Depending on the effect desired, different types of drawing materials can be utilized to create a drawing collage project. For example, charcoal drawing can be used in connection with various collage materials to create texture and shading. Applying charcoal to the work surface as a background helps to infuse a colorful piece of work with both dimension and texture. Charcoal can also be used to provide shading around paper collage pieces glued to the work surface.
Photographs are images ready-made for collage use. However, layering basic sketches over the photographs creates a new dimension to the art piece. Designs can include natural images such as drawn leaves, offset by background images of birds. When combined with care, such drawing collage projects create a seamless image where the photograph becomes almost indistinguishable from the sketches.
The addition of drawing to collage projects is not always distinguishable as a separate component. Instead, drawing can be used to add a specific effect to collage projects. For example, Dutch artist Amie Dicke employs a marker in creating her images of women. Using pictures of supermodels from magazines, Dicke cuts lines from the image and uses a black marker to achieve a thick outline to enhance the image.
While some drawing collages employ ready-made images alongside or layered with sketches, modification is another option when creating a drawing collage art project. Artists such as Mexican tattoo and collage artist Dr Lakra use this method to create projects that make a statement about the female body and male desire. Using vintage images of 1950s pin-up models, Dr Lakra draws images over the model's body using Mexican slang and gang-related designs. In addition to his pin-up designs, Dr Lakra also uses cartoon images of snakes, insects and devils.