10 Reasons to Try Printmaking

Hands using a Lino gouge to cut along drawn lines on a Lino block. The block is of a sunflower design and resting on a green cutting mat.

It goes without saying that I love printmaking because I have chosen to make it my business. There are so many reasons that I love it though. It helps me to focus or zone out. It helps me to express my creativity. It connects me to others and gives me time for myself too.

Fancy giving printmaking a go but not sure if it’s right for you? Here are 10 reasons to try printmaking.

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Fun

This has got to be the main reason for any hobby, right? Life is stressful and hard at times so sprinkling in a little fun is necessary to balance things out. Even when a print doesn’t go to plan, I still enjoy the process of carving and mixing colours, inking a block and the magic of the reveal.

Organised

If you don’t know where to start then attending a workshop is a great way to have a go - not least because someone else (who knows what they are doing) organises everything. When you come to one of my workshops, I prep everything and do all the cleaning too. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy yourself.

Great workshop, everything needed like tools & paints was supplied and set up readily. The tutor was explaining every step very well and it was a lovely location where coffee and tea and cake was supplied. I am looking gorward to booking my next work

Relaxation

As well as being fun, printmaking is relaxing too. Focussing on a creative task gives your brain something positive to occupy itself and pushes the jobs lists and overwhelm of the day to one side.

When I get into the studio, I put on some music and get into a zone of me time. I have come to realise that taking this time for myself makes me a better mum and wife because I feel whole and have an outlet for my stress.

Learn

Learning new skills is great for your brain at any time. It keeps you mentally agile. Developing printmaking skills helps you to develop better fine motor skills, hone your observation skills and will encourage you (as with any art form) to look at the world in a more mindful way.

Workshop student in Allendale Forge Studios, pressing down her block reds to peel It back. — Lino Print Workshop, Allendale Forge Studios

Inspiration

Often when people start a new art project, it can be hard to get past the blank page. Finding that initial inspiration or making the first mark can be intimidating. It’s like when you get a new diary or notebook and its almost too pretty to write in in case you spoil it.

Being part of a workshop group is a great way to get over that hurdle. You have designated yourself a time slot to create something and have someone else providing the starting points (taking yet another thing off your mind).

Eat Cake

While it’s not essential to eat cake while creating art, it is a lovely thing to combine it with. When you come to my workshops you get a hot drink and piece of cake as part of the experience. It’s all part of making the most of the me time.

Community

When I first started my art business, I thought it was going to be quite a lonely existence. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Crafters and artists are such generous and lovely people. Whether you prefer being online or meeting people in person, having a shared hobby is a great way to connect with others.

You may come to a workshop on your own and enjoy meeting like minded people or perhaps you bring a friend and enjoy taking time together to catch up.

There are some amazing Facebook groups that are well worth joining. One I particularly love is Linocut Printmakers.It’s a wonderful mix of established artists and people who are new to printmaking. It’s a place to share your art and ask questions too.

Support

I adore holding workshops. It’s a great opportunity for me share my passion with others and help them find their spark through creative activities. I take you through the whole process, from drawing out a design to peeling back the print. There’s no reason to be nervous about try printmaking as I’m there to help you through every step of the way.

Heather Moore holding her 'Staggered Waves' reduction print on Whitley Bay. — ‘Staggered Waves’ at Whitley Bay

Creativity

“Scientists are continuing to uncover encouraging evidence that engaging in creative activities — from painting to potting plants to planning parties — is beneficial to your mental health and well-being.”

Brad Brenner, Ph.D

Here is some of the creative work that previous workshop attendees have created!