Risograph printing or riso printing is getting a lot of love these days and for good reason! What is it exactly about risograph printing that makes it so special? And to be honest, there are so many reasons why riso printing is so awesome. Some of these reasons why risograph printing is special include:
- Vibrancy of colors
- Affordability of printing
- Speed of printing
- Eco-friendly inks
- Unique textures
I’ve been writing about how I make my CYMK color separations for risograph and posting videos on TikTok about my risograph printing process. But I wanted to mix it up this post by reaching out to other talented risograph artists who I’ve met and printed with over the years. Thus, we asked four artists what makes risograph printing special to them. And their responses might surprise you!
Read on and enjoy.
What Makes Risograph Printing Special according to Mariangela Le Thanh
Mariangela Le Thanh is based in Mendocino County, California.
I came across riso in 2014 when I became a studio member at Max’s Garage Press, where Tiny Splendor operates in Berkeley. I loved their zines and prints and was inspired by the atmosphere of collaboration and friendship in the studio. The quality of the ink reminded me of comics that I read as a kid that sparkled my passion for art. I really enjoy how riso transforms my drawings into images that feel at the same time nostalgic and so rooted in this time of my life. Most of my work was printed by Tiny Splendor though, I feel like such a baby in front of a risograph printer.
Where to Find Mariangela Le Thanh’s Art
- Buy Mariangela’s Work: candy-falls.com/shop
- Website: candy-falls.com
- Instagram: @candyfalls
What Makes Risograph Printing Special according to Sanaa Scherezade Khan
Sanaa Scherezade Khan is based out of Berkeley, California.
Riso printing requires you to build an image in layers one color at a time in a limited color palette with a particular set of steps you have to go through every time to make a successful print. It is satisfying to work with limitations and at the same time be able to create multiples of drawings or paintings so quickly.
Where to Find Sanaa Scherezade Khan’s Art
- Buy Sanaa’s Work: sanaa-shop.com
- Website: SanaaKhan.com
- Instagram: @pencil.stabber
What Makes Risograph Printing Special according to Leland Vaughan (They/Them)
Leland Vaughan is based out of Portland, Oregon.
Riso printing is super versatile, affordable, eco friendly, and accessible—all of which make it my absolute favorite printmaking method. I believe print is power and a democratic dissemination of information means print needs to be available to everyone. Riso embodies that for me, plus it’s a great way for budding (and established) artists to make beautiful reproductions of their work for a very low cost. I also love that it isn’t perfect. I’m a perfectionist so being forced to experiment and embrace the quirks of this process has been a good exercise in letting go and has ultimately really benefited my personal art practice. I love riso!!
Where to Find Leland Vaughan’s Art
- Buy Leland’s Work: outletpdx.com
- Website: lelandthebird.com
- Instagram: @lelandthebird, @outletpdx
What Makes Risograph Printing Special according to J. Sayuri
J. Sayuri is based out of Portland, Oregon.
There are so many reasons why risograph printing is special. My favorite part of the process is the anticipation that comes with seeing how your artwork will turn out. I make a lot of my risograph prints based on my collages and illustrations so I experiment with color separations in my riso printing. Because I have the collage or illustration as a reference, I always have an idea of how my work will print. However, I am always surprised by the vibrancy and way that the colors mix and meld. That being said, I work with riso printing in a very specific way. So when I see other risograph artists make their prints, I am always delighted by their unique printing techniques!
Where to Find J. Sayuri’s Art
- Buy Sayuri’s Work: etsy.com/TinyPinkShoe
- Website: jsayuri.com
- TikTok: @spooky_slime_smile
- Instagram: @spooky_slime_smile
Risograph Printing Near Me
Here is a list of risograph printing studios on the West Coast that I’ve enjoyed printing with.
Risograph Printing San Francisco / Bay Area
Max’s Garage Press – This printing studio is located in Berkeley, California. They teach classes, and make special materials and equipment available to artists who work in the following print mediums: lithography, copper plate etching, woodblock printing, silkscreen printing, and of course, risograph printing. This is a really awesome print studio for printers of so many printing processes: lithography, woodcut prints, screenprinting, etchings.
Max’s Garage Press also hosts an annual print sale every year called East Bay Print Sale. This is my favorite event of the year where people can purchase beautiful and affordable loose leaf prints of all flavors! The next East Bay Print Sale will be from Dec 8th – 11th at their studio location.
Address: 1006 Pardee St. Berkeley, CA 94710
Contact info: maxsgaragepress @ gmail.com
Risograph Printing Portland, Oregon
Outlet PDX – This is the risograph printing studio that I’ve used the most since moving to Portland in 2018. This risograph printing studio offers classes and workshops, but is also the studio of artists, Kate Bingaman-Burt and Leland Vaughan. Outlet is also a wonderful space to host pop-up events.
Outlet PDX offers a Riso Basics Workshop, which is required to riso print at this studio. This is a great way to learn about riso printing and a cool way to meet other artists!
Address: 2500 NE Sandy Blvd. Ste. E, Portland, OR 97232
Contact info
Risograph Prints for Sale
As always, you can purchase risograph prints from the above artists and visit my risograph print shop on Etsy to see my current risograph prints for sale.