Poster printing, once considered a fading art, is very much alive and thriving, thanks to passionate flatstock printers like Andy McDougall of Squeegeeville. In a recent Shop Talk at Impressions Expo Long Beach, Andy shared insights, stories, and fascinating examples from the world of flatstock printing — screen printing focused on posters and flat materials. This talk explores the vibrant scene of poster printing, highlighting some remarkable prints, techniques, and the enduring appeal of this craft.

Flatstock Printing: An Old Craft That’s Thriving

Flatstock printing has a reputation for being old-school, but Andy and his peers prove otherwise. This art form has experienced a resurgence. It’s particularly popular among bands and artists who use posters not just for promotion, but also as collectible art pieces for fans.

Andy notes that the misconception that poster prints aren’t valuable is outdated. For example, at a recent Farm Aid concert, a five-color poster printed with transparent inks (yielding seven or eight distinct colors) sold out within an hour, with secondary market prices soaring to around $400 — a testament to the demand and value collectors place on high-quality flatstock prints.

Showcasing Exceptional Posters and Artists

The discussion highlights some standout posters and artists that illustrate the diversity and creativity in flatstock printing.

Farm Aid Poster: A Multi-Color Masterpiece

One notable example is the Farm Aid poster, created with a five-color design using transparent inks to achieve a rich palette. The poster not only sold out quickly but also demonstrated the technical skill involved in layering colors to produce complex effects.

Mexico City and the Corona Capital Fest

Andy shared experiences from the Corona Capital Fest in Mexico City, where a flatstock show brought together artists from around the world, including the United States, Europe, Bulgaria, and South America. One standout story was about Andrea (“Andu”), Andy’s former assistant who started as a screen printing novice and now runs her own successful screen printing company in Mexico City.

At this festival, they printed an innovative Jack White poster that incorporated electronics printing, capturing the dynamic energy of the event and showcasing the role of flatstock printing in contemporary music culture. This poster featured carbon conductive inks connected to a tiny programmable chip and speaker, turning it into a playable theremin. This blend of art, technology, and music pushes the boundaries of what flatstock printing can achieve.

ZZ Top Poster: Iconic Rock and Historical Tribute

Another striking flatstock print featured is a ZZ Top poster. This piece also includes a subtle historical nod: a figure on the left side represents a famous Vancouver Island union organizer who was targeted during World War I for refusing conscription. This blend of rock iconography and local history exemplifies how flatstock posters can carry rich narratives beyond just band promotion.

Hockey-Themed “Beer League All Stars” Poster

Andy and his colleague Adam Popiak, a former college goalie, created a quirky hockey-themed poster titled “Beer League All Stars.” It humorously references the phrase “bush league” and is uniquely popular among goalies. Interestingly, this poster found an enthusiastic audience even in Mexico City, where local hockey players purchased it, including a goalie from the Mexican junior team. One memorable trade involved exchanging a poster for Mezcal, showcasing the community and barter spirit within flatstock circles.

Innovations and Challenges in Flatstock Printing

While flatstock printing is rooted in tradition, the field continues to evolve with new materials and technologies.

Printing on Unconventional Surfaces

Andy works extensively with First Nations communities, printing on unique materials such as traditional native drums used in ceremonies. Achieving multi-color registration on these three-dimensional, handmade drums is a technical feat, underscoring the versatility of flatstock printing beyond paper.

They also printed custom bags for carrying these drums, further expanding the application of screen printing in cultural contexts.

Experimenting with Foils and UV Inks

At the Printing United trade show, Andy and his team experimented with printing on foil surfaces, which required using UV inks and specialized dryers. This shift from water-based inks to UV inks opened new possibilities for texture and finish, showing how flatstock printing can incorporate cutting-edge techniques.

The Enduring Appeal of Flatstock Posters

What makes flatstock posters so special in an increasingly digital world? Andy points out that unlike digital images viewed fleetingly on phones, a screen-printed poster is a tangible, physical object that can decorate a space, serve as a memory trigger, and even appreciate in value.

As an example of the artistic value of screen printing, Andy cites the record-breaking sale of an Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe screen print that fetched $193 million, despite its technical flaws. This demonstrates the cultural significance and investment potential of screen-printed art.

Conclusion

Far from being a relic, flatstock printing is a vibrant, evolving art form that continues to captivate artists, musicians, and collectors. From multi-color concert posters and innovative electronic prints to cultural projects with First Nations communities, flatstock printing remains a dynamic medium for creativity and storytelling.

Whether printed by hand or on advanced automated presses, these posters serve as physical reminders of events, emotions, and culture — qualities that digital images can never fully replicate. For anyone interested in screen printing, art, or music merchandising, exploring flatstock printing offers a rich and rewarding journey.

Discover more about flatstock printing and the work of Andy McDougall at Squeegeeville, and dive deeper into the craft at Ink Kitchen’s YouTube channel.