Meet the Maker: Rach Lloyd

Hello, my name is Rach and I'm a printmaker from Shropshire. I go by the name Rach Lloyd Press, and pride myself on making all of my print-runs and editions in very small numbers, so people can own a unique piece of artwork at an affordable price.

I am a multidisciplinary artist, and always want to continue to try new things and experiment - this means when I look at my portfolio as a whole, it can sometimes feel a bit disjointed and cross many styles and media, so I try to bring it all together by using a joyful and light-hearted subject matter. 

I first learnt to make a linocut print and screenprint at college, but developed and refined this practice at university, when studying Illustration at Norwich University. It took a while for me to connect the dots and I realised things can be multi-layered and more experimental, and I could combine processes in order to get the desired outcome.

During lockdown I had to be more inventive, and work around limitations such as a lack of equipment, or feeling like I didn’t have enough space to make ambitious prints. Letterpress printing is something I’ve been able to introduce over time. In 2020, I began by carving my own letters out of lino because I became much more interested in typography. But now I have a fantastic set of vintage blocks that are so fun to experiment with - it's nice to look back and see how this has developed.

Why printmaking? 

I really like the complete process of printmaking; there are times where you are being really creative and coming up with compositions and ideas. Then there are more technical and practical elements, figuring out registration and layers. There is also a more meditative side, where you are physically putting everything into place and the repetition is really enjoyable. So it’s jumping around all sorts of ways of thinking, in order to make the artwork. I also like making limited editions, and how a small group of people can own the same print, but because it’s hand-printed, each is unique.  

Where do you work? 

I work at home, and use a small book press that was made by my Dad. I have my headphones on all day - creating a happy and inspiring space helps me get into ‘print-mode’. I am very easily unfocused, so sticking on music or a podcast helps to get in the zone. 

 What inspires you?

When I went to college, I was able to focus the subject matter of my artwork on things I had an interest in. I made work about my favourite TV programmes and focused on comedy. When I went to university, my interest in comedy grew and grew, and I think lots of research around those themes influenced my approach to making prints. I thought more creatively about making playful and engaging work, in terms of both the content and the visuals. I wrote an article for People of Print about the importance of comedy and how it has impacted my practice, which can be found here.

Although there are hundreds of artists that inspire me, I try to find my inspiration outside of artwork, as it it too easy and tempting to compare yourself. 

 What have you made that you are most proud of?

 I think the thing I am most proud of is the ‘Ant Book’, as it would have been so easy not to make, or pass off as pointless. It was the catalyst for lots of other small-press books, and something I definitely want to revisit as a way of making work. I made it during lockdown, and the feedback I had from those who bought it was that it really cheered them up! So that kind of cemented the idea that artwork can be both important and light-hearted. 

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

I have a little shop on Etsy, at the moment I am updating it all the time and working on more small editions. And I'm also open to commissions and love making custom letterpress prints. 

 Do you have any advice for other printmakers and creatives? 

My advice is do what you can, when you can; I have just left one full-time job and I'm excited to start another. I am still working on becoming better at organising my own time and finding opportunities to keep making, and share my work with more people.

There have been times recently where I have told myself I am ‘too busy working’ to continue printmaking; but I know how much printmaking improves my wellbeing, creativity, and sense of purpose. So finding the time, no matter how little, is always worth it. I have just bought ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron, and I'm really intrigued to see if the weekly prompts and tasks help to improve that balance.  

Follow Rach Lloyd on Instagram, or you can head to her website and Etsy shop to find out more about her work.