Dry Ink Studio: Unique risograph printing workshop in Saigon

Discover the unique and innovative risograph printing technique

The risograph (or riso) printing technique is creating a buzz in the international independent printing community, attracting the interest of artists thanks to its variety of colors and distinctive forms of expression.

In a conversation with Dang Thanh Long and Simon Phan, founders of Kho Muc Studio - the first independent risograph printing studio in Saigon, we will explore this new printing technique and the differences that risograph brings compared to regular printing.

Dry Ink Studio: Independent risograph printing studio in Saigon, Vietnam

When we mention a "printing factory", we often imagine the strong smell of ink, the constant sound of printers and a series of messy prints filling the workspace. But Kho Muc Studio is different. Located at Inpages bookstore on Le Van Mien street, District 2, this printing workshop creates a compact space, only a few dozen square meters, with the highlight being the risograph printer. In addition, Kho Muc also displays several art products sent to be printed by the artist community.

Dang Thanh Long, one of the founders of Kho Muc Studio, called opening this printing studio "fate" after he came to Singapore to seek inspiration from the global art community and discovered risograph printed works. The rustic yet delicate way the ink color was transferred to the paper attracted him at first sight. Meanwhile, Simon Phan, an independent illustrator and co-founder of Kho Muc Studio, learned about this printing technique 5 years ago while in England.

"Kho Muc Studio wants to share with everyone about the risograph printing process. When we first established, we organized a small event, inviting artists to create works on the theme of 'dried ink'. Then , we selected the 22 most beautiful works and supported artists to print copies of their works, helping them become the first to experience this new printing technique," shared Mr. Long.

And from there, Kho Muc Studio was officially born, becoming the first independent risograph printing studio in Vietnam.

What is Risograph?

According to Mr. Long's explanation, a risograph printer is essentially a super-fast printer, combining silk-screen printing and photocopying. Silk-screen printing is the process of printing multiple layers of color on top of each other to create a multi-color print. Combined with the "cloning" feature, it can print more than 100 copies per minute.

Risograph is a printing method originating from Japan. Risograph ink is made from organic soybeans and contains no drying agents. As a result, the ink never dries completely, so care must be taken when printing to avoid smudging the print just by touching it with your fingers. In Vietnam, the choice of ink color is still limited. "We had to import some new colors like neon pink or metallic. When Dry Ink Studio first opened, we had to wait three months to have enough new ink. What an experience!" Mr. Long shared. Currently, when everything has stabilized, Kho Muc Studio is still experimenting with overlay printing with artists in different styles.

Beauty lies in the process

"In conventional digital printing, the artist only cares about the final product as a complete work. But with risograph, the printing process also has its own beauty," Mr. Simon explains.

When printing a risograph, a team of designers and studios must discuss testing paper, color, and printing methods. Due to the overlapping color nature of the risograph, the artist must calculate carefully during the design process to achieve the desired color. For example, to get the color green, he must calculate the percentage of blue and yellow.

"When the second color layer overlapped the first layer, everyone started to enjoy it. When the third color layer was overlapped, the print used up to 6 different colors, people were even more surprised," Mr. Long remembers. again. From surprise to satisfaction, the artist watched his work come to life.

Dry Ink Studio: Combining commerce and art

Dry Ink Studio is an independent art printing studio, but still faces the challenge of balancing commercial and artistic values.

This printing studio has set its sights on becoming environmentally friendly by using soy ink and refusing to use nylon, while also reusing excess printing paper. Kho Muc Studio wants to find customers who share sustainable values ​​and have the same design style. With meticulous work processes and control of print quality and color, Kho Muc believes that they can accompany brands with a "green living" trend in Vietnam in creating packaging and menus. .

In addition, Dry Ink also supports printing even in small quantities to support independent artists. This sincerity has caused artists to continue sending their works to Kho Muc for printing.

Before experimenting with risograph printing, there are some tips to keep in mind. Risograph is different from traditional printing and design experiences in Vietnam. Many artists, familiar with digital printing, do not expect that they have to calculate every detail and color during the design process. However, risograph respects imperfections and unevenness in color, and it is this that gives each risograph print its unique characteristics.

According to Long and Simon, communication and discussion before printing is the most important. This helps both the designer and Kho Muc Studio clearly understand each other's working process. This is key to getting the most out of the risograph printing experience and avoiding common mistakes associated with creating multi-layer prints.

To introduce the risograph printing experience to more people, Kho Muc often organizes two workshops per month where people can create and experience their own creative products.

"This is an experience from screen to touch," Simon said. Risograph is fast, innovative and environmentally friendly, and it is not difficult to see the appeal of future riso printing techniques that will appeal to both the creative and printing communities.

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