If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Tumblr, you might’ve noticed that I changed my avatar. After years of it being the same cut paper selfie, I finally updated my picture with another collaged portrait. The timing was intentional—I’m headed to ICON9 in a couple of weeks and wanted the image for new business cards.
While working, I recorded video and combined some of the clips into a 4-minute long compilation. It’s not everything I did when make creating this portrait, but it gives you a good idea of my process.
For tools, I use:
- A nice (sharp) pair of scissors. For paper ONLY. Keep those things as pure as the white snow.
- PVA book binding glue. This is permanent and not very forgiving, so once something is down, it’s down. I use a tiny brush to apply.
- X-Acto knife
- Self-healing cutting mat
- For painting on paper (as seen in the first couple of shots), I prime it with Liquitex Matte Medium
As far as paper goes, I gather from a lot of places. Kraft paper, watercolor paintings, construction paper, magazines… it all goes in my giant collection.
If you have any questions about collage or my construction techniques, let me know! I’d be happy to answer them.
