A printing method includes forming an image by ejecting droplets of an aqueous ink composition onto an ink-non-absorbent or ink-low-absorbent recording medium by an ink jet recording technique, and drying the aqueous ink composition on the recording medium at least one of during and after forming the image. The aqueous ink composition contains a water-insoluble coloring agent, a resin component, a silicone surfactant, an acetylene glycol-based surfactant, a pyrrolidone derivative, 1,2-alkyldiol, a polyhydric alcohol, and water.