Cheuk Yu • 2019 • Reductive Printmaking
Created using reductive linocut printmaking with a hand-carved linoleum block
Features “The Howling Dawn” logo from CS:GO’s Howl skin
Ties into the theme of plagiarism through the story behind the Howl
Combining traditional printmaking with a message about originality
Linoleum carving block and carving tools
Paint and a paint roller
Printing paper
This is a two-colour reductive linocut print, created by hand-carving a design into a linoleum block and transferring the image onto paper using printing ink. The design I chose for the print is the "Howling Dawn" Logo, a very well-known design from the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, as a weapon skin for the M4A4. While the M4A4 Howl is no doubt one of the most well-known weapon skins in the game, my choice was mainly based on its connection to the theme of this project: plagiarism.
The artwork behind the Howl skin was originally stolen from an artist before it was applied as a weapon skin for CS: GO, with no credit or recognition given to the original artist. This led Valve to remove the weapon skin from circulation, where the M4A4 Howl would become one of the few “contraband” weapon skins in the game. This real-world story shows a rare case where plagiarism had visible consequences, and helps to give this project a meaningful foundation. By pairing the Holwing Dawn design with a clear message warning against any imitators, this print helps serve as a statement about originality and respect for intellectual property.
A selection of process and final-stage photos that highlight the progression and detail of this project. From initial preliminary work to refined finishes, these images provide a closer look at the build and design journey.
(Full image gallery available on separate page.)