Screen prints? Serigraphs? Gig posters? Art prints?
Whatever you want to call them, at Pragmatic Prints we have been screen printing posters in our Portland Oregon studio for the last 10 years, with more than 15 years of experience.
We take a deliberate, hands-on approach to screen printing — prioritizing quality, alignment, and longevity over speed or automation.
From the first conversation to final delivery, each step is designed to protect the integrity of the artwork and the finished print.
1. Contact Us to Discuss Your Project
Every project starts with a conversation.
We’ll talk through:
- Your artwork and vision
- Intended edition size
- Number of colors
- Paper preferences
- Timeline and budget
This step ensures we’re aligned before any production begins and helps us recommend the best approach for your specific project.
Ready to get started? Contact us here
2. Artwork Approval & Proofing
Once we’ve reviewed your project details, you’ll submit your artwork for proofing — or work directly with us to develop something custom (yea, we do that too).
Before printing begins:
- Artwork is reviewed for print readiness
- Colors are separated for screen printing
- You receive a proof for final approval
Nothing moves forward until the artwork is approved. This ensures accuracy and eliminates surprises during printing (because nobody wants that).
3. Screen Preparation (One Screen per Color)
Screen printing is all about precision.
For each poster:
- One screen is prepared for every color
- Screens are coated, exposed, and washed by hand
- Fine details are carefully checked before printing
This step is critical to achieving crisp lines and consistent ink coverage across the entire edition.
4. Hand Printing, One Color at a Time
This is where the magic happens.
Each poster is:
- Hand pulled, not machine printed
- Printed one color at a time
- Carefully registered to ensure clean alignment
We allow proper drying time between colors to prevent smudging and ensure sharp edges. This slower process results in prints with depth, texture, and character that digital methods simply can’t replicate.
See examples in our screen-printed poster portfolio
5. Curing & Quality Control
After printing, posters are cured to ensure the ink fully bonds with the paper.
Each print is then:
- Inspected for consistency
- Checked for registration accuracy
- Set aside as part of the final edition
Only prints that meet our standards are included in the finished run.
The rest? Fire starter.
6. Delivery (and Celebration)
Once printing is complete:
- Posters are packaged with care
- Packages are delivered or available for pickup in Portland, OR.
- Finished prints are ready to be shared, sold, or exhibited
This is the best part — seeing the artwork fully realized as a high quality, hand silk-screened poster printed in the USA.
Why Hand Silk-Screening Matters
Hand silk-screening isn’t the fastest method — and that’s the point.
Compared to digital printing, hand screen printing offers:
- Richer ink coverage
- Physical texture you can feel
- Greater control over color and finish
- Limited editions with lasting value
For artists and collectors, the process itself becomes part of the artwork.
Work With a Portland Screen Printing Studio That Gives a Damn.
Pragmatic Prints is dedicated to producing hand silk-screened posters in Portland, Oregon with care, intention, and respect for the art.
Whether you’re printing a small run or planning a larger edition, we’re happy to walk you through the process and answer questions.
Get in touch to discuss your project
Learn more about our Portland, OR based screen-printing shop.