How does relief printing create an image from a block or plate?

In relief printing, an image is created by using a block or plate where the design stands out in relief, meaning it is raised above the surrounding surface.1

There are two primary ways to achieve this:

• Cutting or Etching: The artist removes the negative, or non-printing, areas of the material by cutting or etching them away, leaving only the desired design standing.21
• Building Up: Alternatively, the printing surface can be created by adding material to the block or plate to build up the design.1

Once the surface is prepared, ink is applied to the raised areas. Because the design is the highest point on the block, it is the only part that transfers ink to paper during the printing process. Common materials used for these surfaces include wood, linoleum, and various metals or plastics. This technique is well-suited for bold designs and is often used in processes like woodcut, linocut, and metal cut.12