5 Reasons You Should Try Collage (Digital or Otherwise)

With the release of my latest course, Surreal Portrait Collage, I've been thinking a lot about the creative process, what it means to "make" stuff, and why it's so important. If you've been curious about the world of collage but haven't yet gotten into it (or maybe you've stepped away for awhile)—here's five reasons why you should pick it up (again).

Reason #5: Sharpen Your Compositional Design Skills
If you struggle with composition, collage is a very hands-on way to explore what works, what doesn't, and why! Move things around, swap one shape for another, experiment with color and contrast and as you think through the choices you're making, you'll discover in real-time why the principles of design are so powerful.

Reason #4: Find Your Flow
Need a break from the news? Put on some tunes, grab a beverage and settle in for an exploratory collage session and let your mind wander and roam freely. Browse your favorite stock sites and fill your cup with ideas and inspiration. Where will it take you? Who knows! Lose yourself in the process and you'll be amazed at what you find.

Reason #3: Consider it an Act of Rebellion
In a world that incentivizes and rewards the monetization of every fleeting interest, thought, or idea, there's much to be said for diversions that exist for the sole purpose of your own enjoyment, for nourishing your soul, or feeding your fancy. Collage could be such a diversion and it comes with loads of benefits!

Reason #2: Inspire Others
You don't have to be a GOAT at something to inspire others! In fact, one could argue that ordinary people who put themselves out there, who take a risk and try something new (particularly without any expectation that they'll be great at it) can be especially inspiring precisely because they're relatable. Seeing someone step out of their comfort zone reminds us that we all have the power to step out of our comfort zones and that the world won't end when we do. (So don't be afraid to post your class projects!)

Reason #1: It's Fun!
The world is pretty surreal at the moment anyway, so why not have some fun exploring surrealism in a way that allows you to build things as you'd like them to be—pesky rules of the real-world be damned!

I hope you'll join me. I can't wait to see what you create!

Let's rebel together!

xoxo,
Khara

Khara Plicanic

Photographer, Designer, Adobe Educator

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