SPIRIT WAR | linocut process -- start to final print | my biggest linocut print ever

this is the entire process start to finish of the biggest linocut i've ever made. it measures 100x140cm and i've spent almost 200 hours since i started sketching the first versions, all the way back in 2019. to see more about the story behind the print, check out the vlog i recently uploaded to my patreon page
100x140 cm linocut print on kozo paper
limited edition of 5
signed and numbered
10+ hours of printing
50+ hours of carving the linocut
50+ hours of drawing the final design
50+ hours of sketching
support me on patreon to get access to exclusive vlogs, early access to new print releases, live streams, discount codes and more:
www.patreon.com/emilunderbjer...
online shop where you can find all my linocut prints for sale, including this one:
www.emilunderbjerg.dk/shop
check out my skillshare class, how to make a linocut print
www.skillshare.com/r/user/emi...
follow me on social media to see more of my work
instagram:
/ emil.underbjerg
facebook:
/ emil.underbjerg
tools and materials i use:
paperlike ipad screen protector paperlike.com/emil
pfeil carving tools, all u-shaped
i print all my prints with cranfield safewash relief inks on japanese kozo paper.
the linoleum is made by forbo/best and i buy it by the meter from aartdevos.dk

[@tchantrey]

Hey man, here's a little something that will save you a TON of time printing out all your pages. Take your image into Illustrator. Open the Print dialog. Under "Options" you'll see "Scaling". Select "Tile imageable areas". You'll see your full image in the box on the left with a grid set to your paper size. You can move you image around in that box so it's placed how you want it. Then just print it. It will do all the work for you. Well, except taping all the pages together. :-)

[@emilunderbjerg]

oh wow, thats amazing, thanks for the tip!

[@Lazara2023]

No no no..that is part of the magic!

[@rebeccamd7903]

Am I the only one who finds linocutting and pulling up a print soothing and rewarding? 🥰

[@UpperLevelFitness]

In my opinion, you deserve an award for this seriously, this is craftsmanship and artwork at it finest. I am a very quiet person myself, so this journey of simply watching with no words just natural sound (ASMR) is very pleasing to the senses 🙏👁🙏.

[@emilunderbjerg]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@ebollon]

Amazing. The amount of planning, time, attention to detail and patience this required is remarkable. And, I love the print!

[@niesmialakobieta]

I really like how meticulous you are, it's very calming watching you carve. Just the quiet sounds and nature clips in between for little breaks :)

[@emilunderbjerg]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@oceanempire]

I really love this film. It's so much more than what could be described as an art tutorial. The cutaways to the natural surroundings make this very special. Thank you for sharing this process with us.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

[@lilyrosem]

I’ve never seen a piece of lino that big in my life 😍 I’m so glad that you came up in my recommended! Your process is just amazing and extremely inspiring ❤️

[@emilunderbjerg]

i buy it by the meter, it's heaven!

[@alangeorgebarstow]

"I’ve never seen a piece of lino that big in my life." You've never seen lino used for the purpose for which it was designed? Floor covering?

[@chandsaswati]

This is so bloody incredible, I really admire the effort you put into every detail of your work as well as video production.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@Woogieboogiewoo]

A true labor of love.

[@sandrag.3855]

I just discovered this channel and I love all about it! You include your plants, all the little noises while working, show everything from start to end. My first thought when watching the malstrøm video: such a calm video... I guess he's listening to some serious black metal! Amazing work!!

[@emilunderbjerg]

haha, I'm glad you like my channel! and yes, i often listen to black metal while working ^_^

[@robertafierro5592]

Wow!! Just plain WOW!!

[@BobbySpiessVienna]

Amazing process and skills. Such is why I'm on the internet. Thanx for sharing. ...PS: I love that light-line that's over the left graphic border from 1:29:45

[@katecollis3659]

Wow - stunning art and very inspirational

[@johnkillink]

yeah!!! looking epic Emil!!! love this piece!!

[@DibujandoIdeas]

GREAT JOB, MASTER!!!, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[@rachellane2836]

Absolutely incredible! What an awe-inspiring feat! 👏👏👏

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@OwlsInATeacup]

Amazing, so detailed and intricate. I love watching your videos, they’re so calming to watch. Your work and your videos are brilliant 👌🏻

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much hannah!

[@excel03]

This is an amazing print! I’m currently in art school and I am in a printmaking class. Linograph is our next project. This video has provided a lot of inspiration and information about technique. Thank you again for the visual appeals and excellent audio 💖

[@warrenbuitendag5286]

I see you've adapted you're workflow from painting watered down acrylic and gel medium with a brush to spray and a sponge roller for the image transfer, nice.

