Relief Linocut + Collaborative Zine-making

April 26, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | $85

Join guest instructor, Justin LaGuff and learn how to plan, design, and create a zine with linocuts while collaborating with others! Each participant will create their own linoblock, and they will be printed on the same zine so everyone can go home with a copy of the community-created zine. Use new materials and learn a variety of techniques to create your desired image, collaborate with others, and experience the magic of the press. 

What is a zine?

Zines are a great way to platform your work and to connect with others! They are commonly associated with subcultures and activist, and are meant to be made cheaply and to be given as gifts, traded or sold at Distros and Art Fairs. There is no right or wrong way to make a zine, it is entirely up to the maker to decide what it can be! Learning to make a zine is great for DIY enthusiasts, Content Creators, Writers, and Artists to create a space on their terms. 

What is a linocut?

Linocut is process of printmaking that is created by carving a block of linoleum which is then printed by hand or sent through a printing press. It is similar to other processes, such as woodcut, but the Linoleum is much softer, making it ideal for beginners. This form of printmaking is great for folks who like to draw and are interested in trying out a new medium! 

This workshop is a full-day class, with time for a lunch break. Please bring your own lunch. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. 

Workshop Outline

Morning: Prep and Mock-ups

The instructor will provide an overview on how to prepare and what to be considerate of when making a zine. Individuals will have the chance to make their zine of their own and be provided a supplementary zine about creating their own from home.

Lunch

There will be 60 minutes for lunch. Please bring your own lunch or prepare to purchase food in the area.

Afternoon: Carving and Printing

The instructor will provide an overview of basic carving techniques for linocuts and demonstrate how to ready your printing blocks for the press and the finishing phase of the zine. You will create a simple image that will be print simultaneously with other participants of the workshop. Everyone will be able to take home a copy of this collaborative zine.

Go home with a new art skill, some teambuilding skills, and a collaborative print made with others!

Outcomes:

• Participants of the workshop will work together to produce a single page from linoleum that will be brought together with other blocks to be used in producing an 8-fold, 11 x17” zine.

• In this class, we will teach you to carve a simple design of your choosing onto 5”x7” mounted firm linoleum block with carving tools. 

• Learn what is a Linocut, how to cut, ink and pull impressions by hand or by a printing press. Participants will walk away with a small edition of their own print, as well as a collaborative zine. 

• Learn what a Zine is, as well as how to plan and layout artwork for one. You will also learn about where you can find zine-related events. 

• In addition, individuals will be encouraged to explore a variety of marks and shapes with an emphasis on ephemera -low stakes! Low stress! All messy. 

• Develop collaboration skills through teambuilding exercises, be introduced to design principles, and surrealist techniques.

• Receive a supplementary zine with instructions on how to carve your block and make your own zine from home. 

All materials will be supplied, no experience necessary.

To ensure willing participants have access to arts opportunities, please email Ahmri at info@otherwisestudios.com if you face financial barriers. Space permitting, we can provide complimentary admission.

Meet the Facilitator, Justin

Justin LaGuff is an Artist working in alternative comics, illustration, and printmaking living in Guelph. Their practice involves using printed media to platform their comics, drawings and collage work that investigate preoccupations with memory, fiction, and ephemera. Their work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in venues at Zavitz Gallery(Guelph), Boarding House Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, The Button Factory Arts, and Necessary Arts Collective. Their zines can be found through their online store and various Toronto Distros, such as The Beguiling Books & Arts. 

@jlaguff

https://justinlaguff.storenvy.com/