FBDInspires #001: Layers of Inspiration: The Dynamic Impact of Collage in Design
By Aleksandra Joksovic
Aleksandra Joksovic is Future by Design‘s Head of Editorial Design. She is a dynamic