Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I reside and work within Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been an active artist and illustrator since 2013 but my interest has been shifting through the years, from vibrant and colorful character work to more abstracted and process heavy work. My style is to create work by combining sketching, collage a mixture of both as well as occasionally, 3D. I also self-publish and create lots of zines as well as occasionally comics."

What would you say about your collage style?

"Primarily not digital" (though this is a personal choice, both traditional and digital ways of working are as relevant as one another) and a lot of paper texture. I used to create work with lots of bright shades, but I've tried to be more thoughtful and quiet using my colors over the last few years. I place a great deal of importance on shapes and composition as well. Most of my work is somewhat playful in the sense that I think of my collages and drawings that I create as a form of playing, or an act of enjoyment."

What are the keys to creating collages?

"It's difficult to choose a single 'key' to the way I make illustrations, as well as other work. The feeling of having fun playing, enjoyment, and joy is important in the way I work. I try always to find ways of incorporating that feeling into what I'm creating. It is my mantra to always say 'if I'm having a hard time creating this piece, then I shouldn't be making it and I need to find another way to approach it'. More often than not with illustration projects, I find that to get the best 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. This is usually as much to the content as it could to shape."

"I have created a piece of art for a really worthwhile project that was recently launched in the UK known as Communitea. 55 artists including myself were asked to create a piece of work in response to the connection we have to Chinese tradition. The work can now be purchased in the form of a poster from Roomfifty with all profits going to help in saving the London Chinese Community centre from closure and combat the rise of hate against Asians."

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

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