Acrylic on canvas.

A couple of years ago, former student and Graphic Designer Mark Andrew Webber visited the college I was studying at to give us a talk on his career progression since he’d attended the college. The main focus of the talk was on his “Where in the World City Maps” – huge typographic maps cut into linoleum and printed – which were hugely inspiring not only because I’m a typography nut, but because I admire the more traditional method of design.

As I’ve progressed from Graphic Design into Illustration over the last 2 years, I’ve found myself stepping away from the security of Photoshop & Illustrator to develop my drawing and work in different mediums, while also exploring different areas of design. Printing is something that’s always lingered as something I’ve wanted to attempt – particularly screen-printing, as I’ve done 2 mini modules on the subject over the time I’ve spent in education and love the process that goes into it. Recently I went back to look at the work Mark has on his Flickr page and from there looked into the process behind linocut printing. I bought a kit online and when it arrived yesterday I thought I’d give it a go.

The first cut I done was a lettering piece I’d drawn up while I was away last week, which was pretty small in terms of size but quite time consuming as it was my first attempt. Despite stabbing my finger (which hurt, a lot.) it all went smoothly and as I’ve seen mentioned several times, the finished cut block is just as interesting as the overall print.

I’m going to carry on with linocut printing and see where I can take it from here, I feel like I need to experiment with different inks and papers because the overall finish on mine – while quite interesting in texture – doesn’t give as smooth a finish as I’ve seen while looking around online.

*NB 75% of my quotes are intended tongue-in-cheek and are taken from conversations I’ve had/have heard. I don’t and never have, in any way, thought that the creative industry is any less important than that of, say, a teacher. Just to clear that up.

A friend of mine has had a pretty huge operation today, something that’ll turn him into some kind of Terminator/Bionic Man hybrid. I know I don’t post my doodles on here anymore, but I figured I’d make an exception this time. “148365″ – fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!