Riso Pop is a small risograph studio in Amsterdam run by Aafke Mertens.
Welcome to the Riso Taster Workshop!
An introduction to risograph printing
Let’s get started!
Hello and welcome to the workshop page! Here you will find resources and videos that will guide you into the world of riso. I hope that the information you find here will help you get a better understanding on how this printing technique works as well as helping you with the creating of your first riso print.
What will you find in this page?
A PDF handout with all the information you need for the workshop,
Short videos that explain how the machine works and how to start with your design,
A special extra video and PDF on how to make cards,
A link to a Pinterest board with inspiration.
Analogue printing
You might be wondering why are we printing through the scanner and not going straight to digital printing? I have chosen to start my introduction workshops with analogue techniques so that you can understand the concept of creating layers and how the machine works. I have noticed that when working digitally, we tend to focus more on the technical aspects of file preparation and forget in a way, the basics of the machine.
Of course, saying ‘analogue’ is a bit strange since we are printing on a machine… but I think it is also a good excuse to get crafty at home and get some time off the computer. Using the riso scanner is a great way for experimenting and having fun. You do not need to draw to be part of this workshop! You can also use collage, text or hand lettering.
Part 1 - Home studio
Materials to get started
What will you need for this part of the workshop?
White paper, A4 format (normal printer paper is fine!)
Materials of choice: collage, pencils, markers.. sky’s the limit!
Working on iPad: Yes, you can draw on your iPad, just keep in mind this is not the digital illustration workshop.
If possible: tracing paper (calque paper) or a light box. Don’t worry if you don’t have these! I show in the video how to DIY at home.
If you need to buy materials and live in Amsterdam you can pop by Vlieger, the studio’s favourite shop!
You can download the PDF riso handout here below to see the colour chart and read more about the machine.
No time or little time? No worries, just please come with a simple idea, so you don’t loose time staring at a blank page :) Examples are: quotes, pictures, quick doodles.
Video 1 - Introduction to the Risograph
Short video to give you an introduction of the risograph machine (3min)
Updates: the selection of colours has changed, and you can see the full list as you scroll down.
Password: taster01
Video 2 - Your design
An overview of what you can do with an A4, and how to start thinking about your design and layers. (6 min)
Password: taster02
Video 3 - Demo
A short demo of how to make 2 separate layers of your design. I give you some tips on how to work from home. (4 min)
Password: tasterdemo
Extra Video 4 - Cards!
For those who want to use this workshop to make cards! A quick over view on how to make a dummy and some things to keep in mind while designing and printing (5 min)
Password: tastercards
Special Cards Edition - Tips & Tricks
Part 2 -
The Riso Pop Studio
Doors open at 6:25pm at the studio in the Krugerstraat 36h, Amsterdam, where refreshments and snacks will be waiting for you ;)
At the studio, you will have time to edit or tweak your designs as you like. And finally you will print your work using the riso scanner, in 2 colours!
