FAQs

What is printmaking?

Printmaking is a process for producing editions of artwork (multiple originals). Whereas painting is the process of producing a single piece of artwork, in printmaking, each print in an edition is considered an original work of art. There are many forms of printmaking, such as block printing and silkscreen, which are the two methods I work in.

What is a block print?

Block printing, also known as relief printing, is a form of printmaking technique where a block or plate is carved to print an impression of the carved surface. I use linoleum or wood in my work. The parts of the block that are carved out will remain white, and the parts of the block that remain will make the inked impression on the paper, reverse of what was on the block. Due to the handmade nature of this printing process, each print is truly one of a kind, with different textures and thickness of ink, and pickup.

What is a silkscreen print?

Screen printing is a technique using a fine mesh screen (originally made of silk, hence the name). An image is burned onto the screen with a light sensitive emulsion, or by painting on it. Ink is then pushed through the screen with a squeegee onto paper or fabric below the screen that will hold the artwork. The ink pushes through areas not blocked out by they emulsion or paint. This is called pulling. The ink lays on top of the paper, and gives a slight texture and depth to the print vs. a reproduction print from a computer or machine. As each print is hand pulled, no two prints are alike, ensuring a one of a kind print.

What kind of paper do you print on?

All prints are produced on acid-free and pH neutral archival paper, ensuring your artwork will last a lifetime. Paper weight can vary from piece to piece, but each item listing has full details on the type of paper used for that specific print.  

What is the difference between an original fine art print and a reproduction?

A fine art print is a hand made "multiple original” printed one at a time, from a plate or screen that was carved or hand drawn by the artist. With original fine art prints, the tactile quality of the ink on the paper and nuances of the printing process are integral to the artwork; something that can't be achieved with a reproduction.

A reproduction is a copy of an existing piece of work. It is often a digitally reproduced image, which is scanned and then machine printed in unlimited quantities. Think of a poster of your favorite artist, this is the same process. Often called giclee prints, they have little to no monetary value for the collector. The inks fade when exposed to the sun and the paper will yellow and degrade over time.

Because I am very purposeful of putting ink to paper, you will not see any reproduction or giclee prints in my shop. 

Do you offer commissions?

At this time I am focused solely on creating original artwork. You can read more about my journey back to art here. If you are interested in collaborating on some illustrations for a brand or other campaign, feel free to reach out at hellororylinn@gmail.com.

Can I get a tattoo of your work?

Thank you for asking! I’m honored to have my artwork on your body forever. While I currently don’t have the capacity for custom designs, I do offer a tattoo permission for any one of my existing designs. This is a wonderful way to support me as an artist, while ensuring you have the proper permissions for your tattoo artist when you go in for the consult. I kindly request credit (with tag) on social media if you share your new ink. Can’t wait to see it! 

Do you accept visitors at your studio?

Thank you for asking! I recently relocated to the amazing city of New Orleans, so at this time, I am working out of my rental on Magazine Street. I hope to have a dedicated studio space sometime in 2021, but would like to keep my personal space personal until then.