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How to Make a Collage of Graphics

Collages are works of art that blend, overlap and involve several images on a single workspace, such as a computer screen or poster board. Graphics are typically digitally designed words, sometimes with artistic decorations around them. However, graphics can also include logos and other images that were neither photographed nor drawn to represent any previously identifiable object. There are several types of collages that can be made with graphics, including those using graphics as the main feature over other pictures or those made entirely from words.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Photo or graphic editing software
  • Printer
  • Poster board
  • Glue
  • Scissors (optional)
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Instructions

  1. On a Computer

    • 1

      Open your photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop.

    • 2

      Create or load all of the graphics you wish to use in the collage in their own separate layers, if possible. Some less-expensive programs do not allow you to use multiple layers, and some do not allow you to create graphics from scratch.

    • 3

      Use special effects features, such as ones that make images transparent, soften their edges, blend images together or give you any other desired effect. Having various layers makes this process easier because each layer can be temporarily disabled, allowing you to view single photos.

    • 4

      Arrange your edited graphics around the workspace on your screen until you are satisfied with the outcome. One great feature of photo editing software is the ability to change the sizing of any image. Thus, your graphics can rotate, shrink, enlarge, turn backward and much more as you finalize your project.

    • 5

      Save your work often to prevent it from being lost accidentally. Print your final project if you need it on paper, or load in a program such as Microsoft PowerPoint if you plan to share it on a computer.

    On Paper

    • 6

      Print out or collect the graphics you wish to use in the design of your collage. These can be graphics you created on your computer or ones you gathered from magazines, books, newspapers or other printed works.

    • 7

      Arrange the graphics on your poster board in the general way you want your finished project to look without permanently attaching the graphics. In order to be a collage, many pieces should overlap each other. One unique example for a graphics collage is to put several photos or designs on the board and to place the graphics or words over them.

    • 8

      Trim any pieces that you need to adjust, make smaller or want to change the appearance of with your scissors.

    • 9

      Attach your work to the board with glue. If you are unable to obtain glue, tacks and tape are suitable replacements, but they can be seen over your pictures and do not hold them together as securely. Using sticky tack or folding tape and placing it behind each graphic will give it a three-dimensional look.

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Modern Art

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