Creating a Great Collage

10 tips to make your sketchbook cover fantastic!

1. Start with your largest pieces first!● Glue large shapes down to create a background, then

layer medium shapes, and finally your smallest shapes. ● Overlap shapes to create UNITY.

2. Cut carefully!● Neat cutting skills will allow your images to blend

together seamlessly.

3. Glue completely!● Make sure all edges are firmly glued down so they lay

flat and have no pieces flipping up. ● If using mod-podge, paint a layer under and over each

piece.

4. Add text! ● Use old book pages, or photocopies of pages, for

backgrounds, or use text to spell concepts and ideas that capture your message.

● Find interesting looking letters, mix up fonts and sizes.

5. Textures and patterns● Make sure to include a variety of each to add depth and

interest to your collage. ● Cut shapes from interesting textures to create objects

like leaves, feathers, etc.

6. Scale● Use a variety of large, medium, and small shapes.

7. Play with assemblage● Take elements from one object and combine them with

another to make interesting remixed creatures!

8. Mixed-media● When the glue dries, use crayons, colored pencils,

sharpies and paint to add drawn elements to your collage.

9. Make it personal!● Bring in images, wrappers, receipts, maps, handwritten

notes, photocopies of family photos, and sketches to add personal touches to your collage.

10. Use color for emphasis.● Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow attract

attention first.● Create a triangle of warm toned collage pieces to create

a composition that moves your viewer’s eye in a path.

More collage examples