In the Studio

So, a couple of weeks ago I was forwarded a call for entries for Uppercase Magazine to create a self portrait through book design.  I've been working on several ideas, but the first is Dullard: a Memoir - taking the prompt quite literally, I created a self portrait in print, using linoleum blocks.  I then scanned the image into photoshop to work up the rest of the cover (which is still in process).

 Another idea is Bookish, for which I wanted to use scratch board to create an image of a book shelf in disarray. Problematic, as no one in my town seems to carry scratch board. In fact, no one seems to know what scratch board even is.  I realize I've been out of graduate school for a few years now - but we used scratchboard like crazy to create quick, print-like designs. (Perhaps it was an anomaly).

Summer's Light Cover Design

Mock up Cover

My latest project has been working on a book cover design for Summer's Light (a coming of age YA novel). Last week was spent creating a mock-up cover. It was one of those situations where I liked okay when it was on the computer screen, but as soon as it printed out I realized it was flat (and too dark). After playing with it on the computer for longer than my patience could endure, I decided to scrap the computer altogether and redo the design as a multi-drop lino-cut.  Today I will be printing the last block (black).

I'm using butter block (ez cut, speedy cut, whatever you call it). It's a bit crumbly (even though it advertises that it isn't), so I have to use canned air to remove all the bits. This is my first time using this material (usually I just heat up linoleum). I have to say it's nice to work with, although I have to be much more careful with the block, as it has ripped under its own weight in a couple of spots. (Thanks be to the strapping power of duct tape).

In-process linoleum cut cover 

I'm also using Speedball water based inks, although for longer print runs they do tend to dry out and get putty like, so I have to mix inks in batches and print quickly.  Thankfully, it's a short run, since I really only need one good print for the cover. Since they clean up much more easily it's worth the effort of mixing multiple batches of ink.

Once printed, I will scan the cover in to do the typography.