In October 2024, Jessica left her home in Karlsruhe, Germany, to embark on a five-month journey at the studio—diving into new creative experiences, opportunities, and transformative encounters. As this chapter comes to an end and she prepares for her next adventure, let’s hear about her Riso Pop experience, including the making of her final project, Currents of Change.

“The past few months have flown by in a blur—time slipping through my fingers like ink on paper. As we approach the final move of the studio, an era comes to an end, making space for new beginnings. It’s a moment of transformation, both for the studio and the Riso community. And for me, too, a door is closing. As the studio prepares for its next chapter, I find myself nearing the end of my internship—an intense, challenging, and deeply transformative period in my life. But as one chapter ends, another begins. Soon, I’ll return to Germany, carrying with me not just new skills and experiences but a renewed perspective, countless memories, and, of course, a bag full of Riso prints.

In these last few days, I’ve poured my energy into finalizing my personal and final project: Currents of Change, a self-illustrated and self-written zine about an octopus undergoing transformation to reshape itself in search of freedom. This illustrative story mirrors the reality of survival in an uncertain world—where the unwary are consumed, and the only choice is to adapt or perish. Born into constant danger, the ocean was never a sanctuary. Hunted, alone, always on the run, it seemed as though escape was impossible—until the octopus discovered another way. A world beyond the waves. A life among the creatures who walked on land.

Mimicry became survival. Adaptation became existence. But as the ocean withers and old ghosts resurface, one question lingers: Was this ever truly freedom?

Currents of Change is not just a story of one creature’s transformation; it is a reflection of our world’s crises today. Insecurity, displacement, and the struggle to find refuge are not limited to the animal kingdom. Climate change, rising anti-democratic movements, and deepening hostility toward outsiders shape the human experience as well. Refugees flee war zones, seeking nothing more than survival for themselves and their families, only to be met with hostility in the very places they hoped would offer safety. “Ausländer raus!”—the hate-fueled voices of right-wing extremists grow louder, not just in Germany, but across the world. And yet, we have failed to fight back against the destruction of our environment, leading to more displacement, more loss, and more uncertainty about the future.

The ocean, which produces 50% of the oxygen we breathe, is suffocating under the weight of climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Octopuses—highly intelligent, skillful, and elusive creatures—are not direct climate refugees, but as their habitats degrade, they are forced into increasingly inhospitable regions, pushing their survival to the brink. They are nature’s greatest escape artists, solving complex problems, using tools, and vanishing into their surroundings with a flicker of color and texture. But even their brilliance cannot outmaneuver the collapse of the world around them.

My fascination with these creatures began after watching the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher and deepened further after reading Sy Montgomery’s The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness. It felt only natural to bring this story to life through watercolor—a medium that, much like the octopus itself, requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to let go. Initially hesitant about my watercolor skills, I found joy in the process, embracing its fluidity and unpredictability. The result is a small, square-format zine designed to give each illustration equal attention. Printing three double spreads per A3 sheet allowed me to maximize resources, while my choice of Floria Avorio 100gsm and Crush Cacao 250gsm for the cover gave the zine an organic, tactile quality that perfectly complements the Riso colors Fluo Pink, Flat Gold, Yellow, and Aqua.

Translating watercolor into Riso prints was a journey in itself. I had always admired the effect but never fully understood how to achieve it. Learning “fake CMYK” in our photography workshop and experimenting with Spectrolite offered different approaches, but I ultimately chose to manually separate my layers in Photoshop, allowing me to shape the final outcome more intentionally. Even so, Photoshop could only give me a rough preview—Riso always holds an element of surprise, and I was thrilled to see how my illustrations transformed through the printing process.

For the cover, I was excited to incorporate the beautiful open-source typeface Kaeru Kaeru, inspired by nature patterns and designed by former fellow student Isabel Motz. It felt like the perfect final touch—a harmonious blend of art, design, and nature.

And now, as I prepare to turn the page to my next chapter, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude. To Aafke, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and for always encouraging exploration and creativity. To all the riso enthusiasts and everyone at the studio, for the countless inspiring conversations, shared moments of excitement, and the feeling of belonging in this vibrant community. To the friends I’ve made along the way, for reminding me that growth isn’t just about skill but also about connection.

Change is never easy, but it is necessary. It is what propels us forward, reshapes us, and helps us carve out new paths. This internship has been a time of immense learning, not just about Riso, but about myself, about storytelling, about the power of community. I step into the future with a full heart, ready to carry these lessons with me.

Here’s to transformation, to new beginnings, and to the currents that guide us forward.”

Follow Jessica’s creative journey on Instagram @jezzkezz <3