The Renaissance of Analog Printing: What is a Risograph?

Contents:

• Technology
• History
• Boom of independent rizo studios
• Risograph in Russia
• Designer's guide

A Risograph is a high-speed digital printer that uses a screen printing method. It is ideal for quickly reproducing single-color materials, including advertising flyers and medical certificates, especially on thin paper types. Since the early 2010s, the Risograph has become popular among independent designers, who began using it to create complex multicolor posters and zines. These products are distinguished by the brightness and saturation of colors that are only possible with a Risograph. Thanks to its unique printing technology, the Risograph allows for original visual effects and saves time when printing large volumes.

In this article, we will examine the design of the Risograph, its history, and the reasons for its popularity among designers, as well as important aspects to consider when creating a layout for printing on this device. A Risograph is a unique type of printing press that combines the advantages of offset and digital printing, ensuring high quality and speed of production.

The history of the Risograph begins in Japan in the 1980s, when it was developed as an efficient means of mass printing. Over time, the Risograph has become a sought-after tool in the design world due to its ability to print bright and saturated colors, as well as the low costs of printing large volumes.

When creating a layout for a Risograph, it is important to consider the features of this device. A Risograph uses special stencils, which means it is necessary to correctly select colors and adhere to ink limitations. It is also important to pay attention to image resolution and file format to ensure the best print quality.

Thus, understanding the operation of the risograph and its features will help designers create effective and attractive printed materials.

Technology

A risograph is a compact, cube-shaped device with paper trays on the sides and a digital interface on the top panel. Inside the device is a removable ink drum, to which a stencil made of master film is automatically attached. The printing process begins with paper being fed from the left tray to the right, while the rotating drum applies an imprint to the sheet. Risographs are ideal for high-volume printing due to their speed and cost-effectiveness, making them popular in institutions and businesses that require high-volume printing.

A risograph uses a unique printing method in which the image is burned onto a special film. This stencil is reusable, ensuring a long lifespan before it wears out completely. Risograph printing is ideal for large print runs and achieves high-quality images at minimal cost. Thanks to its technology, Risographs are widely used in print shops, schools, and art studios.

A Risograph can only use one ink drum, meaning that for multi-color projects, each color must be applied separately. Models with two drums arranged in a V-shape exist, but most studios prefer more affordable versions due to budget constraints. This aspect is important to consider when planning multi-layer printing, as it affects production time and costs.

When working with analog high-speed printing, it is important to keep in mind that images may vary slightly from sheet to sheet. This is especially noticeable with multi-color printed materials. Experienced printers are able to minimize this effect, but any minor imperfections should be considered as the "perfect imperfections" inherent in handwork. Such variations can impart uniqueness and character to printed products, which is prized in the design and printing worlds.

The analog charm of the Risograph lies in the properties of the inks used. Risograph inks are made with soybean oil or rice bran, making them unique. They do not dry completely, and even after long storage, printed works may leave slight fingerprints. For best results, it is recommended to use uncoated, coarser paper, which absorbs the ink better. This ensures the print is vibrant and rich, highlighting the distinctive style of risograph printing.

History

Risographs are specialized printing devices that are produced today by many companies, including well-known manufacturers Ricoh and Duplo. However, the founder of this technology is considered to be the Japanese corporation Risosha, founded in 1946 in Tokyo by Noboru Hayama. Just two years after its founding, the company was renamed Riso Printing Company, and in 1963 it received its current name Riso Kagaku Corporation. The word "riso" is translated from Japanese as "ideal". Hayama chose this name to not forget his ideals during the difficult post-war times. Risographs are used today in a variety of fields, offering high print quality and cost-effectiveness, which makes them popular among educational institutions and small businesses.

The company did not begin developing the risograph right away. In 1955, the production of soy paint, master films, and machines for hand screen printing began. The first Risograph, the AP-7200, was released only in 1980. It consisted of two separate parts: a master heating unit and a printing press. It wasn't until 1984 that these components were combined into a single unit, marking the beginning of the modern Risograph. Risographs quickly gained popularity due to their efficiency and eco-friendliness, making them an important tool in the graphic arts and office printing industries.

Despite advances in printing technology, significant problems persisted. Older printers often had inconsistent paper feeds, and ink was sometimes applied unevenly. Furthermore, they lacked automatic master feed and ejection. These challenges complicated the process of creating print runs, which in turn required the involvement of highly qualified specialists.

In 1988, significant changes occurred when Riso engineers implemented digital interfaces into their devices. This improvement allowed printers to more accurately match the layout, opening up new horizons in the printing industry. Modern models offer a print resolution of 600x600 dpi, guaranteeing high-quality images. Furthermore, the devices feature built-in scanners and the ability to directly connect to laptops, significantly simplifying the workflow and increasing printing efficiency.

The Boom of Independent Risograph Studios

The risograph became popular among large companies, but with the development of technology, alternative solutions emerged. Gradually, independent studios associated with underground culture began to pay attention to this printing method. Initially, interest was expressed in isolated cases, but since the 2010s, a wave of fascination with risography has been observed worldwide, which continues to this day. This unique printing method attracts artists and designers with its affordability and the possibility of creating limited editions, making it ideal for creative projects. Risography continues to inspire new generations, fusing traditional techniques with modern trends.

Dutch punks from Nijmegen were the first to take notice of risographs. In 1984, Jan Dirk de Wilde opened the Knust Press printing house in a former squat. At the time, Roneo and Gestetner risographs were losing popularity, and decommissioned machines were readily available from major companies. De Wilde and his friends seized the opportunity to create a unique project that became an important part of underground culture.

