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Lesson 6 of 7

Mixed media printing: combining traditional and modern methods

I can create a mixed media print that combines traditional printmaking techniques with digital overlays.

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View unit
Lesson 6 of 7
New
New

Mixed media printing: combining traditional and modern methods

I can create a mixed media print that combines traditional printmaking techniques with digital overlays.

Download all

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Mixed media printing integrates traditional methods (e.g. monoprint, collagraph) with modern digital techniques.
  2. Printmaking benefits from both traditional techniques and digital edits through digital overlays and refinement.
  3. Mixed media approaches encourage creativity, problem-solving, and new ways of working.

Keywords

  • Monoprint - a unique print made by drawing or inking on a surface and pressing onto paper

  • Collagraph - a print created using a textured collage plate

  • Digital overlay - adding computer-generated imagery or text onto a traditional print

  • Mixed media - combining more than one artistic medium within a single artwork

Common misconception

Digital tools replace traditional printmaking.

Digital tools enhance traditional methods by expanding creative possibilities - neither replaces the other.

Encourage experimentation - mistakes often lead to creative breakthroughs. Remind pupils that layering and combining techniques is about trial, refinement, and risk-taking, not just a polished final outcome.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Printing inks, rollers, roller tray. Paper, card. Collage materials (fabric, textured card, string). Computer digital art software. Scanner or camera for digitising prints. Scissors, glue.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.

Correct Answer:monoprint,a print made by drawing or inking on a surface and pressing onto paper

a print made by drawing or inking on a surface and pressing onto paper

Correct Answer:collagraph,a print created using a textured collage plate

a print created using a textured collage plate

Correct Answer:digital overlay,adding computer-generated imagery or text onto a traditional print

adding computer-generated imagery or text onto a traditional print

Q2.
What is the first step of exploring traditional prints and digitising them?

adjusting colours in Photoshop
Correct answer: scanning or photographing the print to create a digital copy
printing the design directly from a computer file
adding digital overlays and textures immediately

Q3.
What is a good object to use for a monoprint?

Correct answer: a textured leaf or piece of fabric
a flat, smooth piece of glass
a blank sheet of plain paper
a metal spoon

Q4.
Which statement best explains how a collagraph is made?

to cut into a lino block and inking the raised areas
to etch lines into a metal plate with acid
to layer colours digitally before printing
Correct answer: to arrange textured materials onto a surface to create a collaged printing plate

Q5.
How can digital overlays enhance traditional prints?

Correct answer: by adding layers of colour, texture, or imagery that expand possibilities
by automatically fixing mistakes in carving or etching
by making the printing process faster without changing the design
by replacing the need for traditional tools entirely

Q6.
How does mixed media printing expand creative possibilities for artists?

by limiting them to one traditional technique only
Correct answer: by combining traditional methods with digital overlays, edits, or enhancements
by removing the need for hands-on processes completely
by ensuring every print looks identical with no variation

Lesson appears in

UnitArt and design / Graphic communication

Art and design

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