The Beauty of Overprints

A set of two 3-color Risograph printed color charts
Risograph color charts based on a design from Dramatic Color by Overprinting, 1955/1974.

The inherent transparency of Riso printing inks makes them an exciting playground for what’s possible through overprinting, especially when combined with multiple options for how halftones are created whether during output or through other means.

I first encountered this chart via Issue Press and have been on the hunt for an original copy of Donald E. Cooke’s long out-of-print 250 page tour-de-force book ever since. The best I can do until then (if ever) is enjoy the few examples from the book floating around on the internet.

I might give one of the other designs from the book a go next.