A method of making a relief image printing element having a relief pattern comprising a plurality of relief dots, wherein the photocurable printing blank comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon and a masking layer on the at least one photocurable layer is provided. The method comprising the steps of: a) selectively ablating the masking layer to create an overall image in the masking layer, such that the overall image comprises a sub-image, comprising a pattern of cells, in it; b) applying an oxygen barrier layer on top of the masking layer; c) exposing the printing element to actinic radiation through the oxygen barrier layer and the masking layer; and d) developing the printing blank by removing the barrier layer and the uncured portions of the photocurable layer to reveal the relief image.