Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V

This was the first assignment in my 2D Design class this semester--collage. Pretty easy, very fun, a good way to get the class into the art zone. We had to bring in a stack of magazines to cut up, and all I had was video game magazines so...



I do not own Mario. Mario and such stuff property of Nintendo. (Background from an ad for a Sega game.)

 I'm pretty proud of the overlapping on the bottom half of the picture. I wish I'd had a little more time to work with, so I could have spruced up the top right corner a bit more.

Now, collage is one of those art forms that most people have tried at some point. However, there's more to it than just cutting and gluing (although you do a lot of both).

QUICKTIPS FOR COLLAGE

• Don't start gluing immediately. Cut out any and all bits you want to use, or think you may possibly want to use, and move them around on the paper to see how they fit together the most harmoniously (or least, if that's the style you're going for. Sharp contrast can add a lot to a work.)
• With collage, just like any other art form, you want to make something with good composition! Sometimes people making collage just cut squares out and glue them roughly side by side--which works if you're making "Ode to Story Quilt." Don't be afraid to overlap, cut crazy shapes and chop off bits and pieces.
• Use a scalpel or exactoknife if you can. It's very helpful for cutting out inner sections without going through the whole fold-paper-in-half-and-fumble-with-scissors rigamarole. [It's nothing to be ashamed of. You know you've done it too.]
• If you want to create a scene rather than just an abstract collage, try seperating the piece with a background, middle ground, and foreground. Things that are farther back can be fainter in color, bluer, or smaller. For features in the foreground, shoot for brighter colors and consider placing the pieces lower on the page.
• Don't be afraid of asymmetry! The focal point by no means has to be in the center of the page, although it certainly can be. Off-kilter pieces that draw the eye to crazy angles can look stunning done right.

Other than that, just have fun! Enjoy going back to an art style from childhood, while creating something great. This is one of those art forms you're likely to have all the supplies for already, so go make some art! :D


Daisy