color/shift is an open-source #risograph color profile hub organized by theretherenow. [IG] [SHOP]

Version 1.0 - 10.21.2020 by Travis Shaffer http://colorshift.theretherenow.com/

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[about]

[color/shift] describes [1] unfaithful color rendition [2] perceived changes in color as a result of varied registration, screening, and ink coverage or [3] change in color rendition resulting from environmental or material conditions.

This site is a both a research project and an online resource dedicated to the intersection of #risograph printing and photo-adjacent color output with a specific interest in the development of experimental color models that lean into the non-faithfulness and erratic nature of #risogrpah printing using non-conventional color combinations and screening methods. As we build the [color/shift] catalog of profiles, our attention will be fixed upon such experimental output as well as profiles (and methods) that specifically recall the conventionally incomplete and beautifully distinctive color rendering of historical photographic processes.

Many users are drawn in by the accessibility, peculiar color catalog, and potential for rapid experimentation found in the risograph process. However, these generous attributes of the machine are offset by a steep learning curve when it comes to acheiving control and predictibility when color mixing. [color/shift] aims to build a library of tools and resources related to risograph printing though building a measurement based adobe CC spot color library for all riso inks; hosting an open-source catalog of #risograph specific .icc color profiles; a focused publishing agenda trained on the theory and praxis of the intersection of photography and risography; process transparent publications; and live and web-based events aimed at disseminating, debating, and discovering new and best practices for explorting #risograph color and color management.

[color/shift] is organzied by theretherenow. founder Travis Shaffer and was initiated with the support of grant funding from the University of Missouri System Tier 3 Grant; the MU Council Grant; and the ongoing support of the MU School of Visual Studies. [color/shift] is currently run out of the riso room @ musvs a public-facing risograph studio outfitted with the equipment necessary to initiate an exhaustive color profile generation and testing. Currently, MUSVS runs an MF9450U housed in The Riso Room @ MUSVS and (2x) MZ790U printers housed at theretherenow. with a combined suite 24+ colors.

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On 11.16.2020 we launched an ititial set of (BETA) profiles to give users a starting point to explore the possibilities of this project. Moving forward, we will begin to refine our growing catalog and supplement them with profile specific tutorials and sample works. In addition we will continue to build and refine these profiles using profiling charts printed by us as well as those printed and submitted by members of the #risograph community.

Anyone operating a #riso duplicator can download and print our standard 2,3,4, and CMYK profile charts and mail them. Thank you to the printshops who have contributed color projects so far.

Using these charts, we either build additional custom .icc profiles or we will merge data taken from new charts to strenghten existing profiles ensuring that our profiles are most widely applicable and useful regardless of printer model, driver, etc. Where two or more charts are generated using significant variations in paper, screening, print density, printer models, etc, we will produce stand alone profiles based upon varied screening conventions (graintouch vs halftone; natural vs. bright white paper; etc.) In some cases the use of a .icc profile isn't possible or useful (white inks, mulitple passes of the same color, etc.) In some cases we will be releasing custom experimental screening and color plans developed in our own studio including screening plans, Adobe Photoshop Curves (.acv files) and a detailed .txt README document.

All profiles are generated using technical color analysis software [coPrA 7 and ColorAnt] and Hardware [xRite i1 pro 2].

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[participate]

To participate, you will:

  1. download the appropriate color chart/s from the link below;
  2. print the chart on your own machine in any colors of your choice -- we recommend printing 25 to 30 copies to stabilize the drum output;
  3. select two clean and tightly registered prints from near the end of the print run;
  4. complete the built-in form in the header of the chart with color names, print order, drum position, screening details, paper, etc;
  5. mail the chart/s to us at the address listed on the bottom of the form.

Read here for all the details.

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[attribution]

All profiles generated under the umbrella of [color/shift] are open-source and will be hosted on this web-based platform. They are free and will be shared in perpetuity. In light of this, [color/shift] asks — but does NOT require — that projects printed using this resource of profiles @mention (@there.there.now), #tag (#colorshifthub), or identify the project in publication colophons where appropriate using the following line:

Printed with a [color/shift] profile. [color/shift] is an open-source #risograph color profile hub founded by Travis Shaffer and funded by the University of Missouri School of Visual Studies.