Meet the Maker: Julia Triay

Hi! I'm Julia Triay, I'm an illustrator and printmaker from Mallorca, Spain based in Norwich. I moved to Norwich 8 years ago to study illustration. I fell in love with this fine city and made it my home. I recently quit my job to become a full time illustrator, which has been a very exciting step in my career.

 Describe your printmaking process. 

My main medium is linocut. I quite enjoy planning my blocks before carving them, therefore I always start by drawing my designs in my sketchbook, and then transfering them with tracing paper on to my block. However, I do enjoy adding most of the details while carving, as I love the unexpected shapes you can achieve.

 How & where did you learn to print?

 I learnt to print about 9 years ago. I took part in a workshop back home in Mallorca hosted by a very talented printmaker called Pablo Salvaje. Later on while studying at Norwich University of the Arts, I reconnected with linocut and started using this as my main medium.

Where do you work?

 I recently started renting my first ever studio. Until now I had always worked from home, but having a dedicated space to create has made a massive difference in my life. I feel so much more productive when I'm in my studio and it has very quickly become my happy place. My studio is in Norwich city centre and I share it with Gemma Rose who is a very cool and colourful knitwear artist.

Describe a typical day in your studio.

A typical day in my studio, I will arrive at 11am and put on the coffee machine straight away. I start by checking my emails and my orders and making a plan/ to do list for the day. Once all the less fun admin work is out of the way, I will start printing orders. If I am all up to date with orders, I would work on creating new designs and products. I am quite the night owl, so I feel I am my most productive and creative in the evening. I like to get all my life admin done in the morning so I can just focus on being creative throughout the rest of the day. I will often stay in my studio until 8pm or 9pm.

How long have you been printmaking?

I've been printmaking on and off for the past 6 years, but I feel like I have actually dedicated to it fully in the past 4 years.

What inspires you?

I am mostly inspired by nature. I love capturing the essence of different seasons through plants and produce. Things that  bring me joy, such as food and interesting facts about animals. On a deeper level, I find so much inspiration in all the creative people in my life, such as my mum. Seeing their love for their craft makes me feel so lucky to also have a passion that can bring others joy and to be able to share it. 

What is your favourite printmaking product?

I am the biggest fan of Cranfield oil based relief printing inks. I use them both to print on paper and on fabric and I just love their colour range.

  What have you made that you are most proud of?

I created a series of prints that focused around bettering my relationship with myself, titled 'My body deserves my love'. I've had a few people reach out about the print, saying how much it meant to them and how it was a positive affirmation in the form of art to have in their bathroom as a reminder to be kind to themselves. It made me really proud that I was able to help and connect with people through my art. 

Where can we see your work? Where do you sell?

You can find my work on Instagram and on my online shop

What will we be seeing from you next?

I am currently preparing and making stock for Christmas markets, so you can expect limited edition prints, Christmas cards, advent calendars and a selection of handprinted textile goodies such as tees and cozy jumpers and socks.

Do you have any advice for other printmakers and creatives?

Embrace how long the linocutting process is. I personally enjoy working on a large lino block for many hours or even days. It forces me to slow down from the hectic day to day life. It's almost a form of meditation for me, and it allows me to clear my head by just focusing on 1 thing. Instead of looking at carving as something that takes a long time and requires patience, I like to look at it as a chance to have some quality alone time.

To see more from Julia follow her on Instagram