  Cloth of Gold (based in London, U.K.) have developed a computer programme that emulates the screen printing processes they use in the classroom on the computer. The programme, devised by the programmer Chris Thompson, enables pupils to design their banner vitually prior to printing it on fabric. How it works Pupils begin by creating simple Bitmap images. These can be drawn as silhouettes on a basic paint programme such as Microsoft Paint or Paint Shop Pro or cut out of black paper and scanned into the computer. |
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The pupils then take it in turns to import their image into COGPROG where choices are made about its colour and positioning. The programme is designed to duplicate over-printing of three colours so that pupils are able to visualise how the colour of their image is determined by blocking out an image area when each of the other two colours are printed. The pupils are able to view each colour print seperately as well as in combination with one or both of the other two colours. Images can be used as repeat prints or as a one off in collaboration with others.  Once a banner design has been completed on the screen its output can be varied. Those who have contributed to the banner can choose to print it themselves, have it printed for them in a range of sizes on fabric or paper or just retain it as a virtual image. If it is to be screen printed by the designers it is saved and printed out on a computer printer in its three separated colours. The printouts are produced with a grid across them that relates in scale to a grid laid out on the print table. Pupils then print the seperate colours in turn using the grid to position each image accurately on the banner. |
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When completed the banner is a precise reproduction of the digitally designed image within the programme. Visit the Inspiration Africa! project which will be featuring a virtual banner designed using COGPROG. |
For enquiries telephone 020 7372 0628
or e-mail COGPROG