In this article, I will share a selection of printmaking books that I frequently recommend in my printmaking classes and workshops. These books cover a range of printmaking techniques, from traditional methods to experimental approaches, and can provide valuable insights and inspiration to artists of all levels, both hobbyist and professional printmakers.
I went through my library picking out my favorites, this is why I’m including books in English, German and Spanish. I hope you will find some book that catches your eye and sparks new inspiration!
Please note: I only recommend books I have read myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This list contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost for you.
Books about multiple techniques
Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials & Process (Printmaker's Bible, process shots, techniques, step-by-step illustrations)
Bill Fick, Beth Grabowski
This comprehensive book covers a wide range of printmaking techniques, and is an excellent introduction to different materials and methods. It offers detailed explanations and step-by-step instructions, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced printmakers.
Drucktechniken. Das Handbuch zu allen Materialien und Methoden
Bill Fick, Beth Grabowski
This is the German translation of the book above.
Triunfar estampando: entresijos y soluciones gráficas del legendario equipo Vostok
Vostok
(In Spanish) One of my favorite books about printmaking, it covers many traditional techniques but also experimental ones. The processes are illustrated and well explained. It offers a unique perspective on printmaking and is sure to inspire artists of all levels.
Print Workshop: Hand-Printing Techniques and Truly Original Projects
Christine Schmidt
This book is centered around hand-printing and low-budget techniques that can be done at home — but with excellent results. It covers topics such as relief printmaking, stencil, cyanotype and transfer, and contains plenty of project ideas with step-by-step instructions.
Von Hand gedruckt: Hoch- und Siebdruck, Cyanotypie und Monotypie, Bildtransfer und Schablonieren
Lena Heidorn
(In German) This book covers a wide range of different manual printing techniques, such as relief and stamp printing, screen printing, monotype, cyanotype, transfer and stencil. All techniques and projects are illustrated with step-by-step instructions.
The Printmaking Ideas Book
Frances Stanfield, Lucy McGeown
This small book showcases many artists and printmaking techniques. It doesn't go deep into each method, but it's a good source of inspiration.
Books about stamping, linocut and relief techniques
Linocut: A Creative Guide to Making Beautiful Prints
Sam Marshall
Beatiful book that explores linocut printmaking in detail, with step-by-step instructions and inspiring examples for beginners and experienced artists. The book covers the basics of linocut but also more advanced processes such as printing multiple layers. I find Sam Marshall's way of explaining the method approachable and loved the epilogue where she encourages the readers to call themselves artists.
¡Estampa!
Fábrica de Texturas
(In Spanish) Super colorful book about stamping using different materials like EVA foam and rubber stamps. It contains instructions on how to make the stamps, how to use them to make repeating patterns, printing onto different surfaces and using multiple colors.
This is often one of the favorites of my workshop participants!
Linoldruck: Motivwahl, Schneiden, Drucken
Kai Salaschitz
(In German) This book goes deep into the topic of linocut, covering everything from choosing a design to carving and printing. It's a useful guide for anyone wanting to explore this printmaking technique.
Linocut for Artists & Designers
Nick Morley
Practical guide that explores linocut printmaking. It offers step-by-step instructions, materials, and instructions on how to set up your working space, as well as a showcase of linocut artists.
Linocut: learn in a weekend
Nick Morley
Small but super complete book with various techniques for single and multi-color linocuts, written in a very friendly style. One of my favorite parts of the book was the way Nick Morley talks about ink and colors.
Books about screen printing
Screenprinting: The Ultimate Studio Guide from Sketchbook to Squeegee
Print Club London
Comprehensive and practical book that covers everything about the screen printing technique, from initial design concepts to the final squeegee stroke.
This studio companion offers tips, techniques, and step-by-step instructions to master the technique. With a focus on creativity and innovation, the book inspires both beginners and experienced artists to explore various printing methods, experiment with color, and produce stunning prints.
Siebdruck: Das Handbuch zu allen Materialien und Methoden
Print Club London
This is the German translation of the book above.
Serigrafía: la guía definitiva para trabajar en el estudio
Print Club London
This is the Spanish translation of the book above.
Books about experimental printmaking
In unsrer Küche wird weiter gedruckt: Kreative Kleinauflagen handgemacht
Laura Sofie Hantke, Lucas Grassmann
(In German) Kitchen Lithography is an experimental technique that uses aluminium foil as the printing plate, and cola to etch the design onto the aluminium plate. Laura and Lucas' book explains the technique step by step and features lots of lovely examples.
The book layout is also beautiful.
Kitchen Lithography: Hand Printing at Home: From Buttons and Bags to Postcards and Pillowcases (easy techniques for DIY lithography you can create in your kitchen)
Laura Sofie Hantke, Lucas Grassmann
This is the English translation of the book above.
Una imprenta en la cocina : aprende la técnica de la kitchen litho
Laura Sofie Hantke, Lucas Grassmann
This is the Spanish translation of the book above.
Gelliprint: Unikate drucken auf Papier, Stoff und Holz
Sabine Ickler, Katrin Klink
(In German) This is a guide that explores gelli printing, a versatile and accessible printing technique, where a gelatine plate is used in combination with acrylic paint to create monoprints.
Making Collagraph Prints
Suzie Mackenzie
Small but comprehensive guide to the collagraph technique. This book offers step-by-step instructions and insights into creating unique and textured prints using collagraph techniques.
Experimentelles Drucken: Techniken und Ideen für den Milchkartondruck
Laura Vidal
(In German)
This is my book about the Tetra Pak printmaking technique! In 144 pages I introduce you to the basics of printmaking adapted to the Tetra Pak technique, including intaglio, relief, letterpress and blind embossing. The book features 15 projects that you can print at home.
What are your favorite printmaking books?
I'm always excited to read new ones 🤓, so feel free to send your recommendations to studio@ateliergelb.com
