The scratchboard style is created by starting with a black background and working in reverse, carving out the highlights with a drawing tool. In traditional media (where I started this style), you would use a special clay coated paper that you apply the ink to and then use a cutting implement (I used a special surgical blade with a rounded tip) to scrape away the ink.

It is much easier (and less messy) to do the style digitally, also the color options are more flexible, and has been one of my consistent best selling styles, perfect for getting that ‘historical look’ and can vary in style from tight rendering to loose woodcut.