FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Moniker Press is grateful to live and operate on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Moniker Press is also located in the rapidly being gentrified neighbourhood of Chinatown. We invite you to learn about and consider contributing to the Chinatown / DTES neighbourhood via: DTES Response, TORO, WePress, Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice 世代同行會, Hogan’s Alley Society, Vancouver Black Library, VANDU, CPDDW, Youth Collaborative for Chinatown – 青心在唐人街, Insite, DEWC, Megaphone, Chinese Senior Association, Carnegie Community Center, Gallery Gachet, Pivot Legal Society, Massy Books, Centre A, Canton Sardine. (and there’s lots more!)

But I searched for you and a different location came up? This is probably because of the ongoing Mobile Moniker project which you can read more about on our About page. We will happily accept print orders no matter where you are located (shipping costs do apply), although you may want to do a quick google to see if there’s a local riso printer in your area that you can support.

MP doesn’t keep specific studio hours as our workload varies greatly throughout the year and sometimes we find it nice to WFH in our PJs with a cup of tea ;). It is best to schedule a studio visit with us or attend one of our Open Studio events or workshops.

The ​studio is located at #080 268 Keefer Street (Sun Wah Center). Enter through the main entrance of the mall marked by a green gate. Proceed to the left at the stairs or ramp and take the elevator down to floor LG. Turn right once you exit the elevator, ring the doorbell labeled Moniker Press. (MP is open by appointment only ㋡)

View visual directions / video walk through here. Please contact MP if you require more comprehensive directions or further Accessibility information for the Sun Wah building. 

Yes, there’s several ways you can plan a visit the studio. Studio visits and meetings are by appointment only, except for specific drop-by events like Open Studios or Flyer Fridays.

We highly recommend scheduling a visit if you have a risograph project in mind and want to make decisions on paper, ink colors, and experience the process firsthand. We offer consultation meetings to confirm estimate specifications for any print project. We try to be mindful of our production schedule and aim to keep meetings to approximately half an hour. Email erica@monikerpress.ca to book a time slot.

For more information on these and other events, please refer to the events page.

Yes. Moniker Press is currently following Yarrow Society’s recommendations to continue to wear masks in Chinatown and DTES as care for the community and eachother. If you forget or are unable to wear a mask, let me know, and I can make arrangements to meet you upstairs or outside for pickups, or provide a mask for studio visits.

Yes, if you are unable to come to the studio in person to plan your project we can schedule a meeting via zoom or google hangouts.

Yes! In addition to being a publishing project, are open as a print-for-hire studio for risograph print production or other finishing services. Learn more about our services on the Print Guide.

Email! (MonikerPressStudio@gmail.com) Our inbox is our “to-do” list, we cannot keep track of requests and arrangements sent through social media. Estimates will only be sent via email.

Response time may vary depending on the time of year, and delays for estimates and replies can be expected during busier seasons- particularly April to May and August to October. Under normal circumstances, I aim to respond to emails within 1-3 business days. Even if there is a slight delay, I make it a priority to reply to every email I receive unless it is very clear that a response is not required.

Sometimes emails  or estimate requests sent through our Contact form may not go through or accidentally end up in spam. If a week has passed without a reply, please feel free to follow up. To ensure a response, it is best to email MonikerPressStudio@gmail.com directly.

Old email address: erica@monikerpress.ca = seems to have sporadic unreliable server issues and so we have switched to primarily using the gmail above.

If you haven’t received a reply within a business week, it is possible that I have not received your email. In such cases, please check your junk/spam first for a reply, and then try sending the email again or follow up with us.

Nope not right now. Thanks for your interest in Moniker Press, given our relatively small work load we are currently unable to support employment opportunities.

Yes, visit the Volunteering page to learn more.

Indeed! Check out the Workshop page for more info and to sign up!

Moniker Press is also available for artist talks, presentations and private workshops for schools, community centres or companies.

Yes, Moniker Press is bookable for custom workshops, demos, artist talks, etc. for organizations, educational institutions, businesses etc. In the past we’ve led workshops for Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Langara and Emily Carr. Contact MonikerPressStudio@gmail.com with inquiries.

As of 2020 Moniker Press has an Open Call for Publishing Proposals: here. More information on requirements can be found through that link.

