Riso 101: Private / Individual
Intro to Riso Printing
This class is a private workshop for
1 to 3 people.
3 hour
1 to 3 people.
3 hour
This workshop is an introduction to the riso printing process with the purpose to give participants the understanding of the process, confidence and ability to operate and handle the machine.
Risograph printing gives its users the means to produce their own art prints, books and zines with a unique vibrant and textural printing style. While Riso was originally intended for document printing, you’ll learn how to push the printing technique to create printed matter that stands out. This course is for designers, artists and creatives who value producing their own work from start to finish.
The class will teach:
Best for:
Participants with basic knowledge of Photoshop and a desire to learn how Riso works. This is the first course for those wanting to learn how to operate the machine independently
Takeaway:
You will leave the class with 10 copies of your 2 color poster printed on Mohawk cardstock
**If you want to take a workshop with someone else, you will need to purchase a workshop for each person. Please email us at workshops@secretrisoclub.com for more than 1 participant.
Risograph printing gives its users the means to produce their own art prints, books and zines with a unique vibrant and textural printing style. While Riso was originally intended for document printing, you’ll learn how to push the printing technique to create printed matter that stands out. This course is for designers, artists and creatives who value producing their own work from start to finish.
The class will teach:
- A brief history of the machine & technique
- The parts, supplies and operation of the machine
- Digital file preparation for a 2 color print
- Best practices for setting up files and printing
- Techniques for maximizing the effect of 2 colors through opacities, overlay, & knockout
Best for:
Participants with basic knowledge of Photoshop and a desire to learn how Riso works. This is the first course for those wanting to learn how to operate the machine independently
Takeaway:
You will leave the class with 10 copies of your 2 color poster printed on Mohawk cardstock
**If you want to take a workshop with someone else, you will need to purchase a workshop for each person. Please email us at workshops@secretrisoclub.com for more than 1 participant.
All materials are provided.
Suitable for newcomers & a bit beyond.
Bookings are non-refundable.
Fee applies for date changes unrelated to COVID.
Bookmaking and World Building with Pomegranate Press
Taught by Pomengranate Press
Jesse Feinman and guests
︎ https://pomegranatepress.club/
Talks & Workshop
Dates:
Session 1: 4/17, ︎︎︎ 6-9pm
Session 2: 4/24 ︎︎︎ 6-9pm
Session 3: 5/8 ︎︎︎ 6-9pm
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
**Please arrive on time, we cannot accommodate participants later than 15 minutes
Bookings are non-refund
Dates:
Session 1: 4/17, ︎︎︎ 6-9pm
Session 2: 4/24 ︎︎︎ 6-9pm
Session 3: 5/8 ︎︎︎ 6-9pm
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
**Please arrive on time, we cannot accommodate participants later than 15 minutes
Bookings are non-refund
Tickets Here
The purpose of this course is to attempt to demystify bookmaking from its earliest stage (the idea) and provide insight on how to turn said idea into a completed, living breathing project. As Pomegranate emphasizes work with strong emotional ties to its makers, we'll discuss how to approach channeling these kind of images into succinct publications. This will include discussions on editing, sequencing, designing, titling, branding, and other aspects of publishing that heighten the way an artist's photographs can communicate defined, curious and beautiful messages -- whatever they may be. Included in each presentation will be first hand examples (both successes and failures), unfiltered access into financial transparency, tips on how to work with a wide array of materials, thoughts on curating shows and events, and candid Q&A's to better serve the attendees' curiosities.
What you’ll learn:
In depth understanding of each stage of bookmaking -- from developing a concept (idea), to making the book itself (construction), to having it enter the world as one develops a stronger brand and identity (publishing).
In depth understanding of each stage of bookmaking -- from developing a concept (idea), to making the book itself (construction), to having it enter the world as one develops a stronger brand and identity (publishing).
Who this course is for:
Photographers of any level, or anyone with an interest in photography, independent publishing, and self publishing. No prior experience is required.
Photographers of any level, or anyone with an interest in photography, independent publishing, and self publishing. No prior experience is required.
What you’ll need:
Anything for taking notes is of course recommended. Bringing one's own work (portfolio box, prints, book dummy, etc) is optional but not required as the first three workshops are not intended to exist as peer critiques. More on that soon!
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to approach bookmaking through a lens of both accessibility and emotional vulnerability that emphasizes an unflinching dedication to craftsmanship and thoughtful editing.
Anything for taking notes is of course recommended. Bringing one's own work (portfolio box, prints, book dummy, etc) is optional but not required as the first three workshops are not intended to exist as peer critiques. More on that soon!
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to approach bookmaking through a lens of both accessibility and emotional vulnerability that emphasizes an unflinching dedication to craftsmanship and thoughtful editing.
