block printing, explained

Block printing is a method of relief printmaking that began in ancient China. Before stamps were made via laser engraving (or other methods) as they are today, they were designed, carefully carved, and printed by hand.

Relief printmaking is the process of creating a raised image on a surface material, applying ink, and printing on a surface. Traditional materials include stone, linoleum, and wood. Carving out of rubber is a relatively newer alternative that began in the 20th century. It is my material of choice, as I find it more accessible than other materials, in terms of both cost and ease of use.

My entire making process takes anywhere from 10 minutes (mini block with stamped ink) to several days (larger blocks with rolled ink).

Photo: Carving "Tamarind" during a live demo at the Burke Museum, March 2025. See the IG highlight here.

how i make my prints

  • 01 • design + transfer

    Everything starts with an illustration that is then transferred to a rubber block.

  • 02 • carving

    I carve the image out of the block, a process that takes anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the block and amount of detail.

  • 03 • printing

    Ink is applied to the block (an ink pad for testing and rolled ink for printing) and printed by hand or with a hand press.

  • 04 • drying

    Prints are hung up to dry for 2-5 days. Drying time depends on the amount of ink used and the amount of water in the air (longer in the summer, shorter in the winter).

  • 05 • signing + preparing to sell

    Prints are individually signed and wrapped in protective poly sleeves to be sold.

  • 06 • reprinting

    I will often reprint my blocks, most often my mini prints, until I decide they will no longer be sold due to damage to the block, feeling ready to say goodbye to a design, or other reasons.

get a behind-the-scenes look

See more studio and market vlogs on my Youtube channel.