Multicolor Linocut Printmaking Feat. Magikarp
Introduction: Multicolor Linocut Printmaking Feat. <PERSON>
Let's push the limits of linocut printmaking with some Pokémon inspired prints!!
Relief printmaking involves taking a block of wood, linoleum, or rubber, and carving away everything that is not what you want to print. The block can then be inked and paper can be pressed on it to create a print, much the same way a stamp works.
This tutorial will not explain the basics of the technique (since there are many great Instructables on how to get started), but I hope to elaborate on the knowledge by suggesting some cool techniques you may or may not have seen before, to elevate your printmaking to the next level!
This time, we'll tackle producing an Ukiyo-e inspired image of Magikarp swimming gracefully, but the ideas in this Instructables could be taken and used in a variety of printmaking projects.
So let's go!
Step 1: Supplies
For this project, I'll be using several unmounted 6x8 linoleum plates. Some people like to use only one plate that gradually gets carved down after each color, such as in the reduction method. But I like using several plates, one for each color, since it gives me the option to print more prints in the future if I wish because the block is not destroyed in the process
In addition, I will assume you have a set of basic carving tools. If you're looking for an upgrade, try out the printmaking set from Flexcut! This is NOT sponsored LOL but I really do just like this set for its affordability and how they can be sharpened over and over again
Ink! I prefer oil based inks like the Caligo Safe wash series because of their superior texture on the paper and because they take longer to dry, allowing me to work slowly at my own pace. So I will use this for the final print
However, also get some water based ink for this project, it will also be needed in one key intermediate step
A brayer or roller to roll the ink will be essential too
As for paper, this is up to you, but in this demo I will be using "Kitakata Paper" which is thin but strong and translucent. 74
I personally love the aged parchment sort of color it has
All of these just mentioned supplies can be bought at Blick art stores
Lastly, I also suggest lots of scrap paper for tests
Oh! And how could I forget, go to the dollar store and get a non slip mat for cupboards. Trust me on this one
Step 2: Design and Planning
I like to start by planning out what I will be doing before I carve, since once you carve it out, you can't put it back.
There are many good ways to add texture and depth to a piece, but for this print, I won't focus on those techniques. Instead I'll be going for a simple style of black lines separating the space into blocks which I will then just fill with a color
I wanted to make this print with subtle callbacks to the Ukiyo-e style of woodblock printmaking from Edo period Japan. This will be incorporated in the layout and coloring style
I started by sketching out some Magikarp, using plenty of google image results as reference for the shape and features. I settled on a composition including two swimming in a circular pattern, evoking <PERSON>, framed by a black line on the outside. This print would fit on a 6 inch by 8 inch sheet of paper
I also added a caption of 「ポケットモンスター・コイキング」(poketto monsutaa = Pokemon; koikingu = Magikarp) to the right corner to play into the Ukiyo-e aesthetic
Important!!! You should take care to flip your image left to right before transferring it to the block if you want it to look exactly how it was drawn. This is optional for images but if you have text, you absolutely must do this for it to appear readable when printed
Step 3: Finalize Design
I finalized the design by drawing a sketch to-scale and then outlining all the lines in permanent pen. I scanned it up so I could flip it on my computer and then print it out to use later
This step is optional, but I sometimes like to digitally add color to the image in GIMP (or photoshop, etc) to preview what the design will look like. Then I can experiment with the color choices with lots of flexibility before I commit to making the print
Step 4: Carve Key Block
My favorite step of the process is carving the blocks - it's just therapeutic! 1013