SESSION 1:
Will focus primarily on design approach, intentionality, and developing narrative structures through the archive of personal images. Using examples from the Pom Press catalogue, attendees will see the inner workings of how a book comes to life from the beginning stages. We will discuss the selection process of images, how to develop a sequence, and ways to convey a personal story through the medium of a book. This session will attempt to illustrate Pom's specific approach to accessible, emotionally-driven publishing and how it applies to the wider world of contemporary bookselling. Participants are welcome to bring examples of their own work and images, but please note this session is NOT a critique and/or portfolio review- and will be structured to highlight already-completed bodies of works as a method of providing insight on how to do so.
GUEST SPEAKER: Marcus Maddox, who will discuss working with Pom and his debut monograph, Hey Lover.
Will focus primarily on design approach, intentionality, and developing narrative structures through the archive of personal images. Using examples from the Pom Press catalogue, attendees will see the inner workings of how a book comes to life from the beginning stages. We will discuss the selection process of images, how to develop a sequence, and ways to convey a personal story through the medium of a book. This session will attempt to illustrate Pom's specific approach to accessible, emotionally-driven publishing and how it applies to the wider world of contemporary bookselling. Participants are welcome to bring examples of their own work and images, but please note this session is NOT a critique and/or portfolio review- and will be structured to highlight already-completed bodies of works as a method of providing insight on how to do so.
GUEST SPEAKER: Marcus Maddox, who will discuss working with Pom and his debut monograph, Hey Lover.
SESSION 2:
Will focus primarily on the different ways to publish a photographic project once completed. One of the most common questions we receive is "How do I publish a book through Pom?" and this presentation will attempt to tackle that-- while going far beyond the outlook and taste of Pom in general (there's so much more besides us!). Insights on how to submit a publication, develop a relationship with a publisher, and find a home for your book will be provided, alongside candid examples of typical financial structures when it comes to working with someone else. This session will be a little more clerical (IE: Tips on how to send work, what to avoid, what to expect in general), but will reveal a bit as to why Pom chooses certain projects and avoids others. Similarly, this will session will hopefully illustrate both the advantages and challenges of self publishing, as well, and how it comes with certain freedoms, liberties, etc. There will be plenty of details on printing and materiality in this session.
GUEST SPEAKER: Caroline Tompkins, who will discuss working with Pom and her experience creating her book Bedfellow, with Palm Studios.
Will focus primarily on the different ways to publish a photographic project once completed. One of the most common questions we receive is "How do I publish a book through Pom?" and this presentation will attempt to tackle that-- while going far beyond the outlook and taste of Pom in general (there's so much more besides us!). Insights on how to submit a publication, develop a relationship with a publisher, and find a home for your book will be provided, alongside candid examples of typical financial structures when it comes to working with someone else. This session will be a little more clerical (IE: Tips on how to send work, what to avoid, what to expect in general), but will reveal a bit as to why Pom chooses certain projects and avoids others. Similarly, this will session will hopefully illustrate both the advantages and challenges of self publishing, as well, and how it comes with certain freedoms, liberties, etc. There will be plenty of details on printing and materiality in this session.
GUEST SPEAKER: Caroline Tompkins, who will discuss working with Pom and her experience creating her book Bedfellow, with Palm Studios.
SESSION 3:
Will focus primarily on the experience of books entering the world-- both as artist, maker, and seller. What does running a publishing house really look like? How do you even begin to do that? When working with a wide array of people on a regular basis, how do you maintain voice, identity, and so on? How do you maintain integrity when working under a capitalist regime? This session will intend to shed light on the often less-discussed aspects of bookmaking -- and how to work through challenges and figuring out the logistical pieces that, really, aren't available anywhere and most people keep secret. There will be several first hand examples of Pom's influences and how these were utilized to create a strong brand identity and focus. Will discuss thoughts on merchandising, event curating, and so on.
GUEST SPEAKERS: Christian Michael Filardo and Oliver Shaw (Friend Editions), who discuss working together, existing as an independent creative, and running a multi-faceted publishing house.
Will focus primarily on the experience of books entering the world-- both as artist, maker, and seller. What does running a publishing house really look like? How do you even begin to do that? When working with a wide array of people on a regular basis, how do you maintain voice, identity, and so on? How do you maintain integrity when working under a capitalist regime? This session will intend to shed light on the often less-discussed aspects of bookmaking -- and how to work through challenges and figuring out the logistical pieces that, really, aren't available anywhere and most people keep secret. There will be several first hand examples of Pom's influences and how these were utilized to create a strong brand identity and focus. Will discuss thoughts on merchandising, event curating, and so on.
GUEST SPEAKERS: Christian Michael Filardo and Oliver Shaw (Friend Editions), who discuss working together, existing as an independent creative, and running a multi-faceted publishing house.
