Hello and welcome! I'm Karina Richardson, a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist, designer, and educator with a passion for bringing vibrant, bold, and playful art into the world. Whether it’s through cheeky tattoos, whimsical illustrations, or eye-catching risograph prints, my work is all about infusing joy and personality into everything I create. In this post, I’m excited to share one of my favorite artistic techniques with you—risograph printing—and explain why it's making such a big comeback in the art world.
What is Risograph Printing?
Risograph printing is a unique analog printing method that combines the simplicity of screen printing with the precision of digital technology. It uses soy-based inks and a stencil-based process to create rich, vibrant prints. The risograph machine prints one color at a time through a master (a special stencil), layering them to build up your design.
The beauty of this process lies in its imperfection. Unlike offset printing, which aims for perfect color registration, risograph printing celebrates the subtle misalignments and quirky overlaps that happen when different colors are printed on top of each other. This results in prints that feel handmade, with an organic texture and vibrant, saturated colors that are hard to replicate with other printing methods.
Originally developed in Japan in the 1980s for high-volume, low-cost printing (think flyers, newsletters, and other office materials), risograph printing has recently gained a resurgence in the art world. Artists love its bold, energetic aesthetic, and its eco-friendly, low-cost nature makes it an ideal tool for independent creators like myself.
Why Risograph is Making a Comeback
You might be wondering, "Why the sudden interest in an old-school printing technique?" There are several reasons why risograph printing has become a go-to medium for artists, designers, and small publishers in recent years.
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Vibrant, Bold Colors: Risograph inks are rich and saturated, with colors that jump off the page. The printer can use a range of hues—from neon pinks to deep blues—allowing for striking, high-impact designs. For artists who love color (like me!), it’s an exciting way to experiment and push creative boundaries.
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Imperfect Charm: One of the key draws of risograph printing is its inherent imperfections. When colors shift ever so slightly during the printing process, it creates a layered, almost "handmade" look. These little quirks give each print a personality of its own—no two prints are exactly the same, which adds to their charm and uniqueness.
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Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: The use of soy-based inks and the relatively low energy consumption of risograph printing make it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to other print methods. As someone who cares deeply about sustainability, I appreciate that risograph printing allows me to produce vibrant work without a hefty environmental footprint.
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Low-Cost, High-Impact: Risograph printing is ideal for independent artists, zine creators, and small publishers. The low setup costs and quick turnaround times make it an affordable option for producing limited-run prints, posters, and publications. It’s a great way to make high-quality, collectible artwork without breaking the bank.
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DIY and Hands-On: Risograph printing has a DIY ethos that appeals to artists who want a more hands-on approach to their work. From designing the stencils to printing the layers, there's something deeply satisfying about the tactile nature of the process. It encourages experimentation and a playful attitude toward art-making, which aligns perfectly with my creative philosophy.
How I Use Risograph in My Work
As a certified RISO Technician, I’ve had the privilege of working with this fascinating printing process for several years. I incorporate risograph printing into much of my work, from greeting cards and prints to zines and collaborative projects. For me, the beauty of risograph lies in its ability to bring together bold, playful designs with vibrant colors and textures.
My background in Communication Design and Illustration from Pratt Institute has greatly influenced my approach to risograph printing. I love experimenting with dynamic color palettes, mixing textures, and layering patterns to create pieces that are full of life and energy. Whether it’s creating quirky illustrations, designing limited-run posters, or collaborating with other artists, risograph printing helps me bring my colorful ideas to life in ways that feel fresh, fun, and full of personality.
In addition to risograph, I also work with silkscreen and cyanotype printing, which gives me a diverse set of tools to explore and express my artistic vision. However, there’s something about the imperfections and vibrant results of risograph printing that resonates most with my aesthetic—playful, bold, and full of character.
Teaching and Sharing the RISO Love
As much as I love creating my own work, I’m equally passionate about sharing my skills and knowledge with others. In my private studio in Downtown Los Angeles, I teach students how to harness their creativity through various printmaking techniques, including risograph. My goal is to create a collaborative and supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore new methods, refine their artistic skills, and develop their own creative voice.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to add new skills to your artistic toolkit, my workshops are designed to be approachable, fun, and full of hands-on learning. I aim to inspire others to embrace their creativity while equipping them with the tools and confidence to bring their ideas to life.
What You Can Expect Here
On this website, you’ll find more about my work, upcoming workshops, and my risograph prints—each piece crafted with love, energy, and plenty of personality. I’ll also share tips and insights into the risograph process, including how to use it to bring your designs to life, the challenges (and joys!) of working with RISO, and what makes this technique such an exciting tool for artists today.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you’ll join me on this colorful journey into the world of risograph printing. Whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration, a collector seeking unique prints, or a curious soul wanting to learn more about the medium, I’m excited to share my work and experiences with you.
Stay creative,
Karina Richardson