Risograph

Risograph Printing: Color, Speed & Edition

Discover the unique magic of risograph printing—where speed, vibrant color, and slight imperfection create distinct visual character. This course introduces you to the RISO duplicator, exploring its origins in Japanese print culture and contemporary applications in art, design, and publishing. Learn two-color and multi-color layering, registration techniques, color mixing theory specific to RISO inks, and how to prepare digital files for optimal results. Create posters, zines, artist books, and limited edition prints that embrace the medium's characteristic halftone dots, color saturation, and tactile quality. Perfect for artists and designers interested in accessible, high-speed printmaking with a lo-fi aesthetic.

Course Projects: Students complete 4-5 major printing projects throughout the semester, progressing from single-color prints to complex multi-layer editions. Weekly demonstrations introduce new techniques including screen preparation, color mixing, registration systems, and troubleshooting common RISO challenges.

Zine & Book Production: DIY Publishing

Transform your ideas into self-published zines and artist books using the risograph as your primary production tool. This course emphasizes concept development, layout design, and the complete production process from initial sketches to finished editions. Explore various binding methods (saddle-stitch, perfect binding, Japanese stab binding), paper selection, and distribution strategies. Create narrative zines, poetry chapbooks, photo books, or experimental publications that take advantage of RISO's speed and color capabilities. Learn the economics and ethics of DIY publishing, study historical and contemporary zine culture, and develop your unique editorial voice. Course includes field trips to independent bookstores and print fairs in Florence and potentially Rome or Milan.

Publishing Focus: Beyond technical skills, this course explores the cultural and economic dimensions of self-publishing. Students learn pricing strategies, distribution channels, edition planning, and how to build relationships with independent bookstores and zine festivals across Italy and Europe.

Interdisciplinary Riso: Hybrid Print Practices

Push risograph printing beyond its traditional applications by integrating it with other printmaking techniques and media. Combine RISO with letterpress, silkscreen, etching, drawing, collage, and digital processes to create hybrid works that explore the boundaries between disciplines. Experiment with non-standard substrates including fabric, wood veneer, acetate, and handmade papers. Projects might include overprinting RISO on letterpress broadsides, creating multi-process artist books, producing installation-based print works, or developing experimental posters that layer analog and digital techniques. Emphasis on conceptual development, technical problem-solving, and discovering new possibilities through material experimentation. Prerequisites: One printmaking or design course, or instructor approval.

Advanced Riso Studio: Professional Practice & Portfolio

This advanced course operates as an independent studio where you develop a professional-quality body of RISO-based work. Define your own projects, establish edition sizes and production timelines, and create a cohesive portfolio that demonstrates both technical mastery and conceptual depth. Focus areas might include developing a publication series, creating poster campaigns, producing collaborative editions, or building a body of experimental print works. Weekly critiques examine your work within contemporary print culture and publishing contexts. Learn professional practices including pricing editions, exhibiting print work, participating in print fairs, and building relationships with independent bookstores and galleries. Course may include participation in Florence print events and visits to Italian risograph studios. Prerequisites: ILL 330 or equivalent RISO experience.