Non-digital collages – The CreativeMindClass Blog

"I am a resident and worker in Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been an active artist and illustrator since 2013, and my work has slowly changed over the years from bright and vivid character designs to more abstracted and intensive work. I usually create art with a mix of drawings, collages, a mixture of both and every so often 3D. I also make and self-publish many zines, and occasionally comics."

What would you say about your collage style?

"Primarily non-digital" (though this is a personal choice to be honest, traditional and digital methods of work are just as valid as each other) that includes a variety of paper textures. I used to create works using lots of bright colors, but I've been working to become more mature and contemplative using my colors over the last few years. I put a lot of importance on shapes and composition also. The majority of my work is somewhat playful in the sense that I think of the collage and drawing I do as an act of playing, or an act of enjoyment."

What's the secret for creating your collages?

"It's hard to pick the one key to how I create illustrations, as well as other work. The feeling of having fun or joy is necessary in how I create work. I constantly try to figure out a method of injecting that into whatever I'm creating. When I make art, I tell myself: 'If I'm not enjoying making this particular piece then I shouldn't make it and I need to find another method'. In the majority of illustration projects, I find that for the most optimal result, simplifying everything is a huge help. It is common for me to get caught up on details, or specific thoughts or concepts, then need to take a look back, and reduce everything down to the essentials. This is usually as much to the content as it could in the way of form."

"I made a piece in support of a very worthwhile project which was launched in the UK named Communitea. 55 artists , including me, were requested to create a work of art in response to our connection with Chinese tradition. The work can now be purchased as a print at Roomfifty and all proceeds go to in saving the London Chinese Community centre from closing and fight the growing tide of anti-Asian hate."

See more of Ed's collages through Instagram and his site.