Risograph Printing: Make a Two-Colour Poster - Short Course

Currently viewing course to start in 2026/27 Entry.

How to apply

Level CPD
Study mode Short Course

Award N/A
Start date November 2026, November 2026, December 2026

Subject
- Art and Design
Location City Centre

This course is:

Overview

Design and print your own two-colour risograph poster using specialist equipment in Birmingham City University's Illustration studio. This hands-on taster session introduces participants to risograph printing, one of the most distinctive and accessible forms of contemporary printmaking. Whether you are an artist, designer, student or creative maker, you will learn how riso works, prepare your own artwork for print and leave with a set of finished posters.

What's covered in this course?

Risograph (or simply riso) printing is widely used by illustrators, designers, artists and independent publishers for its vibrant colour, characteristic textures and suitability for short print runs. It also offers a more sustainable alternative to many commercial printing methods, thanks to its energy-efficient technology, soy-based inks and reduced material waste.

In this practical session, participants will learn how riso printing works by producing a poster in two colours. Working in the specialist print facilities in the Parkside Building, they will create artwork as two separate layers, one for each ink colour, and discover how overprinting the colours produces additional tones and unexpected effects. The session offers a quick, hands-on introduction to a professional yet accessible print process, and an ideal starting point for anyone interested in printmaking, poster design or self-publishing.

This course runs on 10th November, 24th November and 8th December 2026.

Enrol now

Why Choose Us?

Risograph machines are specialist pieces of equipment, and access to them is usually limited to commercial print studios.
Our short courses open up this equipment to you in the specialist print facilities of Birmingham City University’s Parkside Building, home to one of the region’s leading art and design schools.
You’ll be taught by experienced tutors who are practising artists, designers and educators, and group sizes are capped so everyone gets individual support and plenty of time on the machine.
All inks, paper and materials are included, and you’ll leave with finished work as well as the confidence to take riso printing further.

Course in Depth

This three-hour practical session introduces the risograph from start to finish. It begins with a look at how riso is used by contemporary illustrators, designers and independent publishers, followed by a live demonstration of the printing process. You’ll then develop a simple poster design, working by hand, digitally or from your own drawings and photographs, and separate it into two layers, one for each ink colour.

With one-to-one support from the tutor, you’ll prepare your artwork, choose your colours and print a short run of posters, exploring how overprinting and registration shape the final image. The session ends with a group look at the finished work and suggestions for taking

Fees & How to Apply

Fees and enrolment

Cost: £30 (exc. VAT)

Date: 10th November, 24th November and 8th December 2026

Time: Tuesdays 4.30 - 7.30pm

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.

Enrol now

Please send all enquiries to Gareth Courage.

Facilities & Staff

Our staff

Gareth Courage

Senior Lecturer BA (Hons) Illustration

Gareth is an experienced educator, illustrator and designer. He has over 15 years of experience devising, designing and delivering creative learning projects for compulsory education and arts-based organisations. These have been produced in various settings across the UK and have involved participant-led outcomes as diverse as...

More about Gareth

Enquiries

Please send all enquiries to Gareth Courage.