In the only printmaking and screening elective offered at any IUSD school, Northwood students have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to design their own apparel and accessories. Making something tangible and personal is a defining and distinct feature of Screen Print Design, giving the class its special charm.
“The primary focus is to learn the artwork so that they can take their ideas and print, press and create stickers,” instructor Robert Stuart said. “It’s a unique program. There’s a lot of processes and equipment involved.”
When designing and manufacturing a T-shirt, students first need to decide all of the details they want to include in their print. Once students have drawn or found a design online, they first must create a stencil, which is then used to transfer ink onto the shirt.
It’s a relatively simple process at first glance, but one that involves a lot of heat and special chemicals. Students take precautions (like eye protection, rubber gloves and aprons) to stay safe while printing their new apparel.
Currently, students are in the designing phase of their projects, finding or making vector art online and transferring it to the cutting machine to produce a vinyl stencil for the printing process. Finding the right design is important because it allows them to personalize their product and make it totally unique to them.
Having the opportunity to practice using computer software and the physical equipment allows students to experience this totally unique experience that they can’t find anywhere else on campus. Additionally, the class welcomes students of all skill levels, from students who are already familiar with the equipment to those who’ve never used Adobe Illustrator before.
“I’ve had some personal experience with Illustrator but I never really knew how to convert images to vector based images,” junior Nathan Tuason said. “This class taught me more about the technicalities of Illustrator than I could have learned by myself.”
T-shirts aren’t the only items that Screenprinting produces for the class. Throughout the year, students also make custom stickers, hats, keychains and tote bags, giving them the skills they need to create these items outside of school. For students interested in graphic design or apparel industries, this class is a perfect fit.
“I make stickers all the time with heat pressed vinyl,” senior Diogo Vieira said. “I work at a gym right now, and I can literally just copy and paste the logo. I made a bunch and handed them out to my coworkers.”
In Screen Print Design, Stuart doesn’t have homework or many tests, but encourages students to use their skills for activities on campus, such as printing items for clubs and other organizations. This is so that students can focus on the creative process and making art instead of worrying about deadlines.
“I’ve used my skills from Screenprinting to make shirts for other clubs,” junior Henry Truong said, “I made T-shirts for the Red Cross volunteering club. You can really go at Screenprinting any way you want.“
Students who are interested in joining Screenprinting are encouraged to talk to their counselors so that they can apply for next year.
“We do have due dates, but the class is built for success,” Stuart said. “If you are a creative person and you like immediate results from whatever you wish to achieve, then Screenprinting is the class for you. You sort of design your own expectations.”