[@carolynknight1520]

So appreciate your sharing your inspirational work! I love the intercuts of your surroundings, water, land and waterscapes, foliage which mirrors your beautiful line drawing for your print block! Glad I stumbled upon your Spirit War vlog. Your filmmaking skills equal your print-making skills wonderfully. The rewarding cup of coffee, oh yeeessss!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you like what i do!

[@dustinbyerley7226]

Thank you I spent my birthday morning watching your whole video. It was so beautiful and enriching. Thank you for your spirit and inspiration.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it! 🙌

[@wandakowalski7063]

Thanks for sharing your talent. And for the lovely landscapes!

[@emilunderbjerg]

I'm glad you liked it! ✨

[@vanessamalloy7658]

Thank you for sharing. thank you for the nature breaks as well.

[@emilunderbjerg]

i am glad you liked it!

[@leticiacampos1044]

Wow! This is your most beautiful yet. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you like it!

[@marie-joseearbique7372]

ABSOLUTLY BEAUTIFUL!! I could watch you working for hours as it is so zenkike, almost like a meditation. Thank you for sharing your art.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you like my videos!

[@PaganVegas]

This video is in and of itself a marvelous work of art. What a magnificent, magical thing you do. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you like what i do!

[@MiklGorges]

Brilliant. Stunning. Inspirational.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you ✨

[@miquetteetjaxsian]

I’m in love with your artwork

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you, im glad you like it!

[@Victor0liveiraLima]

amazing work!!! congratulations! your art is incredible

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@mauroes]

I've just discovered you. Your work is amazing. 🙏 I admire your process. Silent, patient, calm. It's like meditation. Cheers from Argentina.

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi Mauro, thank you so much, I'm glad you like what i do 🌿

[@NanetteStein]

New to Linocutting and just found you. Your art and technique is impeccable. Thank you so much for all your incredible tutorials. And, darling, I feel that lay-down-on-the-floor in my SOUL ha! So grateful for you.

[@emilunderbjerg]

im glad you like what i do! and yeah, that lay down was needed 😅

[@SarahLoeberg]

This is an amazing achievement!! WOW! Fantastic work!!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@Lazara2023]

The best.. this is a poem, music, the soul of art...there are not words.. 😍

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@eroticafemenina1]

Espectacular!

[@giosuetacconiartist-thepro4960]

I love so much your works... keep it up.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@kairulabas809]

Making artwork with Jethro Tull = perfecto…love your art piece mate

[@ardieson4542]

Wow this is amazing

[@LHudsonARTLIFTS]

Stunning work top to bottom bud, loved the video editing just as much as seeing the full process. Inspirational bravo. I’ve never done any Lino cutting but this makes me want to give it a try 👏👏

[@theresedignard4267]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@p.a.nogueira934]

I'm really amazed! Wow!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you 😊

[@suzanpokluda6861]

Amazing work! I just found you on KZbin today. I thought to myself, “This guy must be Danish.” Sure enough. All the best with your new endeavours.

[@williamkackson9291]

That's a hell of a lot of work it's fantastic my hat's off to you

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you very much!

[@giasnero666]

Such a badass! Great job!!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@bleachedink]

What an incredible piece, the patience and skill on display is truly amazing, you inspired me to take up lino cutting again. Thank you for sharing your process, can't wait to see more from you!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much! im glad to hear my work can inspire you to pick it up again, i hope you'll make some great prints!

[@bleachedink]

@@emilunderbjerg thank you so much! I haven't done any lino cutting since university years ago, it's been nice trying something different from the usual art I make, keep up the amazing work.

[@johnkillink]

just finish watching this and the final result looks epic!!!! love it bro! and your work space looks great too!!!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you diego!

[@johnkillink]

@@emilunderbjerg no prob Emil.!! Cheers!!!

[@anonymous-wk1nr]

Wow this is not only one of the most beautiful works of art I’ve seen but your determination and dedication to such a large project is just amazing😱 this is hard work most people would not have the patience for! I could see this in a art museum in the future

[@emilunderbjerg]

such kinds words! thank you so much 🖤

[@Mandocarts]

very impressively beautiful with lines❤️

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@marcheetcree]

C'est impressionnant et motivant ! J'imagine que tu as eu une grande fierté au moment magique de la première impression !! Et qu'un lien particulier a eu le temps de se tisser entre toi et ton oeuvre, dans le plaisir. Méditatif...merci beaucoup pour ce partage !

