The last part of workshops about drawing comics (Stripgids Academie) was dedicated to risograph printing*. The first time, Marjolein Schalk of Wobby Club (riso printed magazine) guided us through the design and printing process. The second time that we got together was all about printing our designs. The assignment was making an A3 folding zine, but I wanted to make a print that I could hang in my studio. Otherwise, all this work/play would simply end up in a drawer.

I wish I could take this machine home! It was so fun to see all the designs come to life color by color when the machine spits them out, and I learned so much about all the possibilities (and limitations).

Thank you Marjolein and Sven for all the colorful riso fun, inspiration, information, and technical help!

*Risograph printing: For risograph printing, we use a machine (designed in Japan in the 80s) very similar to a photocopy device, but instead of printing a full-color image, each color is a layer, just like with screen printing.
Why do we love to make things difficult? a riso print always feels more unique. It has a distinct feel and scent, delicious colors, and imperfections that make it feel more alive than a super clean print. Every print looks slightly different. It’s a great way to make art prints or zines in a limited color palette.

 

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A post shared by Fenne Kustermans (@fenne.be)

Each color sits in its own drum + case.

You can make prints like a photocopy or print from a computer.