16 Jul RISO Artist of the Month Alexander Laird
Meet RISO’s July Artist of the Month
What is your name and the name of your organization/location?
Hi I’m Alexander Laird, I am a cartoonist/animator and I also run Frog Farm – a small risograph comics press and ongoing event series, based out of Brooklyn.
How long have you been in the art industry?
I have been making comics for about 9 years.
How long have you been using RISO duplicators and the method of RISOGRAPHY?
I took a class at the RisoLAB in January 2017 and have been printing with it ever since. So 8 years?
What are some of your favorite colors to use with a duplicator?
Currently my favorites have been Federal Blue and Flo Orange – just finished a new zine with them on green paper – it looks really nice. I’m a big fan of Teal, Mint, and Lime Green as well. And of course Flo Pink, but I think that’s not as cool anymore since it’s a bit overused lol
Why RISOGRAPHY?
For many including myself it was because of the easy access to making beautiful full colour work for relatively cheap. It opened up my ability to get my work out there at shops, at comic events and online. It’s still the best way to make beautiful and cheap work, and I keep reminding myself to think about it like that and try to use it to get work out fast and easy and not be too precious with it. But it’s also really fun to make a detailed, intricately made, beautiful four colour 80 page tome. There’s just so much you can do with it!
What would you tell people who are just finding out about RISO Duplicators and the artform of RISOGRAPHY?
It’s like riding a bicycle. It takes a bit of learning to figure out the mechanics of, but once you figure it out the sky’s the limit. Also to not be too obsessed with perfectionism and to embrace the process.
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