Non-digital collages - The CreativeMindClass Blog

"I reside and work at Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been a practicing artist and illustrator since 2013 and my work has slowly changed through the years, from vibrant and colorful character work to more abstracted and heavy work. I tend to make work by combining drawings, collages, a mix of the two, occasionally 3D. I also self-publish a lot of zines and occasionally comics."

How would you describe your collage style?

"Primarily non-digital" (though it's personal preference, both traditional and digital methods of work are just as relevant as one another) that includes a variety of textures on paper. I used to work with lots of bright colours, however I've tried to be more mature and contemplative when it comes to my color choices in recent years. I put a lot of focus on the composition of shapes and patterns too. Most of my work is fairly playful as I think of the collage and drawing I do as a form of play, or an activity that is enjoyment."

What's the secret to creating collages?

"It's hard to pick a single 'key' to my method of creating illustrations, as well as other work. An attitude of enjoyment, joy, and play is necessary in how I work. I try always to find ways of injecting that into whatever I'm making. It is my mantra to always say 'if I'm not having fun doing this specific piece, I shouldn't be making it, and I should come up with a different method'. In the majority of Illustration projects, I've found that to get the best outcome simplifying everything really helps. It is common for me to get caught up on details, or specific concepts or ideas, and then I have to step back to simplify things down to its basic essence. This is usually equally to the content as it could in the way of form."

"I created a work in support of a very worthwhile project that was recently launched in the UK called Communitea. 55 artists , including me, were invited to make a piece of work that reflected our relationship with Chinese culture, which is available for purchase as a print from Roomfifty where all the profits go to help in saving the London Chinese Community centre from being shut down and to combat the spread of hate against Asians."

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