What is printmaking?

Printmaking is the process of transferring an image from a matrix to another surface, typically creating limited editioned images. Print processes include, but aren’t limited to, woodcut, relief, etching, lithography, and screen-printing(serigraphy if you want to be fancy). Within printmaking, the print is the original, not a copy of something else. All prints from Decoy Press are 100% handmade, aka hand-drawn, hand-carved, hand-printed, etc etc.

RELIEF PRINTS

There is no right way to design a print, but you have to start by getting your image onto the block. You can transfer an image over or draw directly onto the block. I typically start by drawing with a warm pencil (red/orange) to get the basic idea of the print down, then use a cooler pencil (blue/purple/green) to refine the sketch. The sketch can be hyper-detailed or a loose framework of what the print will look like.

Carve

Once you have the design down, you can start carving your image. The areas that you want to stay white will be carved, and the areas you want to ink up will be uncarved; it’s like white chalk on a blackboard. Although it’s not necessary, on this block I added some red ink to the surface of the block in order to see the carved areas slightly more easily.

DRAW/DESIGN

There is no right way to design a print, but you have to start by getting your image onto the block. You can transfer an image over or draw directly onto the block. I typically start by drawing with a warm pencil (red/orange) to get the basic idea of the print down, then use a cooler pencil (blue/purple/green) to refine the sketch. The sketch can be hyper-detailed or a loose framework of what the print will look like.

PROOF

Carve

Once you have the design down, you can start carving your image. The areas that you want to stay white will be carved, and the areas you want to ink up will be uncarved; it’s like white chalk on a blackboard. Although it’s not necessary, on this block I added some red ink to the surface of the block in order to see the carved areas slightly more easily.