We take particular interest in producing projects that are visually engaging but also offer new or unexplored perspectives on contemporary topics and issues. For examples of our publishing projects visit the online shop.

There is an online Print Log that showcases some of the print work we have completed. You can also check out the online Shop for our publishing projects (all of which we have printed). For examples of our pre-press, design and colour separation work check out the File Setup page. To see samples in-person come to one of our drop-by Open Studio events!

Check out the online Shop for all our publishing projects. To purchase publications in person visit one of our many stockists listed on the Stockist page. Or keep an eye on different book fairs and events that we exhibit at.

Yes, we would be happy to answer some questions, please keep in mind that we get requests regularly and while we try to keep up with our inbox as much as possible it may take some time (if your deadline is tomorrow don’t depend on us).

In the meantime, check out some previous interviews we’ve done on the Press page as well as here: Q&A with Madeline Barber / SAD Magazine (2021), Interview with Emily Carr Stories (2018), Interview for ZCENE Podcast (2018), Discorder’s SHELF LIFE (2018), Inspired BC, Video Interview (2018), Panel Discussion: Amphora, Alcuin Society (2017), Post-Digital Book Arts Transcript,(2017)

Moniker Press has helped several organizations and individuals on a consultant basis. Although still constantly learning (#risolife) Erica who runs Moniker Press has over ten years experience and would be happy to help you—whether it be sourcing or reviewing a machine, technical advice, basic set up, developing a publishing practice or production set up etc. Email Erica at MonikerPressStudio@gmail.com to discuss how we might be able to assist and for an estimate or grant application letter of reference.

But won’t you just spend many hours writing emails with all your knowledge in a nutshell for free? …Hmmm, thinking no. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As much as I want to support artists etc, due to the amount of inquiries and as a solo run studio, it’s just not within my capacity to dedicate time to this outside of being hired for consulting. Thanks for understanding and thus also respecting the value of the work, money, tears invested into riso learning through trial and error over the years.

p.s. there’s also tons of resources available online these days (try googling! – or visiting a galleries, book fair events, open studios or the library to discover books/zines that are about books and zines.) OR check out interning or Volunteering at Moniker Press OR even take a Riso Basics workshop to start!

Moniker Press is a solo* operation run by me—Erica, there is no mouse in my pocket or “you guys” BUT it sounded weird to write everything in first person for a print shop, hence why I use “we” when writing about Moniker and “our” various projects.

Moniker Press is a solo-run studio, with Erica Wilk serving as the primary owner, operator, printer, and publisher. However, the MP’s success and continued existence is deeply reliant on the invaluable contributions of numerous volunteers, collaborators, and supportive friends. Moniker Press is immensely grateful for the contributions and assistance provided by these individuals, whose involvement has been crucial to MP’s journey.

Riso means “ideal” in Japanese. The RISO company made this awesome video guide on how to pronounce it:

Risograph has restrictions and limitations (see Print Guide) and as such is not always the right medium for every project (and that’s okay).

If you’re looking for a printing method that offers consistent color reproduction across multiple copies, digital or offset printing may be more suitable for your needs as they are better suited for achieving precise and consistent color reproduction. Check out the Print Guide for information on the risograph process, and the Print log for examples of previous projects.

No, it is not officially categorized as archival, but with proper storage/care it can last a long time.

Outdoors– Generally we’ve observed that riso wheat pasted riso posters exposed to the elements (sun, rain, wind etc) hold up really well. Bright Red and Fl Pink are two inks that appear to fade faster than the rest in UV light. 

Indoors / art prints– we’d suggest hanging out of direct sunlight and/or framing with UV protected glass for the longest lasting colour. 

If you are seeking exact replication of full-color printing, risograph might not be the right fit for your project.

At Moniker Press, we specialize in risograph printing, which is known for its distinct aesthetic and unique printing process. While we can simulate a CMYK-like effect for photographs through a 3-4 color separation process, it’s important to note that the results may vary with each print. This characteristic of risograph printing adds a unique and artistic touch to your photographs or graphics, resulting in a one-of-a-kind look for each print.

If you’re looking for a printing method that offers consistent color reproduction across multiple copies, digital or offset printing may be more suitable for your needs as they are better suited for achieving precise and consistent color reproduction. However, if you appreciate the artistic and unpredictable nature of risograph printing, we would be happy to assist you with colour separation services.

