Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I am a resident and worker within Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been a practicing artist as well as illustrator since 2013, and my work has slowly changed over the years from bright and vibrant character illustrations to more abstracted and process intense work. I usually create art with a mix of sketching, collage mix of the two, and every so often 3D. I also self-publish and create many zines, and sometimes comics."

How would you describe the style of your collage?

"Primarily non-digital (though that's a personal preference, both traditional and digital methods of work are just as appropriate as the other) with lots of paper texture. I used to make work with lots of bright colours, however I've been trying to be more considered and 'quieter' when it comes to my color choices in recent years. I place a great deal of importance on shapes and composition too. My work tends to be fairly playful as I consider my collages and drawings that I create as a form of play, or an activity for enjoyment."

What are the keys for creating your collages?

"It's hard to pinpoint a single 'key' to the way I make illustrations and other artwork. An attitude of enjoyment playing, enjoyment, and joy is important in the way I make work, so I constantly try to figure out a method of injecting that into whatever I'm making. I always tell myself 'If I'm having a hard time creating this piece, then I shouldn't make it. I'll have to look for a new method'. Most of the time with Illustration projects, I've found that in order to achieve the most effective results, simplifying everything. I often get bogged down in details, or particular ideas or points then have to step back and simplify everything down to its basic essence. This is usually as much to content as it does in the way of format."

"I created a work to support a truly worthwhile initiative that just launched here in the UK called Communitea. The project involved 55 artists like myself. requested to create a work of work that reflected our connection to Chinese cultural heritage. It can now be purchased in print form at Roomfifty with all profits going towards helping save the London Chinese Community centre from closing and fight the growing tide of hate against Asians."

Explore more collages by Ed through Instagram and on his site.