7 things I've learned
about collage

After many years in the creative industry, I’ve noticed that when I say I work with collage, people often picture something related to kids, scissors, and vintage magazines. And while that’s part of it, there’s so much more to collage than that. To give you a clearer idea of where I’m coming from, here are 7 things I’ve learned about the medium.  

1. I usually just call it collage—short and simple. But sometimes, labels can feel a bit limiting.

I started making collage back in the '90s as a way to create images and tell visual stories. Cut, paste, edit—that was the rhythm. But as I picked up new tools and tricks, things got more intricate, and I found my own voice.

These days, it still begins with images, whether digital or paper, forming the foundation of my work. From there, it’s a process of layering: colors, textures, retouching, cloning, and Photoshop tweaks that transform (sometimes dull) images into something striking and meaningful.

2. Collage is an invitation to re-think the ordinary.

It’s about playing with context, meaning, and the viewer's preconceived ideas. Collage creates an ongoing dialogue between social, cultural, and historical artifacts and the people who interact with them. It thrives on the ever-evolving tension between what we think we know and the potential to create something entirely new.

Why are these elements combined? What happens when they’re brought together? Collage invites these questions, challenging us to find meaning in unexpected connections and uncover new stories within familiar fragments.

3. There's no such thing as a "collage style".

Collage is less about aesthetics and more about a mindset—a way of creating meaning by combining and transforming pre-existing elements, whether images, sounds, or even concepts. It’s a process of remixing the familiar to express something new.

Once we embrace that collage isn’t tied to any specific look or aesthetic, we unlock true creative freedom. It’s about crafting whatever is needed to convey the message, unbound by rules or conventions.

4. Direct and straightforward? Absolutely.
Abstract and mysterious? 
That too.

Since collage isn’t tied to any specific style, it’s all about choosing the right approach to evoke the desired mood and communicate effectively with the audience. Some of my collages are dark and abstract, raising more questions than they answer, leaving room for introspection and interpretation. Others are clear and direct, inviting an open dialogue about the themes they explore. Collage allows for this flexibility—it’s a versatile language that adapts to the message you want to convey.

5. An interactive
nature.

Collage isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to engage with. By its very nature, collage invites the viewer to become an active participant in the creative process. Each layer and juxtaposition asks questions creating a dynamic interplay engages viewers, blending familiar elements with unexpected combinations to create a visual dialogue. It’s an art form that transforms static imagery into a conversation, drawing audiences into its story.

6. Beyond the page
and the screen.

Collage may have started with cutting and pasting printed images, but its influence quickly extended beyond the page. In the early 20th century, artists like the Constructivists brought collage into advertising and product design, blending art with commercial purpose.  

This tradition continues today, with brands using collage-inspired visuals in everything from fashion campaigns to packaging. Its ability to reimagine the familiar makes collage a timeless and versatile tool for connecting with people  in creative and approachable ways.  

7. Collage in motion:
Stories that unfold

Animation takes collage beyond static images, adding movement, sound, and time to create narratives that evolve. It’s a way to explore more dynamic storytelling, turning a composition into an unfolding sequence. With animation, collage becomes a tool for deeper expression, blending layers of meaning in a fluid and engaging form.

Want to talk about collage?