Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
There are many different suitable surfaces to use for relief printing. I use different surfaces for different pieces, depending on the needs of the project. Some examples include linoleum, baltic birch, maple, and shina. I generally recommend linoleum for beginners.
I use oil-based etching inks for all of my T-shirts. Essentially, this creates an intentionally designed stain onto a T-shirt. You can find out more info on the What Do You Use? page.
The blocks I paint are not used for printing. From start to finish, they are always intended as a one-of-a-kind work of art, which is different from the blocks created for printing. I shape the wood, carve the wood, paint the carving, and then put one last vibrant layer of ink on the surface to bring it all together. Equipped with a hanger on the back, it can adorn your walls for years to come!
Woodcut is awesome! It’s a simple answer but true. In a woodcut, every mark has its own personality and can be nearly impossible to recreate. I love the quality of relief prints, and the challenge of thinking through the limitations of the medium to get to the final product. Screen printing might make more sense sometimes, but I just love the process of relief printing and wouldn’t substitute it for anything!
I use acrylic paints—the thinner the better—and whatever brand has the best colors. It’s not the quality or brand name of the materials you use—it’s how you use them. You can find out more info on the What Do You Use? page.
That’s my handy dandy press! More specifically, I have two etching presses, my Conrad E-15 for traveling, and my Takach 2436 for the home studio. I also have a collection of various presses. They are all practical for different needs and satisfying to use in their own way!
A few of my other presses include:
- Kelsey Mercury Model 5×8 Excelsior Tabletop Platen Press
- Kelsey Model U 5×8 Excelsior Tabletop Platen Press
- Adana “Eight-Five” Tabletop Platen Press
- A.B. Taylor and Co. Job and Hat Tip Press
- Showcard proofing press Model B – Special
- Baltimore #12 Tabletop Platen Press
- Challenger Miles’ Nervine Galley Proofing Press
Yes! I am available to make custom woodcuts and custom T-shirts. Please visit those pages to learn more!
I use simple hand-carving tools. The V-gouge is my favorite shape, and I use it for 90% of all the marks I make. You can find out more info on the What Do You Use? page.
No. I know a lot of relief carvers use a dremel. I am not a huge fan of the results.
No. If you want, I can do a take on your logo, but as a general rule, I don’t replicate anyone’s work. I am fortunate enough to be able to focus on creating my own work, and I simply do not have the time or desire to work in this manner. Plus, there are many cheaper and quicker ways to duplicate your logo and branding.
My freelance rate is currently $50/hour for design work. Additional fees may be required depending on the project. Please contact me for further information. Be as detailed as possible so I can answer to the best of my ability.
Unfortunately, I do not sell my blocks for other people to print. I can do design work for you, but I will not send you the carved block for your use.
It really depends. Each carving is different—how large is the carving, how much detail, and is there a lot of black or white area? The short answer is: Smaller carvings take me 30 minutes to an hour. T-shirt blocks take me 2–5 hours on average. Skate decks take me 8–15 hours. Every project is different, and my pace has come from experience, having carved since about 2008.
Yes! Most everything on my online store ships pretty much anywhere in the world. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. Please visit my online shop for accurate shipping costs!
I hope this answers your question!
