I have been perplexed by riso printing for the longest time! I just couldn’t understand how it was possible to make artwork from what looked like a photocopier! Thankfully I was able to attend a riso printing workshop at 'Riso Pop' (an Amsterdam based printing studio) run by Aafke Mertens. I met Aafke a while back at an illustration fair, and I was really struck by how warm, friendly and inspirational she was. Entering the studio for the workshop was no different, and it was such a welcoming and creative environment!
There were 5 of us at the Mini-Taster Workshop (1 guy, 4 girls) and given the size of the group, it was really nice being able to chat to everyone. There were even some yummy snacks on hand to keep us well fuelled. The workshop was conducted by Aafke and her assistant Laura, and the time absolutely flew by! We created our prints using some templates, chose our ink colours and got to operate the printer (which incidentally is definitely not a photocopier, but a way more sophisticated machine)!
I now understand the basics of riso printing, and certainly have a much deeper appreciation & respect for this printing method. One thing I did miss out on was seeing Aafke’s beautiful dog Tjido, but at least I got to draw him underwater with the fish!
Address: Krugerstraat 36H, 1091 LH Amsterdam
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