Creating mixed media collages is a deeply personal and expressive art form. Each shape you choose to cut and incorporate can add layers of meaning, emotion, and visual interest to your work.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of various shapes, why you might choose them, and how to use them effectively in your mixed media art journaling
Basic shapes
1. Circles: Circles represent unity, completeness, and eternity. They can evoke feelings of harmony and balance.
How to Use: Use circles as focal points, layer them to create depth, or arrange them to guide the viewer’s eye across the page.
2. Squares: Squares symbolize stability, order, and formality. They provide a sense of structure and consistency.
How to Use: Use squares for backgrounds, to create grids, or to frame other elements. They can also serve as a base for more complex compositions.
3. Rectangles: Rectangles convey a sense of security and practicality. They are versatile and can represent text, images, or sections.
How to Use: Use rectangles for text boxes, borders, or to layer different textures and patterns.
4. Triangles: Triangles are dynamic and can represent change, direction, and movement. They can add tension or excitement to a piece.
How to Use: Use triangles to create dynamic angles, direct the viewer’s eye, or add a sense of motion. They are great for creating contrast and emphasis.
5. Ovals: Ovals are softer than circles and can represent life, fertility, and rebirth. They are calming and natural.
How to Use: Use ovals to create a softer, more organic feel. They are perfect for portrait frames or adding a touch of elegance.
Organic Shapes
6. Leaves: Leaves symbolize growth, nature, and renewal. They bring a sense of life and movement to your work.
How to Use: Use leaves for nature-themed collages, as accents, or to create borders and frames. Layer them for a lush, textured effect.
7. Flowers: Flowers represent beauty, delicacy, and life’s transient nature. They evoke emotions and add detail.
How to Use: Use flowers to add decorative elements, focal points, or to build a natural scene. Mix different flower shapes and sizes for variety.
8. Waves: Waves symbolize the flow of life, emotions, and the subconscious. They add a sense of movement and rhythm.
How to Use: Use waves to create a sense of flow and movement. They can serve as backgrounds or elements that guide the viewer’s eye.
9. Clouds: Waves symbolize the flow of life, emotions, and the subconscious. They add a sense of movement and rhythm.
How to Use: Use waves to create a sense of flow and movement. They can serve as backgrounds or elements that guide the viewer’s eye.
Geometric Shapes
10. Hexagons: Hexagons symbolize harmony, balance, and efficiency. They are visually interesting and mathematically significant.
How to Use: Use hexagons for a beehive effect, to create interesting patterns, or as a base for more complex designs.
11. Pentagons: Pentagons can symbolize protection and structure. They are less common and can add uniqueness.
How to Use: Use pentagons to add an unusual geometric shape that stands out. They can be used in patterns or as individual elements.
12. Stars: Stars represent aspirations, guidance, and hope. They add a touch of magic and wonder.
How to Use: Use stars to add sparkle, focal points, or elements of wonder and inspiration. They are perfect for night sky themes.
13. Diamonds: Diamonds symbolize clarity, wisdom, and luxury. They add elegance and sophistication.
How to Use: Use diamonds to create elegant patterns, borders, or as decorative elements. They can add a touch of class to your work.
Themed Shapes
14. Hearts: Hearts represent love, compassion, and emotion. They are universally recognized and emotionally powerful.
How to Use: Use hearts for romantic or heartfelt themes, as accents, or to highlight important elements.
15. Arrows: Arrows symbolize direction, movement, and focus. They can guide the viewer’s eye or indicate progression.
How to Use: Use arrows to direct attention, create movement, or emphasize important parts of your collage.
16. Silhouettes: Silhouettes add depth, mystery, and narrative. They can represent people, animals, or objects.
How to Use: Use silhouettes to add storytelling elements, depth, or to create striking contrasts.
17. Letters and Numbers: Letters and numbers add textual elements and meaning. They can convey messages, dates, or personal touches.
How to Use: Use letters and numbers for added meaning, emphasis, or to incorporate text and numerical elements into your art.
Abstract Shapes
18. Blobs: Blobs are freeform and abstract, adding spontaneity and a sense of freedom.
How to Use: Use blobs to add an abstract, artistic touch. They can create texture, backgrounds, or be focal points.
19. Splashes: Splashes mimic paint splatters, adding energy and a sense of spontaneity.
How to Use: Use splashes to add dynamic energy and a sense of action. They are great for abstract backgrounds or accents.
20. Lines and Strips: Lines and strips add direction, texture, and structure. They can guide the viewer’s eye or create patterns.
How to Use: Use lines and strips to create texture, direction, or patterns. They can be backgrounds or part of larger designs.
Custom Shapes
21. Silhouettes: Custom silhouettes add a personal touch and narrative elements. They can represent specific figures or themes.
How to Use: Use custom silhouettes to add depth, storytelling elements, or personal significance to your collage.
22. Birds: Birds symbolize freedom, perspective, and transcendence. They can evoke a sense of peace and openness.
How to Use: Use birds to add a touch of nature, symbolize freedom, or create movement. They can be focal points or part of a larger scene.
23. Butterflies: Butterflies represent transformation, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. They add a whimsical and delicate touch.
How to Use: Use butterflies to add delicate, whimsical elements. They are perfect for adding color and lightness to your collage.
24. Puzzle Pieces: Puzzle pieces symbolize connection, complexity, and the idea of fitting things together.
How to Use: Use puzzle pieces for a playful touch or to symbolize connection and complexity. They can create interactive elements or patterns.
25. Cutouts from Photos: Photo cutouts add realism and personal touches. They can capture specific moments or scenes.
How to Use: Use photo cutouts to add realistic elements, personal touches, or to create collages that blend art and photography.
Nature-Inspired Shapes
26. Tree Branches: Tree branches symbolize growth, nature, and life. They add a natural, rustic element.
How to Use: Use tree branches to create nature-themed scenes, as accents, or to add texture and depth.
27. Mountains: Mountains represent strength, stability, and the beauty of nature. They add grandeur and scale.
How to Use: Use mountains to create landscape themes, as backgrounds, or to add a sense of scale and majesty.
28. Feathers: Feathers symbolize lightness, freedom, and spirituality. They add a delicate, airy touch.
How to Use: Use feathers to add light, airy elements. They can be accents, borders, or part of larger compositions.
29. Sun and Moon: The sun and moon symbolize cycles, time, and the balance between light and dark. They add celestial themes.
How to Use: Use the sun and moon to create celestial themes, as focal points, or to symbolize time and balance.
30. Seashells: Seashells symbolize the ocean, tranquility, and the beauty of nature. They add a coastal, serene element.
How to Use: Use seashells to create beach-themed scenes, as accents, or to add texture and a sense of calm. Layer them for a rich, oceanic feel.
