Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I live and work at Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been working as an artist and illustrator since 2013. My focus slowly shifting over time from bright and vivid character designs to more abstracted and heavy work. My style is to create work with a mix of drawing, collage, a combination of both, as well as occasionally, 3D. I also self-publish and create lots of zines as well as occasionally comics."

How would you describe your collage style?

"Primarily non-digital (though this is a personal choice and both ways of working are as relevant as one another) that includes a variety of textures on paper. I used to work with lots of bright colours, however I've been working to become more mindful and calm when it comes to my color choices in recent time. I place a great deal of importance on shapes and composition too. Most of my work is fairly playful as I think of the drawing and collage I make as a form of playing, or an act for enjoyment."

What's the secret to making your collages?

"It's difficult to choose a single 'key' to my method of creating illustrations and other artwork. A sense of fun playing, enjoyment, and joy is crucial to the way I work. I try always to find a way to incorporate that in whatever I'm making. It is my mantra to always say 'if I'm not enjoying making this particular piece then I shouldn't even be doing it, and I should find another way to approach it'. In the majority of illustrations, I have found that for the best result, simplifying everything is a huge help. Sometimes I get lost in details, or particular concepts or ideas, and then I have to take a look back, and reduce everything back to its essence. It is often the case that this applies as much to the content as it could in the way of format."

"I created a work to support a truly worthwhile initiative which was launched in the UK known as Communitea. The project involved 55 artists like myself. asked to create a piece of work that reflected our connection with Chinese tradition. The work is now available to purchase as a print on Roomfifty where all the profits go to help in saving the London Chinese Community center from being shut down and to combat the rise of anti-Asian hate."

Explore more collages by Ed on Instagram and his website.