An image can be drawn straight onto the lino if you are confident in your drawing. Many prefer to transfer the design from a previously prepared image though as it is better to keep the lino as clean and free from unwanted marks as possible.
I started with my digi-image of an oak leaf. To make it stand out more I went over the outline with a 'Sharpie' marker but this is not necessary.
Because I was transferring a small, simple design, I chose not to use graphite paper but to use a 4B sketching pencil on the back of my design. I turned over the picture and covered the area behind the oak leaf design in pencil marks (as shown below). Be careful to cover the entire area behind the picture without leaving any gaps, otherwise you will miss transferring parts of your design.
Once the whole area is covered on the back of your design, turn the paper over so that the design is facing you and the pencil scribbling side is down. Lay the paper on top of the lino where you want the design to go. It is helpful to tape the paper onto the lino once you have it in the right place so that it doesn't slide around while you transfer your design. If you are using graphite paper instead of scribbling on the back of your design then lay this, graphite side down on top of the lino, and place your design, picture side up on top of the graphite paper. Tape everything in place to prevent shifting.
Now everything is in place, trace over the entire design with a pen or pencil firmly, making sure that you go over every line of the design. You may want to lift one side of the paper while leaving the other side taped down to check that you have completed the whole picture before removing the paper entirely. Then, if you have missed any, you can replace the paper in exactly the same place to finish it off.
The pencil lines can be very pale when they have been transferred and this can be difficult to see when cutting out, so I like to go over the lines again with a pencil directly onto the lino to make the image clearer.
You will be left with a nice, clear image to cut out.
I find that it is helpful to shade any large areas that I am going to cut out so that I don't accidentally cut out the wrong bits when I am working. It is possible to rub out the pencil marks but impossible to replace the lino once you have cut it away!
My leaf design (shown above) is now ready to cut out. For guidance on how to cut out the image then visit the page 'Cutting a linocut image'.