We don’t like the word “cheap” as we take great care in all the work we produce. It’s a common misconception to label risograph printing this way, however, we’d sooner call it cost effective. Basically, the more you print the lower the materials can be spread out, thus the cost per print goes down, however the cost of materials and labour can increase with higher quantities.

Risograph printers were designed for fast low cost for printing at high volumes (1,000+). Most of Moniker Press’ clients are printing quantities of 50-250, and with editions of this size riso cannot always compete with the digital or offset print markets, but it can be more cost effective than printing lower quantities with offset, Either way, we’re inclined to think that the unique qualities of riso are what make it desirable ;)

Also remember that when you print with a local risograph print shop you’re supporting a small business that has to cover costs of the materials, rent, maintenance, studio, admin and labour, who often invests funds and energy back into the community.

Risograph printers are often positioned as sustainable and eco-friendly, but it’s important to acknowledge that waste is inherent to any printing process.

While Risograph printers are low-er energy and don’t require excessive electricity or heat, some waste is still generated.

The ink used in Risograph printing includes rice bran oil as an ingredient which is said to be more “environmentally friendly” compared to other inks (still tbd). It also includes petroleum solvent, pigments, other oils, glycerol, alkyd resin. As an oil-based ink it is not water soluble. At this time there’s no information at this time on it’s biodegradability etc.

The stencils used in the process are mainly composed of fibre (hemp) and plastic (polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, Resin, Silicone) and cannot be recycled. Actual compositions of the inks and stencils are “trade secrets” and not a lot of information or research is provided other than the required basics for workplace safety (from Material Safety Data sheets).

At Moniker Press, we strive to minimize waste in various ways when we can. We make efforts to reduce stencil usage, source paper from our local neighbourhood supplier, bicycling for supply pickups and deliveries, reuse paper and packaging materials, and repurpose paper scraps into notebooks, among other small attempts.

If you’re interested in learning more about print shop / small press waste check out these zines by Half Letter Press: ‘BOOK WASTE‘ and Artist Publishers Reflect on Book Waste.

Visit the File Setup page for comprehensive instructions on how to submit you print ready files. 

Yes, we can! MP is able to assist with you project in many ways from scanning original drawings, to colour separation, to file setup and design at an hourly rate. Contact erica@monikerpress.ca for an estimate.

We like that you asked this :) and don’t even mind that you maybe skipped the section in the Print Guide that covers bleed, because bleed is SO important. > watch this video for an introduction.

Riso printers and other finishing machines are not perfect and neither are the people who operate them. Room for error allows for the inevitable mistakes that will be made during the production process. Risographs tend to jam, eat paper, misalign and break down, by printing 10-30% extra per project we can have a bit of wiggle room making sure you receive a full edition as high quality as it can be.

Moniker Press’ standard minimum per stencil is 50 copies, however Risograph printing tends to become more economical with quantities over 100.

Risograph machines are specifically engineered for rapid, high-volume printing. MP’s choice to set the minimum quantity per stencil at 50 aims to strike a balance between meeting our clients’ needs and minimizing waste and resource usage.

If it’s not listed in our Print Guide, probably not. Check out the tab labelled Colours the fill list of inks (and layering combinations) we are currently printing with.

Our MZ risograph machine prints on ledger size paper—11×17”—not full bleed, we require a 0.25 space around the edge of the paper so the max print area would be 10.5×16.5.  We try to utilize the 11×17″ space as best we can, for example printing two-up for 8×10″ prints.

Oops sorry, this print shop doesn’t speak metric. Please provide all measurements in inches! MP’s standard paper size is 11×17” and can be cut down from there.

Maybe. All uncoated, paper that is not sourced by us it must be seen in person, pre-approved and tested before we can guarantee that we will print on it. We also require at least 30% extra paper as room for error (risographs eat paper for breakfast). Moniker Press invoices paper at-cost that is direct from a local supplier in our neighbourhood, whom we love to support.

MP can not accept newsprint or papers that are lower than 75 gsm and higher than 200gsm. Send an email or see the paper section of our Print Guide for more information on papers we have in stock or can source.

Nope! Try looking into other techniques like: screen printing, sublimation printing, laser cutting etc.

