How To Create A Digital Collage
I've been getting more into digital collage lately and thought I'd share a little bit about it here today. Collage has always interested me. I love that it doesn't have to be cohesive or matchy matchy. And in fact I feel like a good collage has some surprise element in it that doesn't necessarily feel like it belongs.
A layout without photos frees me up to use whatever catches my eye. Often I see elements I love, but don't feel right placed on my regular, daily life layouts. Anything belongs on a collage page. And since there's no photo, you can't distract from the photo by including too much stuff. So if you're a maximalist list me, it's a great practice. Put everything on the page, it will be alright!
I also like how it's a meditative process. There's no right or wrong place for anything. It's just how you're feeling in the moment. No rules, just whatever pretty thing catches my eye.
To make your own digital collage, here are a few steps to get your started.
First, choose your background paper. I like something a little messy, but without a lot going on. I like to place all the paint and elements, so I tend to prefer to start with a fairly blank canvas. You can check out some good interesting but plain papers in these kits:
Next choose a kit that has lots of interesting elements that appeal to you. I've been creating collage specific kits, but any kit that's interesting to you will work.
When I titled this kit Collage Faves, I didn't mean it halfheartedly. I use the pieces in this kit on almost every layout I make. If these pieces don't appeal to you, start keeping a folder of elements you love that you can go to over and over again.
Now just put as much stuff on the page as you can. Create a few areas of interest and add some paint in the background. Stop when you get tired. If you're using Photoshop, check out this tutorial to help blend your paint into the background and make it feel more realistic.
Let me know how it goes!
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About Me
Hi There! I’m Marisa Lerin and you’ll see me around at DigitalScrapbook.com a lot. I started this site in 2010 soon after I discovered a new love in digital scrapbooking. DigitalScrapbook.com has gone through some significant changes since that time and it’s grown into this lovely community site you are seeing now. I am daily surprised by the turn of life’s events that has led me down this path. If you're new to the site, welcome! Here are a few tidbits about me that I hope will help you get to know me better!
I’m originally from Minnesota, USA, but spent a good chunk of my childhood living abroad (in Bolivia and Hong Kong). I returned to Minnesota to attend university, got married and then moved overseas again (Korea, then Jordan and 1 year of traveling). My designs are heavily influenced by these many nomadic years. I am currently back in the USA, now living in the great state of Oregon!
I have no official training for what I’m doing, since I decided very wisely (haha) to study physics in university. I am always learning new things about digital scrapbooking, and this community has been immensely helpful for that!
If I manage to stop digital scrapbooking you will probably find me watching TV, reading or baking. I also enjoy writing for the blog here at DigitalScrapbook.com where I talk about whatever happens to be catching my fancy at the moment.
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Recent Comments
Beautiful!
Lovely kits, all of them are wonderful. I think my favorite is "Free Sprite".
Great post. Thank you for your inspirations.
Awesome!
These (layouts and kits) are gorgeous! I've been wanting to try collage as well. Thanks for the push!
Fabulous tut! I will try I never understood how to use them effectively before.
Thank you so much MARISA for your help my teacher
Thanks for the collage post and inspiration and the wonderful kits.