Help Build The Guide
Taught by Molly Salas and
Melissa Saenz Gordon
︎https://www.instagram.com/softpowervote/?hl=en
Workshop
Date:
May 13, 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
*Please arrive on time
Date:
May 13, 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
*Please arrive on time
RSVP Here
Soft Power Vote members Melissa and Molly welcome those interested in helping to research and build the voter guide spreadsheet. Learn strategies and tips for researching policy, gut-checking candidate’s platforms (is it legit or fluff?) and help build one of the most essential tools that Soft Power Vote provides every election.
Self Publishing Workshops, A Treasure Hunt for Ideas
Taught by Ares Maia
︎ https://www.instagram.com/ares.maia/
Workshop
Dates:
Session 1: 5/20 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Session 2: 5/27 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Session 3: 6/3 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Session 4: 6/10 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
*Please arrive on time
Dates:
Session 1: 5/20 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Session 2: 5/27 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Session 3: 6/3 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Session 4: 6/10 ︎︎︎ 7-9pm
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
*Please arrive on time
RSVP Here
Join Ares Maia for a treasure hunt of ideas. Through creative exercises, prompts, and discussions each participant will be guided through the process of self-publishing and zine making. During this course we will learn to look to our objects for inspiration, using the resources we already own. Together, we’ll explore the world of self-publishing and you will learn the fundamentals of zine-making, including materials, design, and storytelling techniques.
You will be guided to not look outwards for inspiration, but within. We will go on a treasure hunt of our past using the resources we already own. We will look at the purest form of inspiration: what we were drawn to as kids. The cereals, the toys, the bright colors that grabbed us. What did you want to be when you grew up? Can you find inspiration there?
This workshop is open to all, but will particularly resonate with individuals interested in communication design, visual art, and self-publishing practices. You’ll need a computer with the following programs downloaded: acrobat, indesign, and photoshop or illustrator.
You will be guided to not look outwards for inspiration, but within. We will go on a treasure hunt of our past using the resources we already own. We will look at the purest form of inspiration: what we were drawn to as kids. The cereals, the toys, the bright colors that grabbed us. What did you want to be when you grew up? Can you find inspiration there?
This workshop is open to all, but will particularly resonate with individuals interested in communication design, visual art, and self-publishing practices. You’ll need a computer with the following programs downloaded: acrobat, indesign, and photoshop or illustrator.
Group Workshop
Date: February 15, 2025
Date: February 15, 2025
Location:
122 Central Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221
︎ Start Time: 1pm
Duration: 4 hrs
What is a poster? How do you make one? And why?
Join Hector Mosko, a graphic designer based in Lyon, France, for a hands-on workshop that takes you through the process of creating a bold, unique poster printed in Risograph. This workshop takes an analog approach to graphic design and will guide you through three key stages of poster creation: concept development, composition, and printing.
Join Hector Mosko, a graphic designer based in Lyon, France, for a hands-on workshop that takes you through the process of creating a bold, unique poster printed in Risograph. This workshop takes an analog approach to graphic design and will guide you through three key stages of poster creation: concept development, composition, and printing.
- In the first part of the workshop, Hector will share insights into his art practice and his obsession with collecting visual inspirations from decay and posters on the street. He’ll introduce you to new ways of thinking about design, offering fresh perspectives on the creative process. Through his stories and examples, you’ll learn how to approach design with curiosity, experimenting with different viewpoints to shape your own unique style.
- Next, you'll dive into the hands-on, gritty part of the process—sketching and composing your poster. Participants will learn how to create an abstract composition using purely manual techniques. This phase focuses on breaking down your preconceived ideas of what a poster “should” look like. You’ll explore how to deconstruct and reconstruct your design using analog methods, pushing beyond the boundaries of commercial graphic design to embrace creativity and experimentation. Through inking, transferring, drawing, and layering textures, you’ll learn how to compose a visual that feels unique and free from digital constraints.
- Ultimately, participants will learn the technical side of graphic design production to prepare their images for Riso printing. Using the layers you’ve created, you’ll scan, adjust, and print each one—layer by layer, color by color—without the use of a computer. You’ll work with two vibrant Riso colors, learning how to layer and align them for maximum impact. The result will be a one-of-a-kind, multi-layered poster that captures both your creative process and the hands-on techniques of graphic design.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have experienced every step of the design process—from conceptualizing and sketching your idea to producing a finished printed piece. Whether you're new to graphic design or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will give you a deeper understanding of the craft, while allowing you to create a tangible, analog work of art.
Best for:
Suitable for both beginners with no graphic design background as well as those with an established graphic design practice
Takeaway:
You will leave the class with 10 copies of your 2 color poster.
All materials included.
Please arrive on time, we cannot accommodate participants later than 15 minutes.
*Limited community tickets available at a discounted rate, please fill out the scholarship application to inquire.
All materials are provided.
Suitable for newcomers & beyond.
Bookings are non-refundable.