Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I am a resident and worker at Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been an active artist and illustrator since 2013. My focus slowly shifting over time from bright and vibrant character illustrations to more abstracted and process intense work. My style is to create work by combining collage, drawing, or a mix of the two, occasionally 3D. I also self-publish and create a lot of zines and occasionally comics."

What would you say about the style of your collage?

"Primarily non-digital" (though it's personal preference, both traditional and digital methods of work are just as valid as each other) and a lot of paper textures. I used to create works using lots of bright colours, however I've been trying to be more thoughtful and quiet with my colors in recent years. I put a lot of focus on the composition of shapes and patterns too. The majority of my work is quite playful, as I consider my collages and drawings I make as a form of playing, or an act that is amusement."

What's the secret to creating collages?

"It's difficult to choose the one key to how I create illustrations and other artwork. An attitude of enjoyment or joy is essential in the way I create work. I try always to figure out ways to bring that joy into what I'm making. When I make art, I tell myself: 'If I'm not having fun doing this specific piece, I shouldn't make it and I need to look for a new method'. Most of the time with Illustration projects, I've found that to get the best result, simplifying everything is a huge help. I often get bogged down with details or specific ideas or points then have to take a step back to simplify things down to its basic essence. It's a common practice to apply this as much to content as it can in the way of format."

"I made a piece to support a truly worthwhile initiative that just launched here in the UK called Communitea. 55 artists , including me, were invited to make a piece of work in response to the connection we have to Chinese culture, which can be bought as a print at Roomfifty where all the profits go towards helping in saving the London Chinese Community Centre from closure and combat the growing anti-Asian hatred."

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