Risograph Basics Workshop
Risograph Basics Workshop
Discover the vibrant world of risograph printing in this hands-on workshop focused on two-color techniques. Perfect for beginners, this three-hour session will introduce you to the basics of how a risograph printer works, explore the unique aesthetic and quirks of the medium, and guide you through preparing and printing your own two-color design. You'll learn how to layer colors, experiment with registration, and use limited palettes creatively to produce bold, eye-catching prints. Leave with a stack of your own riso-printed artwork and the skills to keep experimenting on your own.
Materials
About the Instructor
Stephen Kissel is an illustrator, cartoonist, and educator living in Lynchburg. He enjoys creating a variety of illustrations, comics, and character design for clients and also works as an arts educator in the local community. When not making things, he might be found searching for the perfect bagel, buying too many books, or spending time with his wife and pets.
We’ll provide everything essential for this workshop (i.e. paper, mark-making materials, collage supplies), but you’re welcome to bring your own favorite designs and supplies. (Just make sure you only bring black/gray tools, as we’ll need grayscale images to scan in.)
What is Risograph?
Artists love using risograph printers for a mix of aesthetic, practical, and philosophical reasons. Risograph printing is loved not just for how it looks, but for how it feels—both in process and product. It's a perfect blend of analog charm, affordability, and artistic control. Here’s why they’re so popular in creative circles:
Unique Visual Aesthetic
Vibrant Colors: Riso inks are soy-based and come in bold, bright hues not achievable in standard CMYK printing. Think fluorescent pinks, vivid oranges, and deep teals.
Overlay & Texture: Riso prints have a charming, imperfect quality. Slight misregistrations (when colors don't align perfectly) and textured halftones give prints a tactile, handmade feel.
Screenprint Look, Zine Speed: It combines the layered, graphic aesthetic of screenprinting with the speed and reproducibility of photocopying.
Low-Cost & High-Volume
Economical for Bulk Printing: After the initial cost of creating a master (like a stencil), printing hundreds of copies is cheap—ideal for zines, posters, comics, and art books.
Independent Publishing Friendly: Riso thrives in small-run, DIY publishing because artists can produce high-quality work without relying on commercial printers.
eco-friendly edge
Soy-Based Inks: They're less toxic and more sustainable than petroleum-based inks.
Low Energy Use: Riso printers use less electricity than laser or inkjet printers.
Community and Culture
Zine & Indie Art Culture: Riso printing is a staple in zine fests, art book fairs, and underground press scenes. Many collectives and community studios own risographs, encouraging collaboration and accessibility.
Experimental Mindset: Artists enjoy how riso invites experimentation—playing with overlays, layering colors, and embracing imperfection.
Creative Constraints = Innovation
Limited Color Passes: Since each color is printed separately, artists are pushed to think in layers and simplify their compositions—leading to more deliberate design choices.
Happy Accidents: Its quirks (like slight misalignment or ink bleeding) often produce serendipitous results.
Additional Information
For questions or more information, email Erica Trabold, Program Manager at erica@riverviews.net.
