Short course
Risograph Printing, Zine Making & Small-Scale Publishing
Create, print and publish your own zine using specialist risograph equipment in Birmingham City University's Illustration studio. This hands-on short course introduces participants to the world of zines, self-publishing, and risograph print production, providing access to specialist equipment and expert guidance. Whether you are an artist, designer, student, or other creative maker, you'll develop practical skills and produce your own printed publication and discover the creative possibilities of risograph printing and independent publishing
Overview
Risograph (or simply Riso) printing has become one of the most exciting and widely adopted forms of contemporary printmaking, used by illustrators, designers, artists, and independent publishers worldwide. Combining vibrant colour, experimentation, and low-volume production, RISO offers a more sustainable alternative to many traditional commercial printing methods through its energy-efficient technology, soy-based inks, and reduced material waste. These qualities, alongside its distinctive aesthetic, have helped fuel a growing culture of zines, artist books, and independent publishing.
This practical course introduces participants to the principles of Riso printing, publication design, and zine production. Working within the Parkside buildings specialist facilities, participants will develop content, prepare artwork for print, experiment with colour layering, and produce their own publication while gaining hands-on experience of a professional yet accessible publishing process.
Participants will also learn about contemporary independent publishing networks and opportunities to share and distribute their work through events such as Birmingham’s annual DUPLCATE Zine and Publishing Fair, connecting their practice to a wider community of artists, designers, and publishers.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand the principles and workflows of RISO printing.
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Design and produce content suitable for a zine or small-scale publication.
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Experiment with colour, layering, layout and print production techniques.
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Produce a finished publication and reflect upon its place within contemporary independent publishing.
Who will benefit?
This course is ideal for:
• Illustrators, designers, photographers and printmakers
• Creative practitioners looking to expand their skills
• Educators looking to enhance there teaching practice
• Prospective art and design students
• Anyone interested in independent publishing and zine culture
No formal qualifications are required. Participants should have some experience of creative practice or an interest in developing their own artistic work.
Course in depth
Across seven practical sessions, participants will explore the history and culture of zines, learn the technical processes behind riso printing and develop their own publication from concept to production.
Participants will experiment with image-making, text, sequencing, layout and colour separation before preparing artwork for print. Sessions will include practical demonstrations, individual tutorials and opportunities for discussion and feedback. The course concludes with the production of a finished zine and guidance on sharing and distributing work through independent publishing networks and events
What is included?
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Session 1:
Introduction to RISO printing, zine culture and independent publishing
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Session 2:
Developing ideas, themes and content
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Session 3:
Image-making, typography and storytelling
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Session 4:
Layout, sequencing and publication design
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Session 5:
Preparing artwork for RISO printing
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Session 6:
Printing, colour layering and production
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Session 7:
Assembly, critique, distribution and publishing opportunities
Schedule & Location
Session 1: Tuesday 15th September 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Session 2: Tuesday 22nd September 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Session 3: Tuesday 29th September 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Session 4: Tuesday 06th October 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Session 5: Tuesday 13th October 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Session 6: Tuesday 20th October 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Session 7: Tuesday 27th October 2026 (16.30 – 19.30)
Location
Parkide Building Birmingham City University Cardigan Street Birmingham B4 7BD
Fees and enrolment
Level: Short course
Cost: £250 (inc VAT)
If you're interested in finding out more about this course or would like more information before you enrol, please register your interest and we'll be in touch with more information.