Talking Points: What is Monotype?
What makes a monotype unique?
Monotype is a type of printmaking that combines printing and drawing. Instead of drawing straight onto paper, artists make marks onto a printing plate covered in ink before laying paper over the plate and transferring the print. Artists can’t always predict exactly what the print will look like. The unexpected marks, textures and shapes that appear are part of what makes each monotype unique.
Watch the videos below to explore the monotype process and discover how it can bring unexpected results into our drawings.
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Monotype
A monotype is a simple printmaking process that is used to create one off prints. Sometimes artists will create a ‘ghost’ print from whatever is left on the printing plate after an initial print has been taken.
There are many ways that a monotype can be made. A metal or plastic plate is painted onto with any material that will transfer marks to paper under pressure.
A monotype is a stand alone print whereas a monoprint is a print that is part of a series.
Find our collection of monotype resources here.
This Talking Points Is Used In...
using sketchbooks to make visual notes
Show me what you see
