How to photo engrave outside the square

In the last module of Mastering Photo Engraved Woodblocks: Online Course, is a lesson on how to make shaped photo engraved blocks.

Shaped blocks are one of my favorite tricks!

Not only do they reduce engraving time, but they also open up new creative possibilities.

Below I walk you through the steps for creating shaped woodblocks.

If you want to try it for yourself, sign up for Mastering Photo Engraved Woodblocks where I guide you through the process in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator so you can create your own without struggle.

Let's start thinking outside the rectangle!

Shaped Laser Engraved Woodblocks: Step-By-Step

Step 1: Choose an image

When selecting an image, choose one with a high resolution. 300 ppi is best, but you can often get away with a lower resolution if the pixel dimensions are large.

Normally I work with color photos because they are easier to adjust to be laser-friendly, but I couldn’t resist working with the social media sensation Brünnhilde the Cat from the Library of Congress.

Photo of Brunnhilde the Cat with background removed.

Step 2: Remove the background

Gone are the days of using the Magic Eraser tool to painstakingly remove the background of images.

Photoshop has several tools that use AI to remove the background and mask areas that make this process a snap.

I'll show you how!

Photo of Brunhilda the Cat adjusted with more sharpness and contrast

Step 3: Adjust the image

The most impactful way of improving the quality of your laser-engraved photos is to learn how to adjust them in Photoshop to be more laser friendly. Unadjusted photos tend to engrave dark, high contrast, and with a loss of detail.

In Mastering Photo Engraved Woodblocks, I show you the three key adjustments for improving your images so you can achieve stellar results. 

We also examine how these adjustments can be used to develop your artistry using the original photograph as a starting point that you can manipulate.

Inverted image of Brunnhilde the Cat with blue outline for laser cutting

Step 4: Creating cut shape

Once the image has been adjusted in Photoshop, it is brought into Illustrator and the line for the cut shape of the block is drawn.

Note that the image has been inverted. To print as a positive the laser-cutting file needs to be in the negative.

Step 5: Laser engraving

Finally, it is time to send the file to the laser to cut and engrave! I like to use ¼” Baltic birch because of its stability with one coat of varnish lightly sanded. You can also use a high grade plywood from your local lumberyard or home improvement store. Choose the highest grade they carry, because thinner plies and voids can result in low spots.
 

Step 6: Print

Ink the block with thin layers of ink. The engraving depth of photo woodblocks is shallow. Thick layers of ink could cause the image to fill in.

Wondering how to ensure precise registration for shaped blocks? In Mastering Photo Engraved Woodblocks, I’ll show you how to use the laser cutter to make registration jigs.

Plus, I’ll give you downloadable files you can use and adjust to create your own.

Have I piqued your excitement for learning how to bring photographic processes into your printmaking practice?

Sarah Pike