Non-digital collages - The CreativeMindClass Blog

"I reside and work within Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been an active artist and illustrator since 2013, and my work has slowly changed throughout the years from lively and colorful character work to more abstracted and intense work. I tend to make work with a mix of collage, drawing, or a mixture of both and every so often 3D. I also self-publish and create lots of zines as well as often comics."

What would you say about your collage style?

"Primarily not digital" (though that's a personal preference, both traditional and digital approaches to work are equally relevant as one another) and a lot of paper textures. I used to create pieces using lots of vibrant colors, but I've been trying to be more considered and 'quieter' with my colors in recent years. I have a strong focus on the composition of shapes and patterns too. The majority of my work is fairly playful as I see my collages and drawings I do as an act of playing, or an act that is enjoyment."

What's the secret to creating collages?

"It's hard to pinpoint the one key to how I create illustrations, as well as other work. An attitude of enjoyment or joy is important in the way I make work, so I try always to find ways to incorporate that in whatever I'm making. When I make art, I tell myself: 'If I'm not enjoying creating this piece, then I shouldn't be making it, and I should find another way to approach it'. In the majority of Illustration projects, I've found that for the most optimal result, simplifying everything is a huge help. Sometimes I get caught in details, or particular concepts or ideas, and then I have to look back, and reduce everything back to its essence. It is often the case that this applies equally to the content as it could to format."

"I made a piece in support of a very worthwhile project which was launched in the UK called Communitea. The project involved 55 artists like myself. asked to create a piece of work that reflected the connection we have to Chinese culture, which is now available to purchase as a print on Roomfifty and all proceeds go to save the London Chinese Community centre from closure and combat the rise of hatred towards Asians."

Explore more collages by Ed on Instagram and his site.