What is the workflow ?

What is the process of printing using a Risograph ? How can I work efficiently and effectively ?

STEP 1:

Before starting a project, take the time to get to know the machine: how it works, how it's built, how to have a good maintenance. FOSTERING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH A MACHINE IS FOUNDATIONAL TO STARTING.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ONESELF:

• Can I explain how the machine works to someone ?

• Do I know what kind of maintence the machine needs ?

• Am I able to understand how problems occur ?

• Do I know the environmental impact this machine has ?

• Have I taken a preliminary training course on how to use the machine ?

After getting the basic training of the machine, the workflow to create something goes like this:

Think of an idea » Format content » Print » Dry » Assemble

Workflow

1. THINK OF AN IDEA

Q'S -

1. What can you make with this machine ?

2. Do I know the process of how to make what I want to make ?

3. Is what I want to make within my capacity ?

2. FORMAT CONTENT

Q'S -

1. What format do I want ?

2. What colours would I like to use / is available ?

3. What paper do I want ?

4. If I made a digital file, did I account for bleeding, trimming, and safe zone areas ?

3. PRINT

Q'S -

1. Have I exported my files in PDF ?

2. Is the paper size setting on the computer the same as the paper size settings in the machine ?

3. Do I have my paper ready ?

4. Do I have paper to print extra copies as tester copies ?

4. DRY

Q'S -

1. Did I account for 1 - 2 HRS of drying time in my process ?

2. Do I have a space to let my prints dry ?

5. ASSEMBLE

Q'S -

1. What materials do I need to assemble ? Scissors ? Cutting board ? Staples ?

2. Did I account for assembling time in my process ?

3. Do I need help with assembling ?

EXPERIMENTING

Experimenting is a way of learning ! I urge people to take the time to just experiment with the machine to see different outcomes or collectively work with another person to see how another person approaches things. You can experiment with formatting, imagery, colour combinations, binding. In any case, experimenting is a key component in experiencing different outcomes and learning from them.

TIPS TO BE EFFICIENT & EFFECTIVE

Print is a time and labour extensive practice and involves a lot of planning and working with the technology. So naturally, taking the time to understand the process, the technology, the maintenance of the machine, practicing patience, and putting in the hours are foundational to becoming efficient and effective.

Efficiency & effectiveness is build over time. Each time you do a process you find ways to improve for the next time.

• Keep things simple

• Organization

• Re-do the process with improvements

• Work collaboratively