Unfortunately, no. We no longer offer the service of combining different print methods together as it’s proven to be too finicky with the equipment we have (MP only prints with risograph). You’re welcome to do it yourself as post-process/finishing to accompany your riso prints

At Moniker Press physical proofs are not provided for print orders.  The nature of the risograph process makes it inefficient and cost-prohibitive to print a single copy. When a stencil is removed from the ink drum, it takes a significant amount of ink with it and is subsequently disposed of. Even if we were to print a proof of a poster and later produce a full run using a different stencil, there is no guarantee that the print would match the original proof. Each print created through the risograph process is inherently unique, as it utilizes real rice bran oil ink rather than toner and heat like a photocopier. Keep in mind, stencils are made of plastic and cannot be recycled.

All print orders will receive a digital proof that must be thoroughly reviewed and approved before we begin the production  process. The approved digital proof serves as our reference for printing.

Whenever possible, MP offers basic feedback regarding any production considerations but cannot always predict exact results. It is your responsibility to carefully review the digital proof. After reviewing the proof, any adjustments can be made to the files if necessary. If further proofs and subsequent adjustments are required, a small fee may be applied to your order to cover the time and costs associated with creating multiple proofs.

Please keep in mind that digital proofs cannot accurately replicate the exact colors, textures, or variations created by the Riso printing process. MP is unable to guarantee an exact color match, precise tone or shade accuracy, overlapping ink results, or consistent line quality through digital proofs.

There is a detailed breakdown of timing and deadlines on our Checklist page, which outlines the necessary steps and estimated timeframes.

The production process involves various steps and considerations to ensure the best results, it’s never as simple as just pressing “print”. Still, Moniker Press strives to meet your deadlines and provide reasonable turnaround times. Please keep in mind that MP is a solo-run operation, which may impact the speed of production. Estimated timelines can vary depending on the time of year and MP’s current schedule. In our experience it’s always advisable to allow for some extra time in your project timeline. Unexpected challenges or additional revisions may arise, and having a buffer allows us to address any unforeseen circumstances without compromising the quality of your project. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Depending on the specifications of your project, some rush orders may be possible with an additional fee. This fee is calculated to reflect the urgency of the order and accommodate the expedited processing. The production times and completion dates are estimated from the final approval of the digital proof, which is created from your print-ready files. The creation of the digital proof typically takes 1-3 business days, depending on the complexity of the order.

Moniker Press cannot take responsibility for unpredictable circumstances that may hinder or delay the predicted timelines or deadlines. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, machine malfunctions, pandemics, floods, fires, supply shortages, postal strikes, bereavement, illness or injury, and other unforeseen events that are beyond our control.  Read more on our Terms and Conditions page.

Yes! but we highly recommend estimating the highest quantity of copies you anticipate needing and printing that amount initially. Reprints are considered as completely new print runs and require the creation of new stencils. Please note that Moniker Press cannot guarantee an exact replication of a previous print run. For more detailed information, we encourage you to review our Terms and Conditions page.

Absolutely! We provide graphic and book design services at an hourly rate. With over a decade of experience in freelance graphic design, we have worked with a diverse range of clients, including musicians, illustrators, dancers, writers, artists, and organizations such as CAG, Access Gallery, WAAP, and Grunt Gallery, among others.

If we are unable to take on additional work due to capacity constraints, we would be more than happy to recommend other awesome local designers who may be a good fit for your project.

MP also offers book consultation services for both organizations and individuals. Whether you need guidance on book layout, formatting, or other aspects of book production. For more information and an estimate for these services, please reach out to Erica at MonikerPressStudio@gmail.com

When requested we can provide feedback on text legibility and technical aspects of riso printing as it related to Access, but we’re not experts. For more in-depth considerations relating to Accessible design etc we’d suggest working with the following folks whose work centres around Access:  Carmen Papalia, Curiosity Paradox, or Kay Slater.

Moniker Press is a print shop that welcomes commissions from the public and strives to maintain an open and non-judgmental approach to client projects. However, it is important to note that our acceptance of a project does not necessarily imply personal endorsement.

To uphold our values, Moniker Press will not agree to reproduce content that is racist, homophobic, anti-Black, anti-Trans, anti-mask, harmful, or infringing on copyright. We reserve the right to decline projects that we feel are not aligned with these principles. By agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, you confirm that your project does not fall into these categories.

