Why I Sign My Linocut Prints: A Little Insight Into the Tradition

When you buy an original linocut print, you’re not just purchasing an image — you’re choosing a piece of artwork that has been carved, inked and printed entirely by hand. One of the final, personal touches I add to each print is my signature, and I wanted to share a little more about what that means and why it matters.

A Tradition Rooted in Printmaking History

Artists have been signing their prints for well over a century. It’s a small gesture with a long heritage, and one I’m proud to continue. Signing a print shows that the piece is an original, created through a hands‑on printmaking process rather than digitally reproduced. It’s also my way of saying, “I made this, and I’m happy with how it has turned out.”
No two prints ever look exactly the same, and that’s the beauty of relief printmaking — my signature marks that individuality.

What You’ll See on Your Print

When you look beneath the printed image, you’ll notice a few hand‑written details in pencil:

My Signature — bottom right

This is my personal mark of authenticity. Signing in pencil is traditional and ensures the signature lasts as long as the print itself.

The Edition Number — bottom left

If a print is part of a limited series, you’ll see something like 3/20, showing which number your print is within the edition. Every print is hand‑pulled from the same carved block, but each has tiny variations that make it unique. For open editions, you may see “OE” instead of a number — this simply means the design isn’t limited to a set quantity.

The Print Title — centred

I add the title to create a connection between you and the story or inspiration behind the artwork.

What My Signature Means to You

My signature isn’t just a formality — it’s a personal connection between me, the maker, and you, the collector. It tells you:

• this is not a digital reproduction
• it has been made with my own hands, from carving to printing
• I have personally chosen this impression as one that represents my work well
• it is a one‑of‑a‑kind piece, complete with the natural quirks of handmade printmaking

Every carved line, every inky texture, every slight variation in pressure is part of its story. The signature simply completes that story and marks it as yours to enjoy.

A Final Note

While I follow traditional signing methods for most of my prints, I may sign with just my initials or adapt the layout depending on the piece. Handmade art invites flexibility, and part of the joy is that things don’t always need to follow strict rules.

However it’s signed, the message remains the same:
your print is an original, created by me, and finished with a personal touch.