At The Collage Collective, we believe that every artist has a story, and every story deserves to be celebrated. That’s why we’re so excited to launch our brand-new online series. It’s a heartfelt journey exploring the world of collage art told through word-based interviews.
Read the original interview on Instagram below!
The Collage Collective: Your background is in illustration, how did you get into practising collage art?
KE: I’ve only recently picked up the art of collaging over the last year and a half. I was going through a lul in my illustrative work and needed to try my hand at something new. I wanted to step away from the digital world for a bit and work creatively and physically with my hands. So I reached for my old Frankie magazines and started snipping. I loved the feeling of making something new out of photos and clippings from magazines. I loved the nostalgia and old photos from the National Geographic magazines. Giving them a new life was something that made my creative heart happy.
The Collage Collective: You’ve worked with some really big clients. What’s your advice to other artists starting out? How do they approach client relationships and commissions?
KE: Yes, I have and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the last couple of years. My biggest advice? Ask. Ask. And Keep Asking. If you want something, put it out there. It’s always a “no” until you ask. I’ve sent plenty of cold emails to dream clients. Sometimes I don’t hear back, but that’s okay – you’re planting seeds, putting yourself on their radar, and showing that you’re ready for the work. When I was starting out, I said “yes” to almost everything. I took on commissions from friends and family, and by sharing those projects on social media, I built an audience. That visibility led to more opportunities and bigger commissions. If you’re new, I’d say: share your work often, tag the brands or people you feature, and keep showing up. You never know who’s watching – and you never know where that one post could lead.
The Collage Collective: Finding your voice within a medium can be hard. How did you find elements that speak true to you?
KE: Finding my voice in collage really came from experimenting without overthinking. In the beginning, I tried a bit of everything from different papers, textures and colour palettes, until I noticed patterns in what I naturally gravitated towards. I realised I was most drawn to bold colours, natural backgrounds and imagery that celebrates culture and connection. I also paid attention to what lit me up while creating, and what resonated with others when I shared my work. Over time, I started trusting myself more, and leaning into the elements that felt authentic to me rather than trying to fit into a certain “style.”
The Collage Collective: All artists have hard days where inspiration is low and, perhaps we don’t feel Understood. How do you overcome this?
KE: Oh, I know all about those down days. When they hit, I step back from my craft and lean into self-care. If I can, I head straight for the ocean – I need to see the water, it instantly calms me. Nature always grounds me and usually sparks fresh inspiration. Other times I’ll take myself on a little date, maybe to a cozy café for a strawberry matcha and read a book or even do a bit of retail therapy. Whatever helps me shake off the funk and reset.
The Collage Collective: Are there any materials or tools you particularly love using?
KE: My go-to magazines for collaging are Frankie and National Geographic. I love mixing the modern, trendy imagery from Frankie with the dated, traditional visuals from Nat Geo. The contrast creates such intriguing juxtapositions. There’s something satisfying about making collages that feel a little weird, that make people pause and think. For the hands-on side, I reach for a craft knife for those small, intricate details, and I stick everything down with trusty glue or double sided tape.