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 2023

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 animation or video to be prepared and printed as a 2-color Risograph print. Scan the print and preview it using p5.js. Then animate the final version with photoshop.
2. Programming design systems. Develop a generative design system and use it to generate a repeating pattern. Lay it out on a poster. Print it as a 2-color Risograph print.
3. Experimental Publication. If publication is the process of making-public, what can a publication be? Working in groups of 2 or 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?