Becoming a photoengraver requires knowledge of printing on plates, polishing abrasives, and graphic design software. An associate’s degree is recommended, while a bachelor’s degree is required for managing an office. Specific skills include an understanding of chemistry and fine arts, as well as the ability to handle small parts and visualize completed projects. Apprenticeships are available, but job prospects are slim.
To become a photoengraver, also known as a prepress technician, you need to know how to print on zinc and copper plates, use polishing abrasives, and prepare the plates for printing. Computers and graphic design software are also important photogravure tools, so learning to use popular programs that professionals work with is imperative. Traditional photoengraving techniques can be learned during an apprenticeship, but more advanced skills are gained through study at higher art schools.
Education is the first step for photoengravers. Formal degrees are not always required, but an associate’s degree is generally recommended to become a photoengraver. Community college programs in the field are also usually sufficient. If the ultimate goal is to manage an office or business and not just shoot photos for personal projects, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design is typically required. Before enrolling in an institution of higher learning, it is important to ensure that the school offers a specific degree or concentration in photogravure or a related program that meets your needs.
Specific skills and abilities are required to become a photo engraver. This includes an understanding of chemistry and how different chemical processes and substances interact. Techniques and safety are also important to learn. Knowledge of fine arts, mathematics, computers and design techniques is also essential. A photo engraver must know how to create technical plans for their work, which includes creating blueprints, drawings and models.
Aspiring photoengravers should also assess their skills. They must be able to tell different colors apart, as well as see the differences between their shades and brightness. In this field, technicians need to handle small parts with their fingers and keep their arms and hands steady as they work. They also need good dark vision, a sense of how rules and standards are ordered, and being able to visualize how things will go before tasks and projects are completed.
As with most careers, an education is invaluable. To become a photoengraver, it’s also possible to learn the ropes during an apprenticeship, which can last several years. This field is dwindling in demand, and job prospects are slim for aspiring photoengravers. Anyone with a degree or at least an internship is more likely to get work. The journey begins with assessing the person’s inherent skills and then how to enter a photogravure job or complete a certificate or degree program.
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