Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I live and work within Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been a practicing artist and illustrator since 2013, and my work has slowly changed throughout the years from lively and vivid character designs to more abstracted and heavy work. I usually create art by combining drawings, collages, a mix of the two, and every so often 3D. I also make and self-publish a lot of zines and sometimes comics."

How would you describe the collage you created?

"Primarily non-digital (though that's a personal preference to be honest, traditional and digital methods of work are just as appropriate as the other) and a lot of paper textures. I used to make works using lots of bright shades, but I've been working to become more considered and 'quieter' with my colors in recent times. I place a great deal of importance on shapes and composition as well. The majority of my work is quite playful, as I see my collages and drawings I make as an act of play, or an activity for amusement."

What is the key to making your collages?

"It's hard to pinpoint a single 'key' to how I create illustrations, as well as other work. The feeling of having fun playing, enjoyment, and joy is necessary in how I create work. I always try to find a way of incorporating that feeling into what I'm creating. I always tell myself 'If I'm having a hard time creating this piece, then I shouldn't even be doing it. I'll have to find another method'. In the majority of illustrations, I have found that in order to achieve the most effective results, simplifying everything. I often get bogged down with details or specific thoughts or concepts, then need to look back, and reduce everything back to its essence. This can often apply as much to content as it does be to the form."

"I have created a piece of art for a really worthwhile project which was launched in the UK named Communitea. The project involved 55 artists like myself. invited to make a piece of work that reflected our relationship with Chinese culture, which is now available to purchase in the form of a poster at Roomfifty with all profits going to help save the London Chinese Community centre from closing and fight the growing tide of anti-Asian hate."

Explore more collages by Ed via Instagram as well as his site.