Aim

Master the basic collage art techniques, achieve self-reflection and emotional release, create your own visual expression, promote communication between cultures of different backgrounds and discussions on social issues through visual expression, and provide a platform and opportunity for sharing and communication.

Introduction

“Art and creativity are seen as a way not only to relieve tension, but also to build ego strength.”

                                                                                                  — Judith Aron Rubin, Approaches to Art Therapy: Theory and Technique.

The fast-paced life makes time for self-expression and emotional sorting scarce. For beginner learners, this toolkit will guide you to transform the emotions of the day into visual symbols, and transform complex inner feelings into concrete works of art through concise collage art; for intermediate learners, hope that through more collage techniques , share discussions and expressions on social issues. Whether it’s joy, anger, surprise, or some insights, this toolkit can help you express it interestingly and creatively, making art an outlet for your emotions.

Prepare

• Paper (colored or uncolored).
• Pencils, pens, etc.
• Glue, scissors.
• There is also the option of using an electronic device to paint (there are a variety of devices available so you can choose according to your needs).
• Required skills: Ability to draw some simple shapes such as circles, rectangles, etc.

All hand tools are needed, here I used different sized and colored post-it notes, a black marker, scissors, and a glue stick.

Or you can choose to use an electronic device according to your situation.

Let’s start trying it out

Tablet/Phone Format

If you choose to draw on an electronic device, watch the video with detailed drawing steps.

Electronic device creation tutorial：https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/190_1731613563/1_0tgb1mmv   

You can also scan the QR code below to watch.

Picture book format

Handmade creation tutorial here：https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/209_1733054293/1_cpj8827k

Step 1 (2 minutes)：Question guidance guides learners to choose an emotional theme for the day.

e.g.

• “Is there anything that makes you happy or unhappy today?”
• “Is there anything that has impressed you recently?”
• “What social issues have you been paying attention to recently? Do you have any opinions or insights on them?”

Step 2 (4 minutes): Prepare your visual symbols. Draw some basic graphic elements on paper with a pencil.

• For example, rectangular, oblong, circular, semicircular, wavy or any irregular shape.

Choose your favorite color and draw the shape you like. In this example, I chose four colors and drew the graphics I saw on the Internet today, as well as regular shapes.

I provide some simple geometric element references, which can be combined by changing different sizes, directions, colours, etc.

 

• Provide advanced graphic materials, you can choose more difficult graphics as visual elements according to your needs  https://588ku.com/sucai/jiandantuxing-47-1/

You can also cut out any shape you want. In this example I will be cutting out according to the shape I drew.

Based on the graphic elements cut in the previous step, you can make a collage. After the collage is completed, you can use a brush to add some details to make the work more fragile.

Here are some easy emoticon templates I provide for you.

• Provide advanced learners with detailed and professional explanations of collage techniques and case studies. This video talks about the types of collage at 0:35, the four elements of collage at 2:28, examples of collage at 4:44, and recommendations for collage artists at 8:06. You can choose the sections you want to learn based on different needs, and you can learn multiple times step by step.

https://youtu.be/QAxurkZbCOs?si=vBtOCFMgU_F7215Y

After completing the work, simply write down your feelings or the story behind it next to the work. It can be blessings, encouragement, etc.

In this example, I attached the finished work to another sticky note and used the space to write about the mood and experience I had while creating the work.

My emotion code is done! You can post it on your desk or anywhere you want. In this example, I wanted to express a tearful and sad expression, so I wrote: I have a lot of back pain from sitting too long.

Step 6 (2 minutes): Sharing and looking forward.
After completing this collage, I hope you can not only understand your emotions through creation, but also achieve the freedom and satisfaction of self-expression. Whenever you see this emotional collage in the future, you will involuntarily recall your mood at that time. Art does not depend on the level of skills, but begs for sincere transmission and expression. Have you found another way to express emotions through this experience? If you are willing, share your work and share the diversity of emotions and the power of art with others. Let collage art become the emotional code in your life, constantly explore yourself, and record these precious emotional moments.

⚠️⚠️⚠️：The toolkit provides two forms for reference. If you use paper to complete the collage work, you can use sticky notes to stick the completed work on your desk or in a diary; if you use electronic devices, you can save it in an album or share it with others at any time.

Electronic device creation tutorial © 2024 by ZIYI ZHAO is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 

Handmade creation tutorial © 2024 by ZIYI ZHAO is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 

艺术拼贴｜只看这一篇就够，人人都是大艺术家 © 2022 by YUNONG謝雨濃」 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 

Collage Art: My Emotional Code © 2024 by ZIYI ZHAO is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 

(https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/1829656093659965/)