Non-digital collages CreativeMindClass Blog

"I live and work within Bristol UK and studied Illustration at Brighton UK. I've been working as an artist as well as illustrator since 2013, with my focus slowly shifting over the years from bright and vibrant character illustrations to more abstracted and process heavy work. My style is to create work using a combination of drawings, collages, mix of the two, occasionally 3D. I also make and self-publish many zines, and occasionally comics."

How would you describe the collage you created?

"Primarily non-digital" (though this is a personal choice but both ways of working are as relevant as one another) that includes a variety of paper textures. I used to create work with lots of bright shades, but I've been working to become more mature and contemplative with my colors in recent years. I put a lot of importance on shapes and composition too. My work tends to be fairly playful as I think of the collage and drawing I make as fun, or an exercise for amusement."

What is the key for creating your collages?

"It's hard to pick one 'key' for how I create illustrations as well as other art. An attitude of enjoyment, joy, and play is necessary in how I work. I always try to find a way of incorporating that feeling into what I'm making. When I make art, I tell myself: 'If I'm not enjoying creating this piece, then I shouldn't be making it, and I should look for a new method'. In the majority of Illustration projects, I've found that to get the best outcome simplifying everything really helps. I often get bogged down with details or specific thoughts or concepts, then need to take a step back to simplify things back to its essence. It is often the case that this applies equally to the content as it could to format."

"I created a work for a really worthwhile project which was launched in the UK named Communitea. 55 artists , including me, were invited to make a piece of work that reflected our connection to Chinese culture, which can now be purchased in the form of a poster at Roomfifty where all the profits go to keep the London Chinese Community centre from being shut down and to combat the spread of hate against Asians."

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