Why I love Risograph prints

Risograph printing similar to screen printing, it is a duplication-printing technique and printer developed in Japan in the mid 1980's by the Riso Kaguku Corporation. Using bold, vibrant colours, built up a layer at a time the paper is then run through the machine multiple times. Each time adding a new color based on the selected plate and colour drum.

Print ready files

Setting up the design files for the prints is not as straightforward as digital design, as you need to think in terms of colour layers. And set up the chosen design as different files for each colour which layer up to create the final design. As a designer you also have control over how strong you want the colours and can play around with the percentage of colour, so I want to achieve a light pink I just use 50% black on the artwork plate. Once the files are all set it’s quite satisfying to see all the layers, I’ve shown you one of my new designs as an example.

For me the biggest benefit of using this process is the vivid colours you get, which you just can’t achieve with digital printing. As a colour lover (particularly the neon colours) this is really important to bring to life my final designs. Also prints themselves have a really tactile finish as they use an uncoated paper stock to give a matt finish. Because each colour is printed a layer at the time the design sometimes misaligns giving an overlay of colours which is an effect I love, each print has its own individual quirks.

My favourite Risograph designers

I also wanted to share with you some of my favourite risograph designers. The first is Risotto, they are a specialist risograph printing studio based in Scotland. Their pattern work is really incredible, I love their sense of fun and play. They are also where I get my prints done.

Then there is Jacqueline Colley who I first met at Blogtacular in 2017 and we have been at some of the same craft fairs since. She is a very talented illustrator who works brilliantly with colour and typography. Her work is beautiful and so incredibly detailed, I’m sure it’s quite a challenge setting up the design files.

And then last but not least, We Are Out of Office, they are a graphic design duo from the Netherlands, I love their playful take on japanese packaging (i love Japanese graphics). Their designs are simple and quirky and their use of colour is bold and iconic. I only have one of their prints in my home but would love more!

Reflection

My love of Risograph printing continues to grow as I create more new designs. I especially enjoy the challenge of making the designs work with a limited colour palette. I’ve just received my latest designs and I’m so pleased with them, excited to share them with you.

Further reading

https://www.risottostudio.com/

https://www.peopleofprint.com/general/top-15-risograph-printing-studios/