Non-digital collages - The CreativeMindClass Blog

"I reside and work in Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been an active artist and illustrator since 2013 with my focus slowly shifting through the years, from vibrant and vibrant character illustrations to more abstracted and intensive work. My style is to create work by combining collage, drawing, combination of both, occasionally 3D. I also self-publish and create a lot of zines and often comics."

How would you describe your collage style?

"Primarily non-digital" (though this is a personal choice to be honest, traditional and digital approaches to work are equally valid as each other) and a lot of paper textures. I used to pieces using lots of vibrant colors, but I've been working to become more mature and contemplative with my colors in recent years. I put a lot of importance on shapes and composition too. Most of my work is fairly playful as I see the drawing and collage I make as a form of play, or an activity that is fun."

What's the secret to creating collages?

"It's difficult to choose the one key to how I create illustrations as well as other art. The feeling of having fun, joy, and play is necessary in how I create work. I try always to find ways to incorporate that in whatever I'm making. I always tell myself 'If I'm not enjoying doing this specific piece, I shouldn't make it, and I should come up with a different method'. Most of the time with illustration projects, I find that in order to achieve the most effective outcome simplifying everything really helps. Sometimes I get caught in details, or particular thoughts or concepts, then need to step back and simplify everything back to its essence. It is often the case that this applies equally to content as it can to shape."

"I made a piece in support of a very worthwhile project that just launched here in the UK named Communitea. 55 artists including myself were invited to make a piece of work that reflected the connection we have with Chinese culture, which can now be purchased in the form of a poster from Roomfifty where all the profits go to help keep the London Chinese Community centre from closing and fight the growing tide of hatred towards Asians."

Explore more collages by Ed on Instagram as well as his website.