The Learning Library

New to Collage? Start Here

Collage is one of the most accessible art forms in the world.

You don’t need expensive supplies, formal training, or even the ability to draw. All you need is a few images, something to stick them to, and a willingness to experiment.

At its simplest, collage is the art of combining images, papers, words, textures, and found materials to create something new.

Many collage artists work in:

• Art journals
• Junk journals
• Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)
• Mixed media canvases
• Handmade postcards
• Assemblage and altered books

To get started, you’ll need:

• Images (collage fodder)
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Glue or matte medium
• A surface to work on

What is Collage Fodder?

Collage fodder is a playful term used by collage artists to describe the images, papers, textures, words, and ephemera used to create artwork. Think of it as the raw material for collage.

Collage fodder can include:

• Vintage photographs
• Magazine images
• Book pages
• Maps
• Tickets and receipts
• Decorative papers
• Printable collage sheets
• Postage stamps
• Handwritten notes
• Fabric scraps

Some artists collect fodder from flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales, and old books. Others prefer printable resources that can be downloaded and printed at home.

There is no perfect collection of collage fodder. The best fodder is the material that sparks your imagination and makes you want to create.

Many artists keep their favorite images organized by theme such as flowers, birds, faces, travel, vintage advertising, nature, or typography. The more fodder you collect, the more creative possibilities you’ll discover.

What is an ATC?

ATC stands for Artist Trading Card.

An Artist Trading Card is a small piece of art measuring exactly 2.5″ × 3.5″, the same size as a baseball card or playing card.

ATCs were created to encourage artists to trade artwork rather than sell it. Today, artists around the world create and exchange ATCs featuring collage, painting, drawing, stamping, mixed media, and photography.

Because of their small size, ATCs are a great way to experiment with new techniques, color combinations, and creative ideas without feeling overwhelmed.

Many artists enjoy ATCs because they:

• Use very little space
• Can be completed quickly
• Are affordable to make
• Encourage creative play
• Can be traded with artists around the world

There are no strict rules about what goes on an ATC. Some artists create beautiful miniature masterpieces, while others embrace quirky, experimental designs.

At Collage Soup, many of our books, projects, and prompt decks are designed to work perfectly with ATCs. Small cards. Big creativity.

What is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a handmade journal created using a mixture of papers, ephemera, images, and found materials.

Despite the name, junk journals are often filled with treasured items rather than junk. Old book pages, vintage photographs, tickets, maps, postcards, receipts, envelopes, and decorative papers all find new life inside a junk journal.

Some people use junk journals to:

• Document memories
• Record travel adventures
• Practice creative journaling
• Store inspiration
• Create visual stories
• Experiment with collage

No two junk journals are alike. Some are highly organized and beautifully decorated. Others are messy collections of ideas, sketches, notes, and discoveries.

The beauty of a junk journal is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It simply needs to reflect the person creating it.

If you’ve ever saved a beautiful piece of paper because it felt too special to throw away, you’re already thinking like a junk journal artist.

How to Print Digital Collage Sheets

One of the advantages of digital collage sheets is that you can print exactly what you need, when you need it.

Most Collage Soup ebooks are delivered as PDF files that can be downloaded and printed at home or through a local print shop.

For best results:

• Print on bright white paper for vibrant colors
• Use matte presentation paper for a professional look
• Print on cardstock when you need sturdier elements
• Print only the pages you plan to use

Many artists also experiment with:

• Vellum
• Sticker paper
• Transparency film
• Lightweight mixed media paper

Don’t be afraid to resize images for your projects. Many printers allow you to scale pages larger or smaller depending on your needs.

Some artists organize printed pages in binders or folders by theme, while others keep digital libraries and print on demand. The best system is the one that helps you spend less time searching and more time creating.

Collage Terms A–Z

Whether you’re new to collage or have been creating for years, you’ll occasionally run into unfamiliar terms. Here’s a handy guide to some of the most common words you’ll encounter.

ATC

Artist Trading Card. A small piece of art measuring 2.5″ × 3.5″.

ACEO

Art Cards, Editions, and Originals. Similar in size to ATCs but often created for sale rather than trade.

Assemblage

Three-dimensional artwork created by combining found objects and materials.

Background

The base layer of a collage.

Collage

Artwork created by combining images, papers, textures, and materials into a new composition.

Collage Fodder

Images, papers, and materials used to create collage.

Composition

The arrangement of elements within a piece of artwork.

Ephemera

Paper items originally intended for short-term use, such as tickets, receipts, postcards, and advertisements.

Focal Point

The area of an artwork that attracts the viewer’s attention first.

Glue Book

A casual journal used for creative play, collecting images, and making simple collages.

Junk Journal

A handmade journal created from recycled papers, ephemera, and decorative elements.

Layering

Building visual interest by stacking images, papers, and textures.

Mixed Media

Artwork that combines multiple artistic materials and techniques.

Negative Space

The empty space surrounding visual elements.

Paper Bites

Pre-cut paper embellishments used in collage and paper crafting.

Texture

The visual or physical surface quality of a material.

Vintage Image

An image inspired by or originating from an earlier period.

Visual Storytelling

Using imagery, symbols, and composition to communicate an idea or narrative.