What is Riso?
If you’ve ever spotted a print with vibrant, but limited colour palette, and a beautiful grainy texture, you were likely looking at a Risograph print.
Originally invented in Japan in the 1980s, “Riso” was designed as a high-volume, low-cost copy machine for schools and offices. Even though its original function was eventually replaced by laser copiers, somewhere along the way artists and designers around the world fell in love with it, giving it a new life.
At its core, the process functions a lot like automated screen printing. The machine burns a digital image onto a paper "master" stencil, wraps it around an ink drum, and spins at high speed, forcing ink passing through the master directly onto the paper.
Many artists have embraced Riso because it offers a distinct tactile quality that flawless digital prints just can't replicate. It uses vivid, soy or rice-based inks, including fluorescents and metallics, that look almost like they’re glowing on the paper. This, combined with a beautiful, grainy texture, is exactly what gives Riso its distinct look.
But the real magic lies in its quirks. Because the paper feeds through the machine mechanically for every single colour layer, you get unpredictable misalignments, track marks, and variations in ink coverage. These subtle imperfections give Riso its analogue charm, making every single print in an edition completely unique.
Colour charts help bridge the gap between digital screen and final print
Ink passing through master creates a beautiful grainy texture that gives riso its charm
Knowing an illustration will become a riso print from the beginning makes it possible to keep all the colours separated and have more control over ink mixing
If you’re interested in seeing a risograph printer in action, check out this video from Arts University Plymouth. It’s a short and sweet intro to how it all works!
Riso prints
A3 risograph print using fluo orange and medium blue, printed on a 200gsm paper. Looks best on a full moon.
A3 is 29.7 x 42 cm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches
Printed at Riso Pop | What is Riso?
A4 risograph print using fluo pink, yellow and blue, printed on a 200gsm paper, celebrating muscular lesbians. Perfect for your neighbourhood gym rat.
A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm or 8.27 × 11.69 inches
Printed at Riso Pop | What is Riso?
A3 risograph print using black and bright red, printed on a 200gsm paper, inspired by medieval lesbians.
A3 is 29.7 x 42 cm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches
Printed at Riso Pop | What is Riso?