The Risograph
What is Risograph printing?
The Risograph Printer or “RISO” works by transferring an image onto a thin stencil, called a master. This printing process is similar to screen-printing in the sense that ink is pushed through a prepared stencil. Once a master is made, it is applied to a drum, which holds the ink tubes. The Risograph uses a soy-based ink similar to the ink used to print newspapers. Like newspaper inks, Risograph inks never fully dry, so a Risograph print will smudge slightly if you touch it. For this reason, the Risograph can only print on uncoated papers.
Our Risograph, the MZ1090, holds two ink drums, making it possible to print two ink colors at one time. The ink drums are housed inside a machine that looks and works like a traditional photocopier. As a result, the Risograph can print at a very high speed, making it ideal for printing in large quantities. Currently, our lab has 8 colors: black, green, fluorescent pink, blue, bright red, yellow, metallic gold, and white!
Our Team
Jimmy Van Luu, Advisor
Jimmy Luu teaches Graphic Design in the Department of Visual Studies at St. Edward's University where he runs the Risograph Lab and advises alumni as part of the Designer in Residence program.
Previous Designers in Residence
Miranda Petrosky, 2019
Miranda Petrosky graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Minor in Fine Arts. A full-time designer and spare-time printmaker, she spends her days helping to create digital experiences and interfaces and her nights doodling or mocking up shirt designs, but mostly watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Moises Zamarripa, 2019
Moises Zamarripa graduated from St.Edward’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. He is currently working for Main Street Hub creating social media content for small businesses across the country. In his free time he skateboards, screenprints, and avoids getting hit by bird scooters. He joined the Risograph Lab team in 2018, and is excited to begin working on his own publication.
Brandy Shigemoto, 2017, 2018
Brandy Shigemoto is a designer from Austin, TX who was first introduced to the Risograph while studying at St. Edward’s University. Brandy now spends her days as a digital designer, and her nights as a print designer. Outside of design, she spends a lot of time at home taking pictures of her 2 cats while desperately trying to keep her plants alive.
Edith Valle, 2017, 2018
Edith Valle graduated from St. Edward’s University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. She is known for her colorful designs, illustrations, and paintings that are often inspired by her Mexican-American identity. Edith joined the Risograph Lab team in the fall of 2017. Since then, she has been experimenting, learning new techniques and has taught demos to other students.