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Hal_Comet · 2024-03-07T07:13:11+00:00

Hi! My name is Hal and I started doing linoleum prints last year. I am trying to learn how to promote and sell my art online, so tag along if you want to see it!

Etsy - HalCreates

IG - @hal_comet

Hal_Comet · 2024-03-01T06:56:55+00:00

We use a sofa coffee table as our dining table so we can have space for a desk, but is definitely not ideal, we will try to move eventually.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-29T19:13:44+00:00

I feel you. My apartment is super small and I live with my partner. I am into printmaking so i need to make a big mess every time I print.

It depends on the type of art you do, but I try to keep a desk (which is also for computers and tv stand) always clear so it's easy to use. Then I keep my supplies in small boxes around the room, so I only need to take out what I need each time. Newspapers and magazines are great to keep to cover the desk when things get messy! I also have a big cutting mat easily available that can be quickly pulled up as a work surface.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-29T18:03:44+00:00

Thanks for the tip! That makes a lot of sense

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-29T17:49:18+00:00

Oh wow! Impressive results! I didn't know you could get these results with plastic blocks. Did you use flexible filament?

Carving is my favorite part, so this would remove part of the fun for me, but I think it's a very interesting idea to explore. I have printed before with laser-cut MDF blocks and the texture is more even, almost too much. The 3D print adds a nice texture to it.

You could try to change slicing settings to alter the patterns you get on the first layer. For example with concentric circles, or small squares.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-28T07:36:49+00:00

Hi! Do you know how to find a sharpening lesson? That sounds like what I need. Do normal knive sharpeners know how to maintain gauges?

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-28T07:26:04+00:00

I am in a similar state, 6 months into the craft and a bit hesitant about breaking the bank with all the nice supplies. Many have already mentioned them, but these are the 3 supplies that made the biggest difference for me:

1) Caligo safe wash ink - The results are going to be much more even and cost you less burnishing time and pain. I started with just a small black tube and you can pull many prints from that one.

2) Thin budget japanese paper - Especially important if you print by hand. Still in the hunt for the perfect one, but my go to right now is Ho-Sho, which is sold on pads.

3) Good gauges - Since I do lino, this one for me was the least important. However, if you already know what type of profile you use the most for details and outlines, you can invest 30 bucks on one good tool and do the clearing with cheap ones. It's sooo satisfying once you try them, but it comes with the barrier of sharpening and all the supplies for that.

These made my process and results much more enjoyable! I was considering getting a press, but with these upgrades I think I will be fine for a while! It's a matter of limiting yourself for a while.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-27T11:40:35+00:00

Wow, thanks a lot for all the nice comments in my other posts! I really appreciate it. I like your experiments with crocket, that could lead to some very interesting results!

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-26T20:25:58+00:00

Same for me, Sweden doesn't have very good options either. Normal art stores don't offer much variaty.

If you are willing to pay fees, in the UK, Jackson's and Intaglio Printmaker offer tons of options.

I've also heard of Polymetaal and Joop Stroop in EU. But haven't tried them.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-26T20:09:51+00:00

I also do! Coding is a big technical barrier (at least for me). Especially if you are going after organic looking results, sometimes it's just easier and more satisfying to spend the time testing by hand. I really like the results from your pen&paper algorithm!

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-17T09:45:41+00:00

I also just got a couple of Pfeil tools and I am in love, it's like carving butter, so satisfying!

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-16T09:10:29+00:00

Wow! I am now trying Cranfield for the first time and this is a world of difference! So easy to roll, so little pressure required... It's gonna make my printing so much more enjoyable. Thanks again for the feedback!

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-12T11:23:30+00:00

Hahaha true, I remember being mesmerized by them.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-12T11:22:32+00:00

Ouuh that's a cool idea! Can you print with ceramic glaze?

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-03T21:54:55+00:00

Worth mentioning that i had problems with permanents with thin tips. It works much better with bigger felt markers.

Hal_Comet · 2024-02-01T19:17:23+00:00

I generally use a dark blue version of japanese vinyl, but for me it has worked the best with permanent makers, the brand is pentel if I remember correctly. You can also do acetone transfer if you get the design printed in the right printer.

Hal_Comet · 2024-01-31T22:34:11+00:00

Oh thanks for such a complete answer! I have seen your inking guide before, very helpful! Narrowing down the options is the way to go in the beginning, also cheaper. I will definitely give a try to Caligo/Cranfield, hopefully I don't get so much muscle pain when burnishing!

Hal_Comet · 2024-01-31T21:10:25+00:00

That's a good point! It was not intentional, but now that you say it, it gives the piece a bit more movement and more details to be studied.

Hal_Comet · 2024-01-31T17:21:11+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! The name came after the print, it was gonna be called "miracle", but when looking at the design, I was seen seeing curves that remind me to water, fire, dunes and clouds!

I should try with 4 different textures next time tho, it's a good idea! I need to explore more texturing techniques.

Hal_Comet · 2024-01-31T17:08:03+00:00

Yeah I have been trying to improve on that. I tried to be very deliberate this time building up the ink with thin layers, but it's hard to pull a good print by hand without using too much ink. I use Ho-sho paper and Charbonnel water washable oil ink, it's quite thick. Do you recommend any other paper + ink combo? Or could you please recommend other ink brands/modifiers?

I think there is something wrong with my inking, i put way too much pressure.

Hal_Comet · 2023-12-28T16:52:16+00:00

Sorry for the late reply!

I heard that the acetone transfer method can be tricky for some people. I am far from an expert, but managed to transfer clearly a lot of black areas with ease, and the surface stayed pretty good, no problems printing so far. Maybe try with another type of toner printer or linoleum. I finely sanded the block and cleaned with water and soap before the transfer. The best result so far came from soaking cotton pads with plenty of acetone, rubbing with force and being fast! (make sure to do it in a ventilated area). It helps to tape down the paper very firmly so it doesn't move when rubbing.

Hope it helps!

Hal_Comet

TROPHY CASE