Knust initially turned to risographs for their practicality: they provide fast and economical printing and require little cleaning. However, typographers soon came to appreciate the unique aesthetic created by richly colored inks on textured paper. Risographs have become not only a tool, but also a source of artistic inspiration, allowing the creation of original printed products with a distinctive style.

Knust Printing House has been printing posters, zines, and books for both in-house and custom orders for almost forty years. During this time, it has established itself as the oldest riso studio with a unique color collection of over fifty shades, while most other studios have fewer than ten. Knust uses five different Riso and Ricoh models, each equipped with two drums, allowing for high-quality printing and color variety. Knust actively promotes risograph printing and provides consultations to other studios. They collaborate with the art space Extrapool, with which they share a building, on book printing. Knust also invites authors to work independently at their second print shop, located in Amsterdam. This initiative promotes the development of the creative community and the popularization of unique printing methods.

Knust is an exception to the general rule. In the 1920s, there was a real boom, when new independent riso studios began to open in various countries and cities. Today, their number has exceeded fifty. This growth reflects a growing interest in drawing and creativity, as well as the importance of independent studios in cultural life.

Founded in 2012 by designer Gabriella Marcella, Glasgow-based Risotto Studio has become one of the most renowned in its field. Gabriella developed a passion for risography amidst a growing interest in eco-friendly projects. This printing method uses inks made from organic raw materials, making it more sustainable. Furthermore, the risograph printing process requires minimal energy, further reducing its carbon footprint. Risotto actively promotes sustainability and eco-friendliness in design, attracting the attention of both clients and art and design professionals.

Marcella creates posters and books, but has gained popularity for her unique stationery, including notebooks and diaries printed using a risograph. She prefers to source paper and other consumables from local producers, minimizing her carbon footprint. All products are packaged using recycled or unused paper, emphasizing the brand's environmental responsibility.

Risotto is a local studio that has successfully entered the international creative market. Founder Marcella actively conducts workshops in various countries and collaborates with renowned brands such as Apple, Mini, Puma, and Swatch. Participation in international projects and the exchange of experience with leading specialists allows Risotto to strengthen its position and expand its creative potential, which makes the studio a noticeable player in the global creative arena.

Risotto studios have become popular in many corners of the world, including such renowned venues as Drucken3000 in Berlin and Corners in Seoul. Even in countries with limited freedom, such as China, Risotto publishing houses are finding their way, such as Bananafish Books in Shanghai. This publishing house and gallery are actively cultivating international connections, as demonstrated by the Knust Press retrospective exhibition held shortly before the pandemic. Risograph, as a unique form of printing, continues to attract the attention and inspire artists and publishers worldwide.

Risograph in Russia

Risograph first appeared on the Russian market in 1991, and for a long time was used primarily for practical tasks rather than creative ones. However, this situation changed with the development of the risograph printing house ESH Print, as well as thanks to publishing houses such as Samopal Books and Sputnikat Press in Moscow and Plateau Press in Tolyatti. These companies began actively using the risograph to create unique and creative printed materials, which contributed to the popularization of this method among artists and designers. The risograph has become not only a printing tool but also a means of self-expression, opening new horizons for creative projects in Russia. ESH Print Studio was founded in 2017 and has since been actively conducting risograph workshops, training interns, and sharing their experience in preparing layouts for risograph printing. The studio's experts have created the Shizo newspaper, which provides basic information on working with a risograph. ESH Print has become an important platform for independent authors in Russia, printing more than half of the risographs presented on the Russian market.

The second significant center of rizo culture is Sputnikat Press, the first full-fledged rizo publishing house, founded by BHSAD professor Chris Rainbow and his students. The publishing house does not accept commissions, but publishes comics by its students and authors whose work they like. Sometimes they combine them into series, for example, in the comic cycle "PersonaZH." Sputnikat Press actively promotes the development of independent comics art, providing a platform for new talent and original ideas.

Samopal Books Publishing House, founded by Sasha Marshani actively uses a risograph to create unique photozines. Sasha was one of the first in Russia to develop zine culture. Initially, he printed his works on a regular office printer, but before the first Russian zine festival, he mastered the risograph printing technique. Samopal Books is renowned for its rigorous curatorial selection and has been publishing photozines for several years, and recently began accepting commissions beyond its core publishing portfolio.

Plateau Press, founded by Alexander Veryovkin in 2018 in Tolyatti, specializes in publishing underground monochrome zines. Their collection features poetry, prose, and illustrations by contemporary artists, including renowned authors such as Alexander Brener, Varvara Gevorgizova, and Mikhail Lyozin. By 2022, Plateau Press had published over one hundred unique zines, demonstrating a high level of interest in independent art and literature. The publishing house actively supports emerging talent and promotes the development of alternative culture in Russia.

Russian risograph studios differ significantly from their foreign counterparts, primarily due to frequent relocations due to rental issues. If you plan to entrust them with your work for printing, it is recommended to confirm their current location in advance through their official website or social media. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a more convenient collaboration.

Designer's Guide

When creating a layout for a risograph, it is important to consider several key rules from ESH Print. First, it's important to select the correct image format and resolution to ensure high-quality printing. Second, it's important to use a limited color palette, as the Risograph works with individual colors, not mixed colors. This helps achieve striking and vibrant results. It's also important to properly prepare the layers in the file to avoid printing issues. Make sure all text and graphic elements are in the correct locations, and don't forget to allow for additional cropping margins. Following these guidelines will help you create a high-quality, professional Risograph layout. The layout should be in A3 to A7 format; smaller formats should be "tiled" to fit A3, which will save materials. Crop marks are not required. Printable area: 289x409. Margins: 4/4/4/7.

For a deeper understanding For more information on these topics, we recommend checking out Ksenia Levanova's webinar on color separation in risography. This resource will help you expand your knowledge of color separation technologies and their application in risographic printing.