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Julie VognarHalf-tone process: This was a process that allowed for photo-realistic images in prints. The process uses a special screen to transform a photographic image into a fine pattern of dots on the printing plate. The process was invented about 1870 and became popular in newspapers in the 1880s. It is still used today. (See chapter 4)
Chapter 4:
In the late 1800s, the invention of the half-tone process revolutionized printing. Using a special screen, the half-tone process transforms a photographic image into a fine pattern of tiny dots on the printing plate, which is then printed onto the paper or cardboard. These tiny dots allow an image to look photo-realistic, at least from a distance. If you take a magnifying glass and inspect the picture on a modern card, or in a magazine or book, you will see that it is made up of tiny dots. With the half-tone technology, card makers could take an actual photograph or photographic negative and make realistic looking printed images. They could also take a painting or other art and make it into half-tone dots. The images on the 1933 Goudey Baseball cards, for example, are half-tone reproductions of paintings. If you take a magnifying glass you will see that the images are made up of tiny dots. This was a much easier way to put artistic images on cards than drawing directly on the plate.
This half-tone process was only used as needed. Rarely is a genuine card entirely half-tone. Half-tone wasn't needed to make lettering, border lines and other solid designs. On a card, most of these parts would be solid ink. If you take a card, magazine or illustrated book you will see that part of the print will be half-tone, while other parts will be solid. In a magazine or newspaper, the picture will be made up of tiny dots, while the text and often the border design will be solid.
