Printmaking Tips

for Beginners

There are so many variables in printmaking, so the best thing you can do is take the time at the beginning to get to know your own preferences by experimenting with basic, inexpensive tools and materials.

There is no right or wrong in printmaking, it’s about finding the particular combination of tools and materials that works for you personally.

Here are a few simple things you can do to work out what you need to start off with (without breaking the bank).

 
 

Order Paper sample packs

Most printmaking supply places offer sample packs of different types of printmaking paper (or you can ask for a pack of off-cuts) which are a great way of testing things out when everything feels new. There’s no underestimating the value of experimentation when it comes to paper. And it will save you loads of money in the long run. (Trust me).

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Ask other Printmakers for Scraps and off-cuts

If you have any creative friends, or live near a print studio or art school, they will probably be more than happy to donate some of their paper off-cuts and lino scraps to you.

At the beginning, you only need tiny amounts of everything and that can quickly get pricey if you’re purchasing even small amounts of all the different brands and variations of each material on offer.

Most experienced printmakers will have an overflowing drawer of off-cuts (probably from when they were starting out and going through this process…) and I bet they’d be happy to slim it down a bit to help you out. Professional framers also often have things like off-cuts of mount-board they’ll give you for free, which can be useful for making registration boards or collagraph plates.

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Try Things in Different Combinations

In printmaking, the way each tool or material works depends a lot on how it interacts with all the other tools and materials you’re using. If you’re having issues in one area, the root of the problem nearly always lies in another area - usually one you’d never even thought of.

Testing things out in small amounts (especially different kinds of lino) and in different combinations is the best way to arrive at what works for you.

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Start simple

Carving simple, geometric designs can help take the pressure off while you start getting used to the way your inks and other materials behave in practice. Start with uncomplicated designs that don’t involve too many curves or intricate elements.

You could also experiment with cost-free materials like cardboard before starting with lino. Shiny cardboard (eg. from a cereal box) can be used for a relief printing method where the only tool needed to create the design is a ballpoint pen. The actual printing process is very similar to that with lino, so this can be a cheaper way to get to grips with the inking and burnishing process before investing in professional carving tools and lino.

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get tips from online printmaking communities

There are so many highly skilled printmakers out there who are willing to share their expertise (and friendly encouragement) out of a passion for what they do and the kindness of their hearts.

When I was just starting out, the wealth of information I gained from following and chatting to a few more experienced printmakers on Instagram really helped me a lot. Many of them also share tutorials and instructional videos for free.

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