Non-digital collages – The CreativeMindClass Blog

"I live and work in Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been a practicing artist and illustrator since 2013 but my interest has been shifting throughout the years from lively and colorful character work to more abstracted and heavy work. I tend to make work with a mix of collage, drawing, or a mix of the two, and every so often 3D. I also self-publish a lot of zines and sometimes comics."

How would you describe your collage style?

"Primarily not digital" (though that's a personal preference to be honest, traditional and digital ways of working are as appropriate as the other) that includes a variety of textures on paper. I used to create works using lots of bright colours, however I've tried to be more mature and contemplative with my colors in recent times. I have a strong focus on the composition of shapes and patterns as well. The majority of my work is quite playful, as I consider the drawing and collage I do as an act of fun, or an exercise of amusement."

What's the secret for creating your collages?

"It's hard to pinpoint the one key to the way I make illustrations, as well as other work. An attitude of enjoyment or joy is important in the way I create work. I constantly try to figure out a method of injecting that into whatever I'm making. When I make art, I tell myself: 'If I'm having a hard time doing this specific piece, I shouldn't even be doing it, and I should come up with a different way to approach it'. In the majority of Illustration projects, I've found that to get the best results, simplifying everything. Sometimes I get caught in details, or particular concepts or ideas, and then I have to take a step back to simplify things back to its essence. It is often the case that this applies equally to content as it can to form."

"I made a piece for a really worthwhile project that just launched here in the UK called Communitea. 55 artists including myself were requested to create a work of art in response to the connection we have to Chinese tradition. The work is now available to purchase as a print at Roomfifty where all the profits go to help keep the London Chinese Community centre from closure and combat the rise of anti-Asian hate."

See more of Ed's collages on Instagram as well as his web site.