Cardboard Print
Edition Size: at least 1
Print Size: at least 24x32"
Description: Student will use photoshop, cardboard and a choice of materials to create a large relief
print that uses the substrate as a conceptual element in the finished work.
Technical Outcomes: Final print is at least 24x32” and is printed cleanly, as appropriate. Print is
signed correctly
Formal Outcomes: The image is clearly recognizable, uses positive and negative shapes to create a
photo-based image. Conceptual Outcomes: The image and substrate interact in an interesting and unexpected manner.
Instructions
Use the cardboard printing process to make an image that has a conceptual relationship to the material on which
it is printed.
Coming up with a good idea
Start by brainstorming about possible images that you would like to work with, and think of things that you
could print the image on that would make an engaging statement. Students have printed cows on burger
wrappers, razor blades on pages from the bible, birds on silk, bridges on denim, babies on bubble wrap,
elephants on gift-wrap, and jesus on just about everything. Which of these seem to be the most engaging? Why?
Students often find the following brainstorming technique to be useful. First make a list of 10 images you might
like to work with. Next to each image, list something that you could print on that has some connection to the
item. Then start to "shuffle" the list, so you put the "wrong" substrate with each image, and see if any new
connections come up. The connection between image and material could be subtle, funny, sad, mysterious or
scary. There are a lot of solutions to this problem.
Making the print
Find your image online, or from some other source. When you get an image, you will need to
digitally manipulate it in photoshop.
First, size the image appropriately. Make it as large as you need, at about 100 ppi.
Next, threshold it, or stamp it, so it's only black and white. You may need to adjust the image
again, so you get enough detail to make the image legible, but not so much that it takes
forever to cut.
Then cut it up into 8x10" pieces, and print each one.
Stick your 8x10 pieces together, and either cut them all individually, or all at once on one big
piece of cardboard. Think about the direction of the corrugation.
Think about the color of your ink and your substrate.
Gather your substrate and print the image.
Be prepared to discuss how the substrate informs the print.