The artist starts by determining the amount of prints or impressions in that single edition – it is usually a small amount; for example, 20. He or she then cuts a section of the woodblock corresponding to the image to be printed in the first colour, going from darkest to lightest (or vice versa).
After printing the 20 impressions, the artist cuts the next section of the woodblock, covering the woodblock with a second colour over the first. This destroys the ability to re-print the first colour and locks the edition into the pre-determined number of prints.
This intricate and complex process continues until the image is fully cut, all the colours are printed, and the woodblock is destroyed.