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The word lithography is derived from two greek words, “lithos” and “graphier” This simply translates to “stones” and “to write” respectively. Adapting its meaning in art, lithography basically is a method of stone printing. This technique of stone printing was invented in 1796 by German author and actor Alois Senefelder. It was used to create copies of original artwork using chemicals based on the principle that grease and water do not mix. This process did not involve any etching and would make a lot more money copying the original artwork. In today’s time, lithography is popularly used for the reproduction of theatrical work at a low cost.
Table of Contents
Who is a Lithographer?
Lithographers are artists who use lithography, a type of printing process used to reproduce duplicate copies of original works of art using limestone surfaces for various artistic projects. The copies produced by this method are called ‘Lithographs’.
Also Read: Visual Arts Courses
Roles and Responsibilities of Lithographer?
The followings are the roles and responsibilities of a Lithographer:
- They use various chemical and photomechanical methods on halftone negatives or positives of art to use for the preparation of lithographic plates
- They keep the alignment of positives and negatives with each other in check
- Lithographers determine the colour balance and specified colours by examining the film on the light table
- Preventing the exposure of areas that are not covered with positives or negatives by placing masking paper on them
- Lithographers use a contact frame and automatic film processors to regulate colours by reducing the size of photographic dots
Also Read: Career in Painting
Steps to Become a Lithographer
The following are the steps of becoming a lithographer:
Pursuing lithography involves a focus on the printing of images and text with a basic understanding of equipment and essential techniques.
Education
Students can choose to pursue lithographic courses or a two-year degree from a technical institute or a four-year university program in lithographic training would equip students with all the essential skills to become a lithographer. Students can pursue educational and training programs offered by major universities, art schools, and vocational institutes
Apprenticeship
After completing the basic education about lithography, students can look for apprenticeship opportunities be it in the private sector or public sector and can learn from industry professionals in the field
Gain Professional Experience
After completing their apprenticeship, students can work with printing systems and work for crafting and copying images or texts on plates using chemicals. One can seek other opportunities as well like in equipment manufacturing, and printing presses, and can, later on, pursue a career in the digital sector as a graphic designer or in computer design.
Skills Required to become a Lithographer
The following are the skills required to become a lithographer:
- Lithographers must have good knowledge of the different colours used for printing
- They should be proficient in using various tools like templates, brushes and opaque
- Eye for detailing is a must-have skill for a lithographic artist
- They must possess knowledge of photomechanical methods
- Must have knowledge of inserting positives and negatives on register pins
- Their work should reflect their diligence and dedication
Also Read: Fine Arts Courses
Benefits of Pursuing Lithography
The following are the benefits of pursuing lithography:
- Lithography is known for its simplicity as it does not require any etching, creating imprints on metal plates or any physical carving out of an image.
- It is one of the best ways to create authorized copies of artwork. The process of lithography is cost-effective which makes it a commonly used technique for printing magazines, newspapers, textbooks, stationery and postcard
- The printing quality of the copies is very close to the original artwork and that too at a low cost
- Lithography is a flexible printing technique that can be used for a variety of surfaces provided that the medium is smooth
Career Prospects
In India, the printing industry is growing at the rate of 12% per annum. At present, the turnover of the industry is more than INR 50,000 Crore. The industry is expected to offer growth opportunities for professionals mainly because of increasing consumerism, the booming Indian economy, the entry of global brands in the country and the opening of the sector to foreign investors.
FAQs
The following are the skills required to become a lithographer:
1. Lithographers must have good knowledge of the different colours used for printing
2. They should be proficient in using various tools like templates, brushes and opaque
3. Eye for detailing is a must-have skill for a lithographic artist
The followings are the roles and responsibilities of a Lithographer:
1. They use various chemical and photomechanical methods on halftone negatives or positives of art to use for the preparation of lithographic plates
2. They keep the alignment of positives and negatives with each other in check
3. Lithographers determine the colour balance and specified colours by examining the film on the light table
The following are the benefits of pursuing lithography:
1. Lithography is known for its simplicity as it does not require any etching, creating imprints on metal plates or any physical carving out of an image.
2. It is one of the best ways to create authorized copies of artwork. The process of lithography is cost-effective which makes it a commonly used technique for printing magazines, newspapers, textbooks, stationery and postcard
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