by Marcus Webb

## Getting Started with Linocut Linocut is accessible, affordable, and produces bold graphic results. ### Materials - Unmounted linoleum block (start with 4x6 inches) - Lino cutting tools (at minimum: V-gouge and U-gouge) - Block printing ink (oil or water-based) - Brayer (ink roller) - Paper (try Rives BFK or Japanese kozo) - Pencil, tracing paper, ballpoint pen - Baren or wooden spoon for burnishing ### Step 1: Design Your Image Remember: your print will be a MIRROR IMAGE of your block. Draw your design, then transfer it reversed. ### Step 2: Transfer to Block Draw on tracing paper. Flip it onto the lino and rub with a ballpoint pen to transfer. ### Step 3: Carve Always carve AWAY from your body. Everything you remove will be white (or paper color). Everything you leave will print. ### Step 4: Ink Up Squeeze ink onto a flat surface. Roll the brayer until it is evenly coated. Roll ink onto the block surface. ### Step 5: Print Place paper on the inked block. Burnish firmly and evenly with a baren or spoon. Peel back carefully.