PRINT PROCESS PRACTICE: EMBOSSING

Embossing and debossing are the processes of creating either raised or recessed relief images and designs in paper and other materials. An embossed pattern is raised against the background, while a debossed pattern is sunken into the surface of the material. I think this process is something that works really well editorial and publishing designs such as book covers and business cards.

I wanted to learn more about this process so I decided to go to a tutorial in my studio development time to see what it takes to create this process and the longevity of it at the Vernon street campus.

Initially we looked at the potential stocks used to emboss the design on and what worked best. You can use either a copper plate or a lazer cut mdf board to create an embossed piece.

This was a copper plate designed by a student for a book cover, The inductor said due to the small size of the type some of the letters were hard to recognise and that in order for the process to work effectively the typeface had to be broad enough for the indentations to work.

To create a copper plate you can create a design on an illustrator file, which will then be put into a box were the design will be etched. 

Then the design in put in a etching tank which can take 6-8 hours to develop, and the inductor emphasised it might not work or take longer.

After this has taken place, the design has be etched, you use a hydraulic press to create the embossed piece. The inductor said depending on the packing of the press and the stock used can depend on the outcome of your design, and that it is all about experimentation.

I then experimented with a peice that had already been created, on the press on some card.

I really liked the finish of this outcome,  as it showed the embossing process clear and concisely.

We then experimented with another design that was laser cut on MDF.

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I found the outcome of this design, not as effective, however this process for creating the board was much quicker, than using a copper plate.

Evaluation of process: 

I think the embossing process is an interesting and effective process to add to a design. I like the way it creates an interactive purpose to the design through it's raised or indented surface. However the process is very lengthy, expensive and not guaranteed to work. Copper plates for embossing can range from £10 - £16 depending on size. I think this process would work best with small parts of a design like a title on a book cover, post/business card. When designing for my print pack, this process will be introduced but it won't be apart of my works aesthetic.