What is Risograph Printing?

If you're familiar with Risograph Printing, then you probably recognize its unique aesthetic: bold use of colors, retro vibe, and the distinct feeling of having been plucked out of the 80s.

But what is Risograph and how did it come to be? Everyone aboard the Magic Schoolbus!

History of Risograph

Originally developed in Japan, Risograph is a style of printing that uses a stencil to print one layer of color at a time. The original Risograph printer was not intended for art at all, but rather as a more efficient and affordable alternative to a standard office printer. Because of its low energy consumption, the Risograph printer was able to produce thousands of copies within minutes. 

Its inventor, Noboru Hayama, also created a soy-based ink called Riso for use with the printer. Emulsion ink was expensive due to import costs; Hayama's goal was to provide a cost-effective alternative while reducing overall printing costs.

How Does it Work?

So how does the Risograph printer work for art printing? Its most distinct feature is printing one color at a time. This means that a separate stencil has to be used for every color in an art print, and they are layered on one by one. The stencil is wrapped around a color drum, printed onto paper, then swapped out for the next drum.

Risograph is recognizable for its characteristic use of bright colors and uniquely textured appearance. The way that colors layer on top of each other in the printing process can be used to create some particularly striking gradient effects. 

Risograph art printing is now regarded as an eco-friendly form of print-making due to its low energy consumption and use of naturally derived inks.

Support Risograph Artists!

If you'd like to support the artists who are keeping the art of Risograph alive, here are some awesome printmakers! 

Atlanta's very own Bromstad Printing Co. creates some of our favorite cat prints. Utilizing the bright colors that make Risograph printing so distinct, they capture the ineffable silliness and attitude of cats in simple shapes. 

Altargokart is another Riso artist who captures the beauty and vibrancy of nature in their prints. Their Fig Wasp print demonstrates the fascinating way that Risograph layers colors (as well as one of the more macabre natural phenomenons you're likely to learn about.) 

Risograph art celebrates imperfection and ingenuity: two of the essential ingredients in art. Bring a little color into your life with Riso!