If you’re looking for a fresh, artsy experience in Kuala Lumpur, the Risograph workshop at Bang Bang Zine in GMBB is a must-try.
Nestled on the 8th floor of this creative mall in Bukit Bintang, the space is known for supporting local art and craft initiatives, and this particular workshop offers a fun and unique dive into the world of printmaking.
What is Risograph?
Risograph is a Japanese printing technique that merges the charm of screen printing with the efficiency of photocopying. It uses soy-based ink and stencil masters to layer colors and create neon, vibrant textures. Each print has its own unique imperfections, giving it a handmade and artistic feel.
The workshop experience
Begin the workshop by choosing whether to create postcards or keychains. While the keychains are practical and cute, postcards offer more space and freedom for sketching detailed artwork. It’s completely up to you!
Brainstorm on your design
Once you’ve picked your canvas, it’s time to plan your design. Start sketching out your ideas, keeping in mind that you’ll need to trace your work multiple times for the layered color process. Simpler designs can save time and effort, especially for beginners. I chose a simple design of myself + my dog Kuro to keep it meaningful.
Plan your colours
You’ll be given two colors to work with, one for each layer of your final print. Using a pencil, shade in the areas that correspond to each color. This step is essential for understanding how your layers will align and interact during the risograph printing process.
Scan and print
After your sketches are complete, the staff scans your artwork and prepares it for printing. You’ll still have a chance to make minor adjustments before committing to the final print. Then, watch as your design comes to life through the risograph machine’s colourful, retro-inspired output. We were all in awe when the postcards were printed.
Final thoughts
This is unlike any other art or painting workshop we’ve attended. The risograph process is hands-on, thoughtful and incredibly satisfying. Plus, you’ll walk away with five prints of your design, either as postcards or turned into keychains, making it a perfect handmade souvenir.
Location: GM-08-10, 8th Floor, Kompleks GM Bukit Bintang, No.2, Jalan Robertson, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 1-7pm
Travelling to Malaysia? Check out our guides on:
