. Beginner-level classes that are affordable and accessible to a broad range of learners are commonly hosted by community centers and recreation centers. For experienced learners or specialized silk-screening classes, ateliers and art studios may provide more advanced training. Colleges and universities usually have screen printing classes as part of their art programs that range from beginner to advanced levels. Even some print shops, manufacturers, and retailers may organize classes or workshops to demonstrate their products and techniques.
Located in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, California, Makers Mess is a dynamic creative space that fosters artistic learning, collaboration, and inspiration. They offer a diverse range of art and design classes for all ages—both kids and adults. In addition, they host various exciting events such as birthdays, pop-up shops, bridal showers, baby showers, and art exhibitions. Makers Mess was founded as a haven where individuals can create messes or masterpieces while exploring and refining their artistic skills.
Makers Mess offers a beginner-friendly workshop class called DIY Screen Printing that’s ideal for individuals who are new to screen printing. This class is taught by experienced professionals from the printmaking fine art scene who will guide you through the screen printing process. The workshop will cover all the fundamentals of screen printing and give you plenty of opportunities to explore your creativity. You’lll create your own unique, hand-printed tote bags and art prints during the workshop. All necessary materials are provided by Makers Mess, unless otherwise specified in the class description.
Ryonet Corporation, located in Cerritos, California, is a space for makers of all kinds to explore their creativity. Their journey from the past to the present has been a story of growth, fun, and learning, from high school and punk rock to eBay, silkscreening, and Ryonet. The company is guided by three main concepts: find, build, and serve. They search for ideas, needs, markets, products, and customers, build dreams, websites, teams, and customer relationships, and offer classes and workshops to share their knowledge and provide hands-on experience to creative individuals.
Ryonet Corporation's Screen Print Experience is a two-part class that is suitable for students who are new to screen printing. In this class, you will receive blank t-shirts to practice your new screen printing techniques. Lunch will be provided for both days of the class, and vegetarian options are available upon request when you call a week in advance. Ryonet's book for the digital screen printing class and materials for taking notes will be provided. The most valuable aspect of this class, however, is the practical experience you’ll gain and the knowledge you’ll acquire about the screen printing industry.
Ryonet Corporation's Screen Printing Workshop is an ideal class for beginners who’d like to learn the fundamental skills of screen printing and gain experience with the methods and materials. As with their Screen Print Experience class, you’ll be furnished with blank t-shirts to practice your screen printing skills, and lunch will be available for both days (vegetarian options are available upon request). You’ll also receive Ryonet's book for the class, as well as supplies for note-taking. This workshop will equip you with new skills and provide you with insights into the screen printing industry.
The Makery Craft Co. is situated in Anaheim, California, and was established in 2012 with the belief that people have more capability and creativity than they think. Their workshop sessions are tailored toward busy adults who enjoy dabbling in creative endeavors in their leisure time. They offer a transparent pricing system and convenient scheduling. They also work closely with their instructors to ensure that their workshops are professional, useful, and, most importantly, enjoyable.
DIY Screen Printing at The Makery Craft Co. is a class in which you’ll discover how to design and prepare a reusable image to print on a variety of surfaces like textiles, clothing, and paper. You can print matching t-shirts for your extra-curricular sports team or hobbyist group. The possibilities are endless. There is a $20 fee due to the instructor at the start of the workshop, which covers your supply kit.
Valley Art Workshop is located near Tarzana in Woodland Hills, California. The goal of The Valley Print Studio is to promote community education and support professional art production through printmaking and paper-making. They are committed to offering artists a well-equipped, informative, and professional space to create fine art prints. The studio aims to modernize traditional crafts for contemporary image-making, producing art in a way that’s both impactful and environmentally conscious. They also teach in-person classes for all levels of expertise.
Intro to Fine-Art Screenprint at Valley Art Workshop will show you how screen printing occupies a border between fine-art printing and industrial production. They’ll demonstrate how this conceptual ground has been well-farmed since the Pop Art Movement of the 1960s. You’ll learn all about the evolution of this exciting medium and how it’s still an excellent way to transfer hand-composed designs and photographic compositions into prints.
Otis College of Art and Design in the Westchester area of Los Angeles, California, is the city’s first independent professional school of art and design. Since 1918, Otis has trained artists and designers on the cutting edge of Southern California’s cultural life. From Mattel to Pixar to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Otis graduates have made a positive and lasting impact on the world at large. In addition to its regular curriculum, the school offers a number of in-person classes, including those in screen printing.
Otis hosts a Silkscreen class that will introduce you to screen-printing, one of the most versatile printmaking mediums. You’ll be given a complete understanding of materials from coating and exposing a screen to registration. You’ll also learn how to use stencils and mix inks. In addition, you’ll discover how direct emulsion photo screens allow you to work from handmade, photographic, text-oriented, or digitally-produced image sources.
Virtual Screen Printing Classes
Online screen printing classes and in-person screen printing classes differ in several ways. In-person classes allow you to physically interact with the equipment, materials, and instructors, which can be beneficial if you're a beginner who needs hands-on guidance. As an in-person student, you can receive immediate feedback and ask questions in real-time, and instructors can observe and correct your mistakes as they happen. Additionally, in-person classes provide the opportunity to socialize and connect with others who share similar interests.
