Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I live and work in Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been working as an artist and illustrator since 2013, with my focus slowly shifting over the years from bright and colorful character work to more abstracted and process intense work. I usually create art with a mix of sketching, collage a mix of the two, and every so often 3D. I also self-publish lots of zines as well as sometimes comics."

What would you say about the collage you created?

"Primarily not digital" (though it's personal preference, both traditional and digital approaches to work are equally appropriate as the other) with lots of textures on paper. I used to make pieces using lots of vibrant shades, but I've been trying to be more mature and contemplative when it comes to my color choices in recent years. I have a strong emphasis on composition and shapes as well. Most of my work is quite playful, as I think of the collage and drawing I do as fun, or an exercise for amusement."

What's the secret for creating your collages?

"It's hard to pinpoint a single '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 try always to find a way of injecting that into whatever I create. I always tell myself 'If I'm not enjoying creating this piece, then I shouldn't be making it, and I should look for a new approach'. Most of the time with illustrations, I have found that for the most optimal outcome simplifying everything really helps. I often get bogged down in details, or particular thoughts or concepts, then need to take a look back, and reduce everything down to its basic essence. This is usually in as many ways to content as it does be to the form."

"I created a work for a really worthwhile project which was launched in the UK named Communitea. 55 artists , including me, were asked to create a piece of work in response to our connection to Chinese culture, which is available for purchase in print form from Roomfifty and all proceeds go to help save the London Chinese Community centre from closing and fight the growing tide of hatred towards Asians."

Check out more collages from Ed through Instagram as well as his web site.

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