Transfer Drawing to Linoleum

Learn how to transfer drawing to linoleum with this easy tracing paper lino transfer tutorial. Perfect for beginners in linocut printmaking—a step-by-step guide.

I enjoy sketching an initial linocut design on a piece of paper or in a sketchbook. It is a great way to work out the details of the image and make changes as I shape the composition. When I create this sketch, I draw it in pencil and at the actual size of my intended linocut print. By doing this, I can quickly and easily transfer my drawing to linoleum. This tracing paper lino transfer tutorial can also be applied to a computer printout in case you choose to create your initial sketches digitally. Here are the steps I take during my lino image transfer:

What you will need:

• Finished sketch (or printout) of your art at actual print size
• Tracing paper
• Soft lead pencil (HB works)
• Scotch tape
• Permanent marker
• Prepared linoleum block – Learn how to prepare your linoleum block here.

Step 1: Outline the Sketch Design on the Tracing Paper

Tape a sheet of tracing paper to your original sketch, making sure the tracing paper completely covers the sketch. Using your soft lead pencil, trace the original design onto your tracing paper. At this point, fine details don’t have to be included and I like to keep the tracing simple, using outlines and simplified shapes.

Ultimately the lead from our pencil will be transferred to the linoleum block, so make sure you trace every section of your sketch.

Step 2: Transfer the Tracing Paper Lead to Your Lino Block

Once all portions of your sketch are traced, it is time to transfer the lead to your linoleum block.

Turn your tracing paper over so that the side of your tracing paper that you just traced is facing down. Center the tracing paper on your linoleum block and tape it in place to your linoleum.

Now, with the same soft lead pencil, gently trace over the lines on the tracing paper to transfer the lead to the lino block. I like to scribble over the lines quickly, making sure all portions of the lead tracing is transferred.

Step 3: Remove the Tracing Paper & Check All Lines for Adequate Transfer

Once all portions of the tracing paper have been retraced, carefully remove the tracing paper exposing the freshly transferred linoleum drawing.

You can peek at the transfer before completely untaping it just in case you missed going over a line or two.

Step 4: Trace the Lead Transfer with Permanent Marker

I do a final trace of my artwork in permanent marker over the lead transfer. This keeps the lead from rubbing off or smudging as I am carving and gives me a more permanent dark line to follow.