Lino Print Process

From my studio based in Falmouth, Cornwall, I focus on producing my lino prints using a solely hand produced process. This offers a welcome break from our digital-driven world and my role as a Marketing and Design Manager.

Before starting my workday, I often take time to sit down with a cup of tea, carving my latest lino print design while listening to classical music.

This section outlines my personal lino printing process and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as instructional guidance or professional advice.

lino print process stage one of Joanna Williams' Art linocut process - drawing the design of the lino print

Step One

I begin by sketching my design on a piece of paper. Once I’m happy with my design, I transfer it onto a lino block by tracing over it with a pencil.

lino print process stage two of Joanna Williams' Art linocut process - transferring lino print design to the lino block and carving the design out

Step Two

Once my design is transferred onto a lino block, I use lino carving tools to carefully carve away the areas that I do not want to be printed.

lino print process stage three of Joanna Williams' Art linocut process - rolling ink out on a glass plate with a brass lino print roller

Step Three

After carving my design, it's time to ink the lino block. I apply a thin, even layer of printing ink onto a flat glass surface with a roller. I then roll the ink onto the lino block, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

I tend to roller my ink onto the lino block in thin layers because of the amount of fine detail within my designs. This helps to produce a clean and even print.

lino print process stage three of Joanna Williams' Art linocut process - printing my final design with my leaver lino printing press

Step Four

When the lino block is fully inked, I place it on my printing press and precisely lay a piece of paper on top. After applying pressure evenly, I carefully lift the paper off the block to reveal my printed design.

    Lino Print Process

    FAQs

    What is lino printing?

    Lino printing, or linocut, is a method of relief printing where an image or illustration is carved into a sheet of linoleum. Ink is then rolled onto the raised surface, and the design is pressed onto paper to create the final print.

    What tools do you use for lino printing?

    I use the following tools to create my lino prints:

    • Japanese lino
    • Lino cutting tools
    • Roller
    • Glass inking plate
    • Printing ink – I use Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Inks
    • Paper
    • Relief printing press

    How do you transfer your design onto the lino block?

    I transfer my design to the lino block using tracing paper. I draw the design on the tracing paper, then flip it over and rub the pencil marks onto the block using a pencil. This leaves a faint image of the design, which I often go over with a permanent marker for clarity.

    How do you clean your tools, plates, and inked rollers?

    As I use Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Inks, I clean my tools with washing-up liquid and hot water. I make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward to prevent rusting and to keep them in good condition.

    How long do your prints take to dry?

    It depends on the time of year and the weather. I like to leave my prints to dry for about a week before packaging them to avoid any smudges.

    Do you reuse your lino print blocks?

    Yes! As I print my lino prints in very small batches, my Japanese lino blocks can be cleaned, re-inked, and printed multiple times.

    How long do your prints take to carve?

    My prints are highly detailed and can take up to 18 hours to carve. This doesn’t include the design time or the hand-printing process.

    Why do you edition your prints in such small numbers?

    I want people to receive something truly special when they buy my prints. For that reason, I choose to edition them in small numbers, making each print even more unique.

    Why don’t you put your designs on mugs, cards, and tea towels?

    I primarily produce my prints as very limited editions. For this reason, I choose not to reproduce my designs on mugs, cards, or tea towels. When people buy my prints, they know that the design is only ever available as a hand-produced limited edition print.

    Why don't you sell your 'seconds' lino prints?

    I choose not to sell my 'seconds' lino prints because I want everyone who purchases my linocuts to receive only the highest-quality pieces I can create.

    Blue beach hut lino print on white paper on a wood surface next to lino cutting tool by Joanna Williams Art - lino printer.

    Shop My Latest Prints

    Shop my latest lino prints on Etsy. Hand-carved in my Falmouth studio, they are inspired by nature and the coast, and made with fine papers and inks. Each signed, limited-edition print is a unique collectible celebrating the beauty of the world around us.

    Shop Prints On Etsy

    Contact Form