top of page
RISO
GRAPHS
101
WHAT IS IT?
1. In short it is a method of printing art similar to screenprinting - in that each color layer must be kept separate. Each color is then printed using a "master" (or stencil) wrapped around an ink drum that rolls over the paper. All of my rispgraphs are made with the help of Risology Club in Nashville. I couldn't do this without their awesome studio space. If you are interested in learning more about the art form they offer risograph classes! This is how I got my start.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN COLORS ARE LAYERED?
2. Through the magic of color theory and overlay printing, we now have orange :)
1st color run - yellow
2nd color run - pink
INSIDE THE MACHINE
3. Paper is fed into the machine as a rolling drum containing the risograph master or "stencil" image presses ink onto the paper. Each color is printed separately, therefore the ink drum has to be changed for each new color.
HOW IT ALL WORKS?
4. Using my bear print as an example you can see how colors get overlayed to create the final image.In this case it is a 3-color process print using lime, pink, and blue. When printing I often have to adjust color layers to get the desired effect. While I can be fairly certain how colors will overlay based on color theory - this in not an exact science, and requires tweaking.
1st color run - lime
2nd color run - pink
3rd color run - navy
Risographs can be described as a fingerprint. Each one is different, with little textures, and imperfections. Combining this process with my digital illustrations creates art that marries digital and traditional media perfectly.
bottom of page