Block Printing for Illustration

Begin the course by getting to know the artist and illustrator behind SowiesoWies, Wies van der Velde. She talks through the journey that led to her becoming a full-time creative, along with the influences that inspire her, from fellow artists to her travels.

Dive into the tools needed for this course, including graphite pencils, carving tools, and a linoleum block. Then learn how to handle them for a professional end result. Explore different inks, and see which ones work best for each type of project.

Time to get started on your illustration! Start by finding inspiration and turning it into a concept. Create the first sketch based on your idea, experimenting with different compositions. Discover what to look out for when transforming your sketch into a stamp, then learn how to divide your image into layers. Transfer the sketch of your protagonist onto your block, then carve out the details to create your stamp ready for printing. Repeat the process for the secondary elements of your image, before adding the final details to your printed illustration like gradients and shadow.

Learn how to store and clean your tools to prevent aging and damage. Then, to finish the course, Wies talks through other ways to use your prints, from creating your own wrapping paper to designing festive card collections, as well as sharing your work on social media.