[@emilunderbjerg]

Merci beaucoup! sorry i don't speak French but Google translate helped me 🙂

[@evgama4085]

You have some serious talent! But i'm saying a prayer for your fingers tonight XD

[@Mpatzios]

Well done!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@geordieghoulette7142]

You have far, far more patience than me 😂 a beautiful piece of work! I love the nature shots too, what a lovely idea.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! im glad you liked it :)

[@JohnMichaelGill]

Incredible

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@MaudMargretheRex]

Just Amazing

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you 😊

[@elvinachristopherson5970]

Can't believe you hands stood yp to using a bone folder to priny, not that a baron would have been easy eithet and down on the floor. Just the thought makes my body ache. Fabulous piece!

[@emilunderbjerg]

it's hard work for sure! i only printed one per day as it took almost two hours to print a single print 😂

[@lewisrobbins5036]

I've only just got into learning Lino this week so this video is really helpful for me! great work!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you, and great to hear! I'm glad it's useful to you 🙂

[@naugahydeboneproject8892]

Great work Emil!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@TheTwotonec]

Respect !

[@EmilsSalmins]

this is so awesome :)

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@s.nachtwanderer7820]

Da kannst du dir wirklich auf die Schulter klopfen! Eine sehr schöne Arbeit! Du hast bewiesen mit Geduld, Ausdauer, handwerklichem Geschick und guter Vorbereitung (Nur die Sprühdose hätte ich vllt. im Freien verwendet!) kann man wundervolle Dinge erschaffen.✨ Terrific … 🤩👌🏼

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, im glad you liked it! and yes, the spray can indoors was a bad idea 😅

[@slowneutron6163]

Why are you so damned good and I can't do jack? Amazing.

[@lamearit8564]

Divin !

[@Guruc13]

I'm a little entranced

[@emilunderbjerg]

:) :) :)

[@shondajudy171]

Your art is amazing. A beautiful video that I watched all the way to the end. The progression of your fingernail polish…😬

[@emilunderbjerg]

Thank you so much 😀

[@imnogood5016]

I've just discovered your work, it's amazing. I started linocut printing this year and I feel like my designs are lacking, do you have anny process that you follow to design your pieces ? where do you find inspiration ? Any designing tips ?

[@carlosgonzalez9612]

The ASMR is a great touch to the already dope art!! Got my sub no question! But pls adjust the billing levels when sanding that was just kinda painful lol or at least a heads up lol

[@mariewoods2508]

The only thoughts going through my head: Holy. Fucking. Shit

[@emilunderbjerg]

haha, i hope that's positive 😅

[@mariewoods2508]

Seriously it’s incredible! I’m blown away

[@stemfourvisual]

What a beautiful video, thank you. I’m wondering if you could replace a lot of the initial work by just projecting straight from the laptop on to the carving medium..? Not to question your workflow, just curious. Really stunning work anyway - and the deep satisfaction of peeling off the first print never gets old 😊

[@emilunderbjerg]

you mean if i could draw on the lino from the projected image? that would definitely work, but i think at this scale it would be extremely tedious to do, and add a lot of extra work hours to an already long process. doing it this way saves a lot of time and is more precise in my opinion. and you're right, it is extremely satisfying!

[@UpperLevelFitness]

As an Artist myself I must say ..WOW, the time and intricacy is impressive! And I've been considering picking up lino as an alternative to my regular creations and this video cemented it for me 100%. Amazing piece Emil! Is this all you're original design??

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much! i would definitely recommend picking up linocutting (no surprise ^_^ ) and red it's my own design :-)

[@joaomartins6537]

Im a recent follower and amazed! Totally love your videos, aesthetic and artwork! ^^ I've a question about your transfering method, you label release backing paper can be used in any printer or is it a special one for that process? And did you applied before pounce the image? White glue? Thank your sharing your work! ^^ Its marvelous!

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi João i have completely missed this comment and your questions, sorry about that! im using a laser printer which for this method is the only type of printer that works, here's a link to a video where i show you how it works kzbin.info/www/bejne/e56uh6ptZ9Kga7M

[@garyglynn9945]

This is great, Emil! I'm wondering what your spray paint is. In earlier videos you were using thinned acrylic, I do believe. Also, doesn't your dried gel medium remain tacky after the transfer or is that a result of the substrate? Thanks for sharing your talent and environment, very inspiring.

