“Anyone who’s ever put a stamp on an envelope or a note on the refrigerator knows what it’s like to make a collage,” says artist Elliott Hundley, “there’s no esoteric technique.”

Art is always changing, with new styles and techniques adding fresh twists to classic traditions. One of these exciting, modern styles is digital collage art.

Blending the old with the new, it’s a creative space where digital collage artists can experiment endlessly, sparking the interest of both creators and art fans alike.

Here’s an introduction to the world of digital collage art, its origins, techniques, and how you can start making your own.

The Origins of Digital Collage Art

Collage art began back in the early 20th century when artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque started adding found objects to their paintings. They’d cut out materials like newspaper clippings, photos, and fabric to make unique, eye-catching pieces. Over time, this traditional collage art evolved, paving the way for digital collage.

With today’s technology, creating collages has become easier and more flexible. Powerful image editing software now allows artists to layer, blend, and transform images in ways that weren’t possible before, opening up endless creative possibilities.

What is a digital collage?

Collages are a type of art where different pieces are combined to create a new image with its own unique meaning. In digital collage, artists use digital tools to put these pieces together. This art style ranges from surreal dream-like scenes to powerful social messages, showing off the artist’s creativity and storytelling skills in a visually detailed way.

Like traditional collage, digital collage follows a similar process, but this time, imagination is the only real limit. The digital format makes it easy to experiment and play with images, layering and transforming them without much effort. Plus, with countless online resources, artists have endless options for materials to include in their work.

What is the difference in creating a picture collage and a digital collage?

Digital collage art is full of limitless possibilities—artists can effortlessly mix contrasting images, combine surreal elements, and go beyond the boundaries of reality. With easy-to-use tools for blending and layering, it offers endless room for experimentation, letting artists create worlds straight from their imagination.

Closure, 2022 by Postwook — *Closure by Postwook*

Digital collage art has some unique perks—it's eco-friendly since it skips physical materials like paper, glue, and ink, allowing artists to create without producing waste. This makes digital collage a sustainable choice for those looking to express themselves while being mindful of the environment.

Digital tools also make art more accessible. Aspiring artists don’t need pricey supplies or a studio; just a laptop and some image-editing software are enough to get started.

How do you do digital collage art?

Digital collage combines influences from photography, painting, and graphic design, creating a fresh blend of traditional and modern styles that attracts a wide range of viewers. The process usually starts with a concept or theme, with artists gathering images, textures, and other elements from sources like photos, illustrations, stock images, or scans.

The magic happens when artists use software like Adobe Photoshop to arrange these pieces. They cut, resize, recolor, and layer elements to build depth and create a seamless, cohesive look. The layering stage brings everything together, adding dimension and making each piece visually rich and complex.

What software is used to make a digital collage?

Adobe Photoshop may be the most popular tool among digital collage artists. The software provides limitless options to manipulate and combine images. The users also have access to Adobe Stock, which is a vast photo library for all kinds of collage art.

Pixlr is a great option for those who’d like to experiment with digital collage before becoming a paid subscriber to a software. Pixlr is a free photo editing and design tool that uses AI. Creatives can edit photos and create stunning designs in their browsers, on their phones, or desktops for free.

Canva offers one of the best free online graphic design tools around, and digital collage artists make use of Canva's enormous selection of effects, filters, fonts, shapes and more. The basic package is free, but there are paid plans available for those who want access to more features, templates, and stock images and illustrations.

Procreate is mostly known among digital illustrators, but digital collage artists use the software to create paper cut effects, adding realistic shadows, and incorporating paint and writings for a mixed media piece.

Practical tips for creating beautiful digital collages

Sourcing is a crucial element of creating stunning digital collage art — keep a photo library of all your inspirations and visuals you like. Old magazines, Pinterest, illustration books will become your best friends.

Make use of the digital — play with layers, colors, and textures of the images. You simply can’t make an object double or transparent when you work analog, so make use of what’s available via digital tools! As you familiarize yourself with the software and get curious about the tools available, creating unique digital collages will become easier and more fun.

Remember that a cohesive theme and story makes art great. Think about the story you’d like to explore, and find striking images that will tell it the best way possible!

Rule of thirds is very helpful to create visually pleasing images — break the image down into thirds horizontally and vertically so that you have 9 sections. Humans are visually sensitive to the harmony and balance between these sections, so use it!

Consistent color palette and textures with repeating colors for a a well-blended piece, or contrasting textures according to the story you’re telling is key to creating beautiful digital collages.

And last tip, have fun!

*You can turn your digital collage art to custom patches*

You’ve created the most beautiful digital collage artwork – now what?

Turn them into physical products! You can use your digital collage art to design physical products like stickers or custom patches, and offer them for sale on your shop.

Build your career! A great number of digital collage artists show their work in prestigious galleries, museums, and work with well-known brands to design capsule collections – here’s ten of them for your inspiration.

Share your art! Submit your creations using this form for a chance to get featured on Digital Arts Blog.

Feeling inspired? Let us know what you think about digital collage art and join the conversation!

We share works by digital artists as well as digital arts exhibitions, events, and open calls daily on our Instagram — follow us for more and subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss new blog posts.

The Art of Digital Collage