How to Arrange a Collage

The arrangement of your collage pieces is key to the theme or story you want to tell.

A collage is an expression of art made by assembling materials into an arrangement that reflects the artist's style and interests. Choose a variety of media to create your collage with particular attention to the colors and textures you want to incorporate.
Arrange your collage pieces carefully to establish the theme or story you want to tell through this work of mixed media. Create interesting combinations of your chosen materials by overlapping pieces, interweaving them or rotating them to get the desired results. Experiment with the different elements you have chosen by arranging and rearranging them to create a work of art that is one of a kind.

Things You'll Need

• Paper of different textures and colors
• Scissors or razor blade
• Poster board, foam board or sturdy paper
• Glue stick or liquid glue

Instructions

1. Use scissors or a razor blade to cut out pieces from your collection of materials.

2. Arrange the pieces on poster board, foam board or sturdy paper to create the effect that you want.

3. Glue down each piece, one at a time. Apply the glue to the edges of each piece to prevent curling.

4. Allow your collage to dry completely before moving it.

Tips & Warnings

• Tear pieces instead of using scissors to create a different effect.

• Take a picture of your collage after you are satisfied with the arrangement and before you begin to glue to help you remember when reassembling it.

• Choose the right type of glue for the materials you use. Do a test first on a piece of scrap paper to make sure the glue does not bleed through the paper or tear it during application.

Resources

• Teresa Petersen; Detroit Artist: Collage Tutorial