Risograph color separation

Let Me Handle the File Prep

Send me your high-resolution artwork and I'll send back riso print-ready digital files. I have been separating the artwork for my collages and illustrations since 2017.

Apply for a founding spotDigital files only*
Founding client waitlist10 spots20-minute call$95 founding rate

How file prep works

What You Send, What You Get Back

Here's my print Strawberry Lake. You send one finished piece. I send back one black-and-white file for each ink. Your studio prints each file on top of each other to create your riso print.

1

You send me your art

One finished piece, as a high-res file or scan.

Strawberry Lake, a three-color risograph print by J. Sayuri: giant strawberries reflected in a mountain lake
2

I send back one file per ink

Black-and-white PDFs, named by ink color, within 5–7 business days.

The yellow ink file for Strawberry Lake, in black and white
Yellow file
The fluorescent pink ink file for Strawberry Lake, in black and white
Pink file
The aqua ink file for Strawberry Lake, in black and white
Aqua file
3

Your studio prints each file in its ink

One layer at a time, at the riso studio you choose.

The Strawberry Lake yellow layer printed in yellow ink
Prints in yellow
The Strawberry Lake pink layer printed in fluorescent pink ink
Prints in fluorescent pink
The Strawberry Lake aqua layer printed in aqua ink
Prints in aqua
4

The layers stack into the print

Printed one on top of another, the three inks become Strawberry Lake.

The finished Strawberry Lake risograph print by J. Sayuri, printed in yellow, fluorescent pink and aqua

Watch How I Made Strawberry Lake

Here’s how I separated Strawberry Lake into three colors in Photoshop, and how its print day went at the studio. If you watch and think “I can do that!” go for it. The tutorials are free. If you’d rather hand it off, that’s what this service is for.

1. The separation: splitting the artwork into ink layers in Photoshop
2. Print day: printing the layers at the studio, paper jams and all

Every Print in My Shop Started as Files Like These

I separate my own work the same way I'll separate yours.

Offering risograph print by J. SayuriOffering3 inksStrawberry Lake risograph print by J. SayuriStrawberry Lake3 inksCuriosity risograph print by J. SayuriCuriosity4 inksHealing Hands risograph print by J. SayuriHealing Hands3 inks

Why Artists Send Me Their Files

01

Riso File Prep Since 2017

I know where separations go wrong before they ever reach the drum.

02

We Figure It Out Together

I start by asking about your art, your studio and your inks, so the files fit what you’re actually printing.

03

One-on-One Email

It’s just you and me the whole way. Ask me anything along the way.

04

A Round of Revisions

If something isn’t right, I fix it.

05

No Muddy Prints

I plan overlaps, ink density and layer order so your colors stay bright where they meet.

06

Fast, Honest Work

Files back in 5–7 business days, and I’ll tell you plainly if a piece needs fewer colors or a different approach.

What You Get

  • Digital files only: one print-ready black-and-white PDF per ink color, named by color and set up for your studio's specs
  • A 20-minute video call before I start, to talk through your art, your studio and your inks
  • A layer plan matched to your studio's ink colors
  • Your files within 5–7 business days
  • 1 round of revisions
  • Answers to your questions throughout

What's Not Included

  • *Prints or printouts of any kind. Nothing is printed or mailed to you. You'll print your files at the riso studio of your choice.
  • Studio fees, ink and paper

Up to 4 ink colors per project.

How It Works

  1. 1

    Apply

    Fill out the form below. Applying is free and doesn’t commit you to anything.

  2. 2

    Hear Back

    In early January I’ll choose 10 founding clients. If you’re not picked, you stay on the waitlist and hear first when regular spots open.

  3. 3

    Lock Your Spot

    Pay the $95 founding rate to confirm your place.

  4. 4

    Meet on a Call

    A 20-minute video call to talk through your art, your studio and your inks before I start.

  5. 5

    Send Your Art

    Founding projects start in late January. When your spot comes up, send your artwork and get your files back within 5–7 business days.

  6. 6

    Print and Review

    Print your files at your studio, then write an honest review and tell me what worked and what didn’t.

Join the Founding Client Waitlist for Risograph Print Color Separations

I'm taking 10 founding clients, starting in late January. Tell me about your artwork and I'll be in touch by early January.

Founding client terms

$95 per project

  • Founding rate for the first 10 clients only. After that, the regular price is $150 per project, with the same 20-minute call included.
  • A 20-minute video call before I start
  • Up to 4 ink colors per project
  • Founding projects start in late January 2027
  • Digital files only. No prints, no printouts.

What I ask in return

  • An honest review when we’re done, glowing or critical
  • Your thoughts on the service: what worked, what didn’t, what you wish you’d known
  • Permission to use the questions you ask me, without your name, in this page’s FAQ
  • Permission to show your files as a before-and-after example
Share the actual piece you want separated, not a portfolio.
Up to 4 per project.

Applications close Monday, November 30. Everyone hears back by early January, picked or not.

Applying adds you to my email list so I can reach you about your spot. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Questions

Will I get prints?

No. You get digital files only, one per ink color. Nothing is printed or mailed to you. You print the files at the riso studio of your choice.

What kind of artwork works best?

Paintings, drawings, collages and illustrations with clear areas of color. Pieces that need text or fine line work pulled out of a flattened image take much longer, and usually aren’t a good fit.

Can I do this myself?

Yes, and if you have Photoshop and some time, I’d encourage it. My free tutorial walks through the whole process. This service is for artists who would rather hand it off.

What if I’m not picked?

You stay on the waitlist, and you’ll be the first to hear when regular spots open at $150 per project, 20-minute call included.

I don't have a studio yet. Can I still apply?

Yes, but you’ll need one before we start. Separations depend on your studio’s ink colors and specs.

What makes a riso print muddy?

Usually too much ink where colors overlap, or layers that weren’t planned for the inks being used. Careful separations prevent most of it.

What’s the 20-minute call for?

Before I start, we talk through your art, your studio and your inks on a video call, so the files fit what you’re actually printing. It’s included with every project.

Why do you ask for a review?

Founding clients get a lower rate while I build this service. In return, I ask for an honest review and your thoughts on how it went. The questions founding clients ask me become the answers on this page for the artists who come next.