Themes/Colour: Make it spot on with risograph print
Searching for your new go-to creative technique? Technician Rachel introduces you to some of her favourite riso print creatives.
Techniques: Create a two colour risograph print
- Written byRachel Littlewood
- Published date 23 March 2018
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But it’s risograph (riso) printing that has really captured the imagination of today’s young graphic designers and illustrators.
Some of the most stunning work has been created by way of a two-colour riso print. Rachel introduces us to this technique in the video:
Create a two colour risograph print
Animated film: Rachel Littlewood.
The technique requires you to make ‘stencils’ called ‘masters’. But don’t worry, unlike screen printing you don’t need to cut these out. Once you’ve got your designs the risograph printer does all the hard work for you.
When making your final riso prints a top tip from Rachel is to use un-coated paper i.e. paper that does not have a glossy coating. This will allow the riso ink to absorb into the paper.
With access to a riso printer you can produce anything from band posters to greetings cards, flyers, stationery, zines and more. And this is where Rachel’s broad suggestion on paper weight – 80-240gsm (grams per square metre) comes in. Printer paper is usually 80gsm whereas 300gsm paper is used for greetings cards. Choose the paper that fits the purpose of your design.
Many designers and illustrators like Rachel have set up shop both on and offline selling limited runs of their work, or taken on commercial projects for others. So what are you waiting for? Find yourself a riso printer get experimenting.
Looking for more inspiration?
Read our related posts below including Rachel’s Themes/Colour article which showcases a range of riso masters from across the globe.
