Focus On... Linocut Boy! {And Free Gift With Purchase!}

Linocutboy

Nick, the man behind this shop, has a great sense of humor and is a super talented artist. Check out some of my faves from his etsy shop and don't forget to mention Kate and Oli when you make a purchase!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I am an artist and illustrator working in London, UK. I studied Fine Art in the city of Sheffield, graduating in 1999, during which time I spent a semester in Vancouver. After leaving university I went back to Vancouver to live for a year before moving to London. I am a member of an artists collective called East London Printmakers which runs a printmaking studio and organises exhibitions and events. As an illustrator I have been commissioned to illustrate book covers for Random House, Penguin and Faber and Faber as well as work for The Times. I have exhibited internationally and my work has featured on the BBC and in the Telegraph magazine. I recently got to drive a steam roller which we used to print a giant linocut.

{beard tie etching}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I mostly make prints and drawings but I also dabble in painting and I have produced a small number of artists books. My favourtite printmaking techniques are linocut and etching, but I also use screenprint quite a lot, often to add colour to the linocuts. I think linocut is a much underrated art form and most people think of it in terms of the prints they made at school with blunt cutters. In fact you can achieve very detailed and precise results with good tools and a bit of practice. I have a blog all about linocuts where I give some tips and feature the work of other artists that I come across.

{t-rex with a handbag linocut}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

It was easy and cheap to set up, so I thought I'd give it a go. It has turned out to be a good move - I have sold over 350 items so far and I have sold to customers in five continents! I just need someone in Asia and someone in Antarctica to buy something now.

{let's get it on screenprint}

Where do you get your inspiration?

Old books and magazines and found images on the internet. I cannot walk past a second-hand shop or flea market without having a look. I love old posters - I have a pair of beauties from China which show you what to do if a nuclear bomb goes off (lie down and cover your head with your hands, in case you were wondering!) They are really skillfully painted. I also like children's books and looking at the work of other illustrators. I am also very lucky living in London as there is so much to see in galleries and museums. The British museum always has good exhibitions of prints - recently I saw one on Mexican political prints that really inspired me.

{blue turkeys linocut}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

When I'm printing I like to listen to loud energetic music like Kings of Leon or Jimi Hendrix but when I'm in the studio drawing I listen to more laid back stuff - recently I've been getting into swing and early jazz, plus I'm a sucker for Laura Marling.

{failure is always an option screenprint}

When it's cold outside... it's time for tea and cake

{bear on a bike}

When I'm hungry... it's time for tea and cake

{beards of the world linocut and screenprint}

When I need a boost... I switch to coffee and cake

{take me screenprint}

I wish I was/were... in Vienna (good coffee and cake)


If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... the courage to follow their dream.

{don't expect everything}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... a rich print collector

{king kong kirk etching}

If you were an animal, what would you be? I am an animal!
{Editor's note: that is the first time I've gotten that response and I almost spit out my tea! Yes, sir, you are absolutely correct! :)}

{bring it on screenprint}

What's your favorite piece of your own? A drawing I made when I was seven of a shoe

{bearded man etching}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? ffffound.com for inspiration and seeing what else is being made right now and printeresting for interesting things about printmaking. They have a post about a new technique they are developing where they print human skin cells onto wounds using an ordinary inkjet printer. Amazing!


Nick has graciously offered a gift with purchase for Kate and Oli readers. With any purchase from his shop, simply mention that you saw this feature and he will include a free set of 4 pin buttons! 


Happy shopping!