Sarah Defriend is a Welsh printmaker and digital designer based in Wales. Her work is held in the National Library of Wales and on permanent display in Swansea City Library as part of the Miners Project, and has been exhibited in galleries throughout Wales.

Her printmaking practice began in 2023, sparked by a workshop at Swansea Print Workshop assisting artist Judith Stroud — an experience that introduced her to the craft and set a new creative direction.

Before returning to Wales, Sarah spent years in the digital design industry, working with clients including the BBC, Aardman, Hello Kitty, and the NHS on children's educational games, animated music videos, and illustrated storybooks. That background in visual storytelling continues to inform her printmaking today.

Sarah is available for exhibitions, gallery representation, and print commissions. Get in touch at info@sarahdefriend.com, or follow her process on Instagram.

My printing technique

All of my prints are original artworks, created using traditional linocut techniques. Each piece is hand-carved, inked, and printed by me using a baren or printing press, so every print is truly one of a kind.

Below is an overview of my process and the materials I use:

  • Sarah Defriend Sketches

    Sketch designs

    With pen and paper, I sketch up rough ideas and refine them with pencil until I'm satisfied with the design. I use Japanese Vinyl (lino), and I'll draw the design directly onto the surface using a sharpie or transfer the design with red carbon paper.

  • Sarah Defriend Lino carving

    Lino carving

    Then it's ready for carving! This is my favourite part, and I use a range of Pfeil ‘U’ and ‘V’ shaped sharp carving tools. I’ll follow the design outlines to cut into the vinyl at different depths to create textures and shapes that form the designs.

  • Sarah Defriend Printing

    Printing

    Once I’m happy with the carving, I apply Cranfield ink to the vinyl block, then carefully lay the paper on top. To transfer the image, I either hand burnish the surface using a baren or use a press, I often use this stunning 1853 Columbian Relief Press at the Swansea Print Workshop.