FAQ

What is Risograph?

Risograph, often referred to simply as Riso, is a stencil-based machine printing technique developed by Riso Kagaku Corporation in Japan during the 1980s. Celebrated for its vivid colors, textured finishes, eco-friendly nature, and cost-effectiveness, Riso printing has become a favorite among artists, designers, and independent publishers. Its signature look - characterized by bold hues, slight misalignments, and a handcrafted feel - adds to its unique visual appeal.

Risograph printing uses a digital duplicator that creates a stencil, or "master," for each individual color layer. This master is wrapped around an ink drum, which transfers soy-based ink through the stencil onto paper. Because each color is printed separately, multi-color designs require careful planning and layering—similar to screen printing. To achieve multi-colored results, the ink drums must be swapped out, and the paper run through the machine multiple times, with each pass adding a new color.

Do you offer classes or workshops?

Currently, Indoor Cat does not offer classes or workshops, as it is run out of a tiny apartment studio. This could change in the future as it grows and evolves into a larger, more accomplished studio with enough reach and demand!

Do I have to supply my own paper?

Not necessarily! If you have a specific paper already in-hand that you want to use, please contact me and we can work something out. Otherwise, papers are typically provided by Indoor Cat and are included in the cost of a print job. You can find more information about papers we can and cannot use here.

I want to print with Indoor Cat! How do I do it?

Simply email quianna@indoorcatpress.com to begin the process, including your intended edition size, paper size and print area, and we can go from there. Video call consultations for file set up and even design input can be included with any order for an additional hourly rate.

For simple projects or printers who have worked with Riso before, a consultation is not always necessary. However, because Riso is such a unique form of printmaking, they are highly recommend for those with little to no Riso experience, as it allows us to go over all the details and understand more about your priorities, expectations, and goals for your project.