Austrian graphic designer and printer Julia Schimautz has created a unique niche in the world of fine art printing. Her work, a delicate balance of nostalgia and innovation, finds its ultimate expression in Risograph printing, a technique that celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Julia’s philosophy is rooted in a love of the unexpected. She embraces the eccentricities and imperfections that arise naturally in the printing process, particularly in Riso printing, where misalignment and variations in ink coverage are not only accepted, but celebrated. This approach reflects a broader aesthetic trend that values the handmade and the imperfect, offering a contrast to the sterile precision of digital production. But what is Riso printing?
The Art of Riso Printing
Central to Julia’s work is the Risograph printer, a machine that at first glance resembles a photocopier but functions more like a screen printer. Originally designed for high volume duplication in schools and offices, the Risograph has been adopted by artists and designers like Julia Schimautz for both its vibrant results and environmentally friendly process. Risograph printing uses rich spot colours and stencils to create layered, tactile prints. The process is unpredictable. Colours can vary and registration can be slightly off, producing prints where no two are exactly alike. This inherent variability aligns perfectly with Julia’s appreciation for imperfection, allowing her digital works to take on a life of their own as they are translated into print.
The Risograph printing technique also allows for extensive experimentation. In Julia Schimautz’s work, the interplay of different colour combinations, layering effects and textures to create ever-changing, sometimes psychedelic works is evident. Her designs are characterised by vibrant colours and a distinctive and often unconventional use of the medium, making each piece a true visual exploration.
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Don’t Try Anything New, Julia Schimautz’s studio
Julia Schimautz’s creative journey has taken her from Austria to Berlin, where she now runs her own independent studio, Don’t Try Anything New. The very name of the studio is a nod to the tension between tradition and innovation that defines her work. Specialising in riso printing, the studio has become a centre of experimentation, where Julia continues to explore new techniques using soy-based inks and low energy consumption, making her a perfect fit for the environmentally conscious approach.
