Jarvis Cocker illustration

Following on from my linocut of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock I am working on a new portrait of Jarvis Cocker, another of my geek heroes. I haven't started carving the lino yet, but here's my preparatory drawing. I think I need to work on Jarvis's eyes as they're a bit goggly at the moment. I'm trying not to make these illustrations too much like caricatures, but it's hard to control with someone like Jarvis who is so distinctive looking!

Jarvis Cocker illustration

New studio name - help please!

I'm in the early stages of setting up my own printmaking studio in Margate, my new home. It's a great little town by the sea on the North Kent coast and I think it will be perfect for running printmaking workshops, both for the locals and for visitors (I'm thinking week-long courses in the summer). I also want a professionally equipped studio for myself where I can make larger linocuts and etchings and get back into screenprinting. And I want to give other artists the opportunity to use the space too, through drop-in sessions with technical support and residencies for visiting artists.

Another seaside studio - Barbara Hepworth's

Overall I want the studio to be:

• Professional and well-equipped
• Friendly and accessible to a wide range of people
• Environmentally responsible
• A focal point for local artists
• Dynamic and open to experimentation

So I've been reading up on starting your own business and trying to channel all my saved up Dragons Den attitude. I've found a potential location, started building up my mailing list, done a fair bit of research into demand and started on my business plan.

What's in a name?

One thing I need to sort out early on is the name. This may seem obvious but the name is all-important. It's got to convey what the studio is all about, be snappy and memorable and not already taken! I've been brainstorming and I'd like some feedback on my ideas so far, so please let me know what you think (don't be shy!) Here's the list:

1. Sand & Ink Printmaking studio

2. Matrix Print Workshop

3. Linocutboy Studio

4. The Print Station, Margate

5. Margate Print Workshop

I look forward to hearing your views, just add your comment at the bottom of this post.  And if you'd like to be added to my mailing list for future updates, please let me know. My email address is nickbmorley (at) hotmail (dot) com. Thanks!

Summer on Margate main sands

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock - Linocut illustration

Linocut illustration of Sherlock

Here's my latest linocut illustration - a portrait of Benedict Cumberbatch in the recent BBC series of Sherlock (one of the best things on tv recently). My illustration portfolio needs beefing up a bit, so I've embarked on a series of portraits of intellectual heroes (geek heroes if you will) from contemporary culture. Sherlock was an obvious choice, being visually striking with his high cheekbones and collar. Next up is an illustration of Sarah Lund from The Killing. Can't wait to get my tools into her jumper.

Cumberbatch as Sherlock

Valentine screenprint offer from Linocutboy

It's that time of year again! What to give the love of your life? What's that you say? Chocolates? Roses? A moonlit walk at midnight on a caribbean beach with Nat King Cole playing in the background and fireflies spelling out 'I love you' in the air? Noooo! Not original enough! What you need is a hand-pulled screenprint in mustard yellow or baby blue by that bloke from Margate who makes those linocuts.

 

 

Let's Get It On screenprint

Well, it's your lucky day because that bloke's offering free shipping until 14th February, which just happens to be perfect, because if you leave it any longer, you're gonna need something a bit more expensive anyway...


For your one way ticket to fresh breath and crazy passion, buy it now!

Linocuts go global

I've had an overwhelming response from Saturday's Guardian feature. I had around 2500 pageviews over the weekend - not bad for such a niche blog! I've also had lots of interest in workshops. Please do get in touch if you are interested in learning linocut or developing your skills. All workshops will take place in Margate, Kent, where my studio is. I'm currently looking for a bigger printmaking studio so I can set things up to the high standards I want! Come summer I'm aiming to have plenty of space for teaching up to ten students at a time.

In the meantime, thank you to everyone for visiting and do peruse my older posts for useful nuggets of linocut knowledge!


YFNABTSP2YMR

Guardian magazine Linocutboy offer!

Stop the press! Linocutboy featured in The Guardian!

I'm very happy and proud to announce that my little blog is featured in this weekend's Guardian Magazine, that being my newspaper of choice. One of my lovely readers wrote in to the "What I Like" feature (thank you Kerry-Jane!)  You can read her lovely comments on the Guardian website.

To celebrate this momentous occasion I am offering 10% off all prints in my Linocutboy Etsy shop for this weekend only. To take advantage of this offer, simply enter the coupon code GUARDIANSPECIAL when you check out with your shopping basket full of goodies!

Here are a few of the available prints to whet your appetite...

T-Rex with a Handbag linocut

Dodo with a Yoyo linocut

Bear on a Bike linocut

Of course, other than helping me exploit this opportunity for my own financial gain, you may simply want to read my blog and you're very welcome to do so. I welcome you all, whether you be linocut geeks like myself or mere dabblers. Do feel free to add your comments and suggestions to posts and let me know of any interesting lino-related things out there that you'd like to share.

Thanks for reading (both The Guardian and my blog)!

Interview for Sky Arts

I was just interviewed for Sky Arts. They're doing a slot about the regeneration of Margate. The interviewer had one bobble on his hat and the sound man had two. Not sure of the significance of this. I will let you know if I make the cut and when it's on (they said in a couple of weeks). I don't have a telly myself so I'll have to get my mum to tape it.