Studio Certification
Ready to Work Independently at Pyramid?
In order to rent equipment in our community studios independently, all artists must become Certified in the studios they wish to work in. This means showing proficiency in the safe handling and clean-up of the studio materials and equipment.
Read on to learn more and book a certification session!
We have changed our certification process!
In order to rent equipment in our studios independently, artists must be certified in each studio they wish to work in. This ensures that artists are set up to be successful in their work here, and that the community space remains in good working order for everyone.
We strongly recommend taking a class with us first. When you feel ready to seek certification, book through the link below. You will be booking a three-hour one-to-one session with one of our instructors that may result in certification. If you are experienced in the studio and/or process you are seeking certification in, and the instructor decides you are ready to go before the three hours are complete, the remaining time will be credited to you as studio rental time. If it’s decided that you are not quite ready to work independently, you will not be certified, and we will recommend further instruction and/or next steps.
What has not changed is that we remain committed to providing a well-run space and well-maintained equipment for local and visiting artists to practice their crafts independently.
Process updated as of 01/26/24
Am I ready to seek certification?
At the end of your certification session, this is, broadly, what we hope to see.
In the Letterpress studio this means you have had ten contact hours on OUR equipment, are comfortable setting up type, setting up the press you are using independently, using ink and tools appropriately, and can clean up appropriately and thoroughly without direction.
In the Printmaking studio this means you are comfortable setting up the press you are using independently, are comfortable working with your chosen technique independently, including matrix preparation (stone, plate, etc), are comfortable using necessary ink and chemicals appropriately, safely and independently, and can clean up appropriately and thoroughly without direction.
In the Bindery this means you are comfortable with using the foil stamper safely and independently, as well as the board shear and guillotine.
In the Screenprint studio this means you are comfortable coating a screen, exposing a screen, reclaiming a screen, and printing cleanly and independently. You are comfortable using the exposure unit and washout booth in the darkroom independently. You can clean up appropriately and thoroughly without direction.
In the Papermaking studio this means you are comfortable using the molds, vats, and drying boxes appropriately, safely, and independently. You can clean up appropriately and thoroughly without direction. If you are seeking certification for the pulp beater, you are prepared to come back within two weeks and use it again.
CERTIFICATION FAQ
Why should I get certified?
Certification means you can work independently in our studios on our equipment. It also means we trust you to be a conscientious community member here at Pyramid.
What happens during the one-on-one?
Depending on the studio, the equipment, and your experience, you will be shown where things are, how we do things, asked to demonstrate skills, taught some things you may not already know, and asked to clean up while being observed.
How much does it cost?
Initial certification in each studio is $195. If your certification does not take three hours, you will be credited studio rental time.
I have plenty of experience outside of Pyramid Atlantic. Do I still need to do this to use your equipment?
Yes.
How long is certification good for?
Initial certification is good for two years. However, if we don’t see you in the studios for any twelve-month consecutive period, you will have to re-certify.
How do I re-certify if my two years are up?
Assuming you’re a member, in good standing, and we have seen you regularly, you will register in advance to re-certify at a studio happy hour. This recertification is at no cost to you. This process will be more of a brush-up and abbreviated skill check.
Questions before you take the leap? Contact Studio Manager Amy Callner or call 301-608-9101 for assistance.