Syllabus

This is a 7 week studio course in computational design, Risograph printing and experimental publishing. Participants will explore and experiment with different ways of using the Risograph in programmatic design workflows, producing a range of creative outcomes. They will work with the Risograph printer, paper, the P5.JS.Riso library and other creative software tools.

Units in this course include: Riso animation, programming design systems, and experimental publishing. Participants will develop skills in designing for, controlling and printing with the SF9450 Risograph machine. They will be introduced to histories of radical publishing and will develop experimental printed publications. It is recommended that students take a creative coding core class before taking this elective, or that they have equivalent programming experience.

PDF version of the syllabus: Print&Code Syllabus 2022

In taking this class, students will:

• Gain proficiency in writing computer programs to design and prepare creative works for Risograph printing, using a variety of different tools like p5.js.
• Gain familiarity Risograph printing work flows, including color treatment, dithering, registration and paper choice.
• Gain familiarity with artists and designers who are experimenting with computational processes in design and publication work.
• Understand how to document and present creative work online, and in person.
• Develop personal learning strategies, project planning and problem solving skills.

1. Risograph Animation. Choose or create a short video to be prepared and printed as a 2-color Risograph print. Scan the print and animate it using p5.js or a video editing software like Adobe Premiere or ffmpeg.
2. Programming design systems. Develop a programmatic design system and use it to generate a series of graphics, or type face. Lay out the outcomes of your design system on a poster that shows its range and variability. Print it as a 2-color Risograph print.
3. Experimental Publication. If publication is the process of making-public, what can a publication be? Designer Paul Soulellis’ concept of Urgentcraft, sees publication as a means of drawing attention to urgent issues of the day. Working in groups 3. conceptualize, design and produce an experimental publication exploring the concept of urgentcraft. How can you stretch or augment expectations of what a publication can be?