Sensitive subject matter: Moniker Press is willing and able to handle content with more sensitive or “trigger warning” subject matter, such as mental health, suicide, trauma, etc., as long as the perspectives presented do not align with the aforementioned list. We kindly request that you provide additional information about the content before submitting your files, so that we can prepare and thus handle it with the utmost care and discretion.

Print orders: etransfer (erica@monikerpress.ca), cheque or cash.

Online shop: Paypal, visa etc.

In person (events and fairs): Square (card), PayPal, cash, etransfer (in Canada) and cash or payapl (internationally).

We’re artists, not mathematicians! We are unable to create estimates on the spot in person. Since each risograph project is unique we need to sit down with all the project specifications (paper, quantity, ink stencil, colours etc) in order to calculate an estimate.

Contact erica@monikerpress.ca with your confirmed specs and we will get an estimate to you as fast as possible! If your project specs aren’t confirmed consider booking a consultation meeting to determined them first.

We hope so! We strive to make printing as accessible as possible, talk to us about options for reducing your project to a manageable budget—this could mean adjusting paper stocks, size, ink colours, reducing quantity…yes, it might mean you’ll have to “kill a few darlings” but at least you’ll have a sweet riso print to show for it!

Alternatively we will be offering sliding scale workshops that will allow you to learn about risograph printing and make your own print at the same time which could also be a good starting point for those with a limited budget.

Yes we can assist with estimate creation for grant applications, please leave ample time for estimate writing based on your current specs, let us know the printing budget you would like to reach. Estimates are only valid for 30 days so consider there will be some adjustments to the final invoice if the project deadline extends beyond the that timeframe. (ie: paper costs etc).

We strive to support initiatives as much as we can, keeping in mind that Moniker Press is a small local solo-run shop with limited resources. While we aim to assist as many projects as possible, there may be limitations to our capabilities. In return for our support, we kindly request that Moniker Press is credited on the project, either through our logo or the text “Printed by Moniker Press – monikerpress.ca”. Additionally, we appreciate social media promotion, such as tagging or mentioning @monikerpress, to help us reach a wider audience and continue supporting important causes.

Moniker Press is listed on the ‘Printers for BLM‘ resource created by @lmnqe. We are dedicated to supporting important activist work in so-called Vancouver and can provide riso printed support materials such as flyers and posters for protests and other movements. We understand the significance of amplifying voices and spreading awareness through printed materials, and we are committed to assisting in any way we can to contribute to the cause.

On occasion yes, but it depends on what you have to trade and how the negotiation goes, we would strive for a mutual agreement and satisfaction for both parties. We don’t often do full trades because we would at least need a portion of the material costs to be covered.

Things we might consider trading for: web or graphic design, tattoos, professional framing services, animation, print equipment, time…ask us and see!

At book fairs MP can trade select publications, in exchange for your risograph printed works to add to our growing Riso collection/library.

Monetary donations to Moniker Press directly support our collaborative publishing projects. Purchasing items like Riso Process Notebooks and the annual Artists Calendar helps to supplement Book Fair costs (table fees, travel etc) enabling MP to showcase our publications to a wider audience. We sincerely appreciate your support in these endeavours. Any excess funds are passed on to local mutual aid.

Material donations, especially paper, ink, book binding supplies, equipment, riso ink drums and gocco printers etc, are appreciated and used for community events and collaborative projects. Thank you for your support!

Yes. Moniker Press utilizes Canada Post for local, national and some international shipments and Chit Chats for USA shipments. In an effort to prioritize sustainability, recycled or reused materials will be utilized for packaging. We will take great care in packaging your order to ensure it arrives free from any damage.

The cost of shipping depends on the weight and size of your final order, which can only be determined once the order is complete. To get an estimate of the shipping cost, you can use the shipping estimate calculator available on the Canada Post website. Please keep in mind that shipping estimates are subject to change based on actual charges and any applicable processing fees.

For shipping to the USA, Chit Chats utilizes US Media Mail and typically offers competitive rates for both domestic and some international shipments.

Please note that MP is not responsible for any delays in shipping times, lost packages, damage to packages, or any other circumstances caused by the postal service provider.