Nov 18, 2024
Linocut Animation - Is it Worth the Pain?
Drawing, cutting, grinding, scanning... Should you do it? Will anyone even notice?
It might sound dramatic, but linocutting isn’t just an art. It comes with its fair share of aches and pains. There’s the relentless strain on your fingers and forearm muscles, and being hunched over for long periods leads to stiffness in your neck, back and shoulders. And yes, there’s always that heart-stopping moment when a slip of the blade threatens an accidental cut (it actually happened three times). So, is the gain truly worth the pain? Let’s find out.
The Day We Said, "How Hard Can It Be?"
Ben Strak, creator of the excellent Design Lobster newsletter (it’s amazing, go subscribe!), asked us to animate his logo with a handmade, DIY feel. Our initial thoughts gravitated towards digital animation in After Effects, with a textured “printed” effect. But the more we thought about it, the more we were drawn to the idea of going beyond simulation to the real deal: creating the animation by hand, one linocut frame at a time. And just like that, we took the plunge into the meticulous world of linocut animation. Optimism was high.
Planning the Animation Sequence
Before a single block was carved, we laid out the animation in After Effects to map the timing and sequence. To capture a stop-motion feel, we trimmed down the frame count to the bare minimum needed for fluid motion, both a creative decision and a time-saving one. Once satisfied, we printed the frames for transfer.
Transferring the Frames
We used a low-tech yet effective method to transfer the frames: regular parchment paper and a mechanical pencil. Each frame was traced and flipped onto a lino block, then rubbed, transferring the graphite in reverse. A permanent marker helped reinforce the lines, protecting them from smudging while we carved.
Carving the Blocks
Carving the blocks was where the real adventure began. Equipped with an array of cutting tools, we set to work, delicately chiseling out the negative space while leaving the design raised. For fine details, the smallest U-blades and straight blades became our best friends and larger areas called for the sturdier U-blades.
It wasn’t long before we learned the truth behind linocutting’s reputation: it’s tricky! The smallest slip can mean starting a frame all over again, and consistency across multiple frames can test even the steadiest hand. Patience and caution were essential, cutting more material away is easy, but putting it back? Impossible.
Inking the Blocks
Inking required its own finesse. Using a palette knife, we prepared the ink on an inking plate and rolled it until it felt evenly distributed and tacky. Each block was inked carefully to ensure every raised detail was coated.
Printing
Printing was both rewarding and a little nerve-wracking. We laid the paper onto the inked block gently, taking great care not to shift it. We used a baren to apply even pressure, and after some trial and error, we found just the right touch for a uniform print. Peeling the paper back to reveal each frame was like unwrapping a tiny gift, sometimes perfect, sometimes a reminder that practice makes progress.
Scanning and Cleanup
With our printed frames dried, we scanned them at high resolution into Photoshop. Cleaning up some noise while preserving the handmade charm was a balancing act. We wanted to keep the quirks that made each print unique. From there, the cleaned scans were imported back into After Effects for assembly.
Bringing It All Together
Once all the prints were in After Effects, we sequenced them, and marveled at how the analog and digital worlds combined to create something truly special. The natural grain, imperfections, and tactile quality brought a warmth and authenticity that no digital effect could replicate.
Embarking on this linocut animation project was as rewarding as it was challenging. It taught us patience, precision, and gave us a newfound appreciation for the art of printmaking. The result? A surprisingly unique animation full of life and character. And the pain? Well we had band-aids, whiskey, and a tetanus shot to handle that. So, was it worth it? You tell us.