[@emilunderbjerg]

here i am using white spray paint instead of the thinned acrylic, i was hoping it would be easier to apply but I've switched back to using acrylic instead, the spray was too much of a hassle. the gel medium dries completely, no tack whatsoever. I'm glad you like what i do, thanks for watching 😊

[@aubrysaadetian7198]

this is an incredible work!! do you buy your lino online for those big pieces? I always struggle to find bigger plates.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! yes i buy it online, from aartdevos.dk but i don't think they offer international shipping

[@alansmith5579]

Excellent work you are a master of both dedication and skill. That was a big "V"cutter you were using can you please give details

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much the large V shaped gouge is a B15/6 which has a narrow tip but steep sides so i can make deep but narrow cuts

[@ninaw2702]

Hi Emil, wow, that's some next level print! Amazing work and videos!

[@emilunderbjerg]

it depends. i will usually clean the lino after every printing session, but because this piece is so big it would be really hard to do, so i just leave it on there and let it dry. for smaller pieces i will clean them after a printing session. if you notice buildup on your lino you might be rolling it on too thickly to begin with

[@Guruc13]

Excellent print! I hope it sells well! Would you say the magnifier-desk-arm with the small light makes a difference? Would you recommend it?

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! yes the magnifying lamp is great for the small details and makes a big difference, your neck will thank you :) . i found mine in the trash a couple of years ago and retrofitted it with a philips hue light strip

[@thibault1636]

Mesmerizing work, fantastic video (so much work it in it as well!)! I'm about to start a linocut for a design school project, what did you use to transfer your art on the lino? Or maybe did you use some other techniques before you did that? Anyway thank you so mucj for putting your art online like this!

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi, sorry i missed your comment and question! i use the technique described in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZjXiaqDhtt_aJY

[@thibault1636]

@@emilunderbjerg Thank you! I finally saw your video don't worry, it helped me a lot and my linocut turned out pretty nice, I'll for sure come back to it! Thanks again for all your knowledge in these videos, it was very nice (and fantastic art too!)

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much 😊

[@614560w]

I mean.... Wow 😳

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you 😊

[@johnrevill1087]

You're very talented man I'm not easily impressed but you've impressed me with this all the best one question how did you stabilize the link to stop it cracking in the thin spots

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you for the kind words! i dont really do anything to stabilise them, i just try to be as careful as i can when i carve so that i am not pushing on the sides and edges if that makes sense

[@CynthiaTrombley-jz9dh]

That was AMAZING to watch and I really appreciated you sharing your laser copy technique. I did not see what kind of ink or paint you used to make your print but you seemed to have a fair amount of time between rolling it onto your block and actually rubbing your paper down on it. I had a hard time printing even a small block using what I believe was Speedball screen printing or block printing ink. Ther air coditioning was on and the ink/paint seemed to dry before I could move it to the press. I found it was also not waterproof, so when I tried to apply atercolour paint to the finished piece the image smeared and lifted. Any sugestions?

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you, im glad you liked it! i use cranfield safewash relief ink, it's like a mix between waterbased and oil based printing ink.

[@Sapphic_Gore]

This is so freaking cool!! Such a random question but is there a name for this style of layout? Where things are blocked out/ bordered? It seems reminiscent of some older (midievalish?) art but I cannot remember the name of it

[@jamiegossett]

Nice work. Invest in a 44 inch large format printer like the Epson Surecolor P9000 for $6,000 to make this large print project easier.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! i wish i had that kind of money, until then ill stick to my primitive ways ^^

[@swornegacie5129]

Great work! What type of camera did u use for video?

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! i use s fuji x-t3 camera 📷

[@numberonehater1239]

What do you use for the stencil? To get the ink to transfer? :) amazing work btw

[@emilunderbjerg]

sorry for the late reply, here's a link to a video i just put out showing how i transfer kzbin.info/www/bejne/e56uh6ptZ9Kga7M

[@sebbelgium]

Amazing process... such a big print without a press.....wonder what wad the GSM of your paper?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i think it's around 40-50g/m²

[@dieleya1370]

Sooooo cool! I feel so inspired to print now! But how did you make your canvas in procreate that big? I once tried making a 60cm x 80 cm canvas and the App always crashed :(

[@emilunderbjerg]

i drew it on an A4 sized document and just scaled it in Photoshop. the quality want great after the scaling but i didn't need it to be either, just good enough to carve along

[@susansilvasauro]

That's amazingly beautiful! Great work! Thanks for share. Ps.: I wish I could find a lino this size, just for a try hahah any tips?. 🖖

[@emilunderbjerg]

Thank you very much! i think you can use floor linoleum, if you have a shop nearby that sells floor materials you can try asking them :) i get mine from a local art supply shop, they sell it by the meter, but i only know that one place

[@susansilvasauro]

@@emilunderbjerg yes, good idea thank you. I found one, but is very thin, but this search has been fun

[@Sabinex5]

What is the Liquitex material you used to transfer the image? Update: Bought some and tried it out and it really works.

