Printmaking Career Resources
The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!
Common Career Paths for Printmaking Majors
If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles that alumni often pursue. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field.
Printmaker - Create original prints through various techniques like etching, lithography, screen printing, or woodcut. Methods of selling the work may include independent sales, participating in art fairs, or working with art galleries.
Book Artist - Make artist books or incorporate printmaking into book design and production. This can involve designing and printing limited edition books for sale by publishers and galleries.
Print Studio Manager - Manage a printmaking studio, including overseeing operations, maintaining equipment, and organizing printmaking workshops or classes.
Art Administrator - Manage and support the operations of art organizations, such as galleries, museums, art centers, or cultural institutions. Exact responsibilities can vary widely depending on the size and focus of the organization.
Museum / Gallery Curator - Organize exhibitions, manage collections, and support artists while working for institutions that exhibit artwork. This path often requires a graduate degree in a specialized field such as art history or museum studies for career advancement.
Art Critic or Writer - Review and write about art for magazines, newspapers, blogs, or other media outlets. This often involves a deep understanding of art history and contemporary trends, along with writing skill. This is frequently done on a freelance basis.
Art Educator - Teach art forms at various levels, from elementary schools to universities. Teaching at the university level would likely require graduate level education.
Gallery Assistant / Coordinator - Play a key role in the smooth operation of the gallery by offering sales support, exhibition management, artist communication, and marketing assistance.
Graphic Designer - Use printmaking techniques to inform graphic design work, which can include creating posters, brochures, and other print media. This path often combines traditional printmaking skills with design principles.
Residency Coordinator - Manage the operational functions of artist residency programs. The exact responsibilities may vary depending on the residency, but may include focuses on programming, communication, studio maintenance, fundraising, and more.
Art Conservator - Preserve and restore artworks to ensure their longevity, while often working in a museum or cultural institution. This almost always require additional levels of highly specialized graduate education.
Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List
This is a curated list of places where students have done internships in the last few years.
Washington Printmakers Gallery
Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities
Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.
Organizations, Directories, & Communities
This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.
International Fine Print Dealers Association
Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies
Explore this selection of internal grant and fellow opportunities available to RISD students.
Student & Alumni Stories
Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.
SPUR Grants Support Site-Specific Research
Providence-Based Alums Win Support
Between + Beyond at the Biennials
CreativeStudy
This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!
Learn About Grants and Residencies
The following tutorial, produced by Grants & Residencies Manager Lisa Cramer, focuses on guiding you through the application process. RISD students and alumni are encouraged to meet with us to learn more.
Learn About Seeking Exhibition Opportunities
In this panel discussion, you'll hear directly from gallery and museum representatives along with RISD artists, who will offer specific tips and best practices to help improve your approach.