Sample Collage Inspiration Sheet

Use these ideas to spark your creativity! Study the examples below and notice how shapes, colors, and textures come together in each collage.

Example 1: Geometric Jungle

• Shapes: Layered triangles, rectangles, and circles to mimic overlapping leaves.
• Textures: Mix solid green construction paper with scrapbook paper featuring leaf patterns.
• Colors: Various shades of green with pops of bright yellow or orange.
• Composition Tip: Place larger leaf shapes at the bottom and taper smaller ones toward the top to create depth.

Example 2: Ocean Waves

• Shapes: Wavy strips and curved forms to represent flowing water.
• Textures: Combine smooth blue paper with crinkled white strips for foamy wave edges.
• Colors: Gradients of blue—navy, turquoise, sky—paired with white highlights.
• Composition Tip: Overlap the strips at different angles to show movement and direction.

Example 3: City Skyline at Sunset

• Shapes: Rectangles and squares cut into varying building heights.
• Textures: Glossy scrapbook pages for windows, matte black or dark gray paper for building silhouettes.
• Colors: Warm gradient background (yellow to pink to purple) against dark silhouettes.
• Composition Tip: Use color contrast by placing the darkest shapes in front of the brightest background.

Example 4: Cosmic Collage

• Shapes: Star cutouts, planet circles, and comet-tail strips.
• Textures: Metallic and holographic scrapbook paper for a shimmering effect.
• Colors: Deep black or navy background with silver, gold, and neon accents.
• Composition Tip: Arrange a large “planet” focal point and scatter smaller stars around it to fill space.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas—combine different shapes, textures, and colors to make your unique collage masterpiece!

Composition Principles Poster

Use these key ideas to guide your collage design. Place the concepts where students can easily see and refer to them as they work.

Balance

Definition: An even distribution of visual weight so no one area overpowers the rest.

• Symmetrical Balance: Elements mirror each other (e.g., identical shapes on either side).
• Asymmetrical Balance: Different shapes or colors create a sense of balance through contrast and positioning.
• Radial Balance: Elements radiate out from a central point (e.g., a sunburst pattern).

Tips:

• Group smaller shapes on one side and counterbalance with a larger shape on the opposite side.
• Adjust placement—move pieces around until the overall look feels stable.

Contrast

Definition: Differences in color, value, texture, or shape that make certain elements stand out.

• Color Contrast: Pair light and dark, warm and cool hues.
• Textural Contrast: Combine smooth, solid papers with patterned or textured papers.
• Shape Contrast: Mix curves with straight lines or large shapes with small ones.

Tips:

• Use a bright or dark accent shape on a neutral background to draw the eye.
• Layer textures—e.g., a rough scrapbook paper over smooth construction paper.

Focal Point

Definition: The area of your collage that attracts the viewer’s attention first.

• Dominant Shape: Make one shape noticeably larger or more colorful.
• Placement: Position the focal element slightly off-center (rule of thirds).
• Isolation: Surround the focal shape with simpler or less detailed pieces.

Tips:

• Frame your focal point with contrasting colors or textures.
• Keep surrounding areas less busy so the eye naturally lands on the main element.

Remember: As you create your collage, glance up at this poster and check—Is my work balanced? Do I have enough contrast? Have I established a clear focal point?