Picasso did it. Matisse did it. Escher did it. Many artists throughout the years have loved producing linocut prints, and that’s how I create my artwork, too. 

Although there are many ways to approach this technique—which is why it proves so popular—here are my usual key steps:

• I design a piece using Procreate on an iPad.
• I print out the outlines of the design.
• I cut a piece of Speedball’s battleship grey linoleum to size. Similar to the stuff traditionally used on floors, this is made with natural, biodegradable materials like wood pulp, cork and linseed oil, on a jute backing.
• I shade the back of the paper with pencil, place the paper on the lino and trace the outline. This transfers the design to the lino.
• To make the design stand out better while carving, I sometimes go over the pencil lines with a Sharpie, plus darken and soften the lino with a combo of linseed oil and black Indian ink.
• I use Flexcut carving tools with tips of various sizes and shapes to carve the design into the lino.
• I roll Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink onto the lino. This ink is oil-based but doesn’t require harmful solvents to clean up after printing.
• I place a piece of heavy, acid-free paper on top of the inked-up lino and press the paper down. (I use a rolling pin.)
• I peel off the paper to reveal the printed piece.
• If there are multiple colours in a piece, I repeat the steps above for each colour.
• I also repeat the steps to create multiple prints of each design—leaving every single print unique.

To see these steps in action, watch my videos and view my photos on Instagram.