[@emilunderbjerg]

it's liquitex gloss medium gel

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

Greetings! Lovely work! I use a lot of Liquitex mediums, I didn't recognize or realize they have one that will transfer images to other surfaces. Do you mind sharing which medium that was? And what kind of printer did you use - inkjet or laser? Thanx!

[@emilunderbjerg]

it's simply a gloss heavy gel, i guess you can use many kinds of gel medium. the printer i use is a HP LaserJet pro m15a

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

@@emilunderbjerg Thanx for getting back to me on the gel medium. I attempted to freeze the frame when you were holding the jar but could only make out "gel" on the label. Also, I only wanted know if you used a laser printer or ink jet because (as you know) some paper and textile transfer techniques work best with laser print "inks" while others work best with inkjet inks. Thanx again...

[@claytondavis8579]

Fantastic work! I may have missed it in the video but how exactly did you transfer your drawing to the lino? I prefer drawing my layers out digitally then printing it out like you then transferring the image with carbon or graphite paper. Your method looks so much more efficient

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! i have a video on my channel describing how i do the transfer

[@claytondavis8579]

@@emilunderbjerg Oh awesome! Thanks so much for the reply! I'll check that video out ASAP

[@stephene.2096]

unfortunately my printer always jams when trying to print on the peeled label paper..so i am still stuck with rubbing. what printer model are you using..any special setup for the paper?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i think mine is a HP laserjet m15a, it was just the cheapest laser printer i could find. mine jams every once in a while but i don't do anything special to get it to print on the label paper

[@johdo5674]

💙🧠👍

[@Cchouette]

The beginning of the video suggested that you were naked 🫣 What a disappointment to see clothes afterwards 🥲 You would have win a new subscriber 🤷🏻‍♂️😜

[@V1KTOR33]

Why are there multiple “emil’s” doing prints?

[@donnagoode6923]

to anyone who does lino print... is there a way to correct a bad cut? or you just have to work around it?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i haven't tried to fix a bad cut, i've always just work my way around it.

[@theartofmeg8463]

Hi! I know this video is old so maybe you won't respond, and that's okay! I was just curious, as someone that's new to printmaking, why do you choose to use a bone folder to press your prints instead of a brayer? It seems like using a larger pressing instrument would save you time, but I don't know if it decreases the quality of the prints?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i think most of all it's a force of habit, when i started making linocut prints all i had was a bonefolder so i used that and it's stuck with me since. i like it because i can apply pressure both in large areas and in small areas when needed depending on how i hold it.

[@maquetacionesdealex6809]

Dude, amazing. What was the price of linoleum?

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! i buy it by the meter, this piece cost 160$/130€

[@maquetacionesdealex6809]

@@emilunderbjerg Wow, not too expensive. I use to buy A4 linocuts for about 4-5 €

[@Ponnybit]

i hope you make the sales to buy new lungs and couches and wtv you ruined. it sucks not having a workspace, i know but bro.. your health is the most important thing you have, and i did notice the mask OFC, but that is a closed space, it's forever contamined

[@emilunderbjerg]

haha, thank you! that would be great, but i am still waiting 😊 for the record, i have stopped spraying inside,

[@fakhrurrazi1000]

What is type of liquid that u used to trace that image?

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi, check this video on how to transfer kzbin.info/www/bejne/e56uh6ptZ9Kga7M

[@fakhrurrazi1000]

@@emilunderbjerg tq for your sharing

[@akasakikawasaki1890]

Can someone explain how to transfer the print onto the linoleo?

[@emilunderbjerg]

here's a video i made to show how i transfer kzbin.info/www/bejne/e56uh6ptZ9Kga7M

[@akasakikawasaki1890]

@@emilunderbjerg huge thank you ❤️

[@CorkBouldering]

Hi I am starting my adventure with lino can you recommend me 2 most useful sizes of cutters preferably pfeil, I have set of jappaness cutters and set of cheap chinese cutters but I am willing to invest in professional tolls.

[@emilunderbjerg]

i honestly have no idea what size of cutters im using, the numbers on them dont seem to correspond to anything as far as i can tell. im sorry i cant help more

[@DJGQINHURST]

Is that a btbam tattoo

[@emilunderbjerg]

what is that?

[@DJGQINHURST]

@@emilunderbjerg it’s a metal band. The artwork is similar to your tattoo