The Art of the Slow Frame: Why Handcrafted Thinking Still Matters in Animation
The creative mind never really switches off; it just changes pace. For me, one of the most refreshing ways to step away from the digital whirlwind is to sit down with a lino block in the evening. It is wonderfully low-maintenance, easy to set up, easy to pack away, and endlessly adaptable to my mood.
Some nights I am sketching freely, sometimes on paper, sometimes straight onto the lino, letting go of that very adult urge to decide if something is “good” or “bad.” (Children never worry about that, which is why their work often feels so alive.) On other evenings, I do not want to think too hard. I just want the quiet satisfaction of carving, a bit like painting by numbers, where the process itself is the reward. And then there are the nights when I am happy to get my hands inky and see how an idea, or a moment of spontaneity, comes to life on the page.
That is why I love lino printing: it is analogue, it offers different creative doorways depending on your mood, and it gives my mind space to unwind while still making. I think of it as “slow art,” not in the sense of working sluggishly (I take deadlines seriously) but as a counterbalance to the high-energy pace of professional life.
A Practice Rooted in the Present
My printmaking is a celebration of the authentic, the imperfect, and the profound beauty found in the here and now. The carving, the inking, the mindful impression — each is as important as the finished print. That dedication to the handcrafted gives each piece an organic character: bold silhouettes, flowing forms, and the occasional intentionally misaligned letter, a quiet protest against sterile digital perfection.
Much of my work draws on personal reflection, finding joy and meaning in everyday moments and encouraging a slower, deeper appreciation for the present. Symbolism, often inspired by narratives like Alice in Wonderland, adds layers of meaning that invite viewers into a meditative or dream-like space. While deeply personal, the work also brushes against wider social and historical themes.
From Printmaking to Moving Pictures
This philosophy flows naturally into my work at Plume Films, our boutique animation and film production studio. Just as printmaking thrives on tactile craft, our animation work is guided by thoughtfulness, texture, and a respect for process.
We approach each project as we would a hand-carved block:
Design with intention. Every shape, frame, and colour choice is deliberate.
Work in stages. Concept, storyboard, animation, refinement, each with its own rhythm.
Value the “perfectly imperfect”. Textures, irregularities, and organic pacing that make the work feel human.
It is an approach that does not reject the speed and precision of modern tools, but balances them with the warmth and unpredictability of the handcrafted.
The Case for Imperfection in a Digital World
One of the most satisfying things about lino printing is that the finished image always carries traces of the process, a slightly uneven edge, the way ink catches in a cut. Animation can carry this spirit too. Sometimes it is a hand-drawn wobble in a character’s walk, or a subtle texture overlay that keeps a scene from feeling sterile.
In a world where digital workflows make it easy to smooth, polish, and over-correct, holding onto those “human” elements can help a story resonate more deeply.
Stories That Breathe
Both lino prints and animation give space for stories that are not in a rush. In printmaking, this might mean a single image that holds a quiet moment. In animation, it could be a lingering shot, a deliberate pause, or sound design that wraps the viewer in a moment’s atmosphere.
We do not just ask, “What happens next?” We ask, “How does it feel right now?”
Why Slow Art Speeds Creative Growth
Paradoxically, my slow art practice fuels my professional speed. By carving lino or rolling ink in the evenings, I am not switching off; I am giving my creative mind a different way to work. That space to play without pressure feeds back into the energy, focus, and inventiveness I bring to fast-moving client projects.
If this way of working resonates, you can explore our recent animation projects here.
We are always happy to talk ideas, ideally over coffee, and possibly with a few lino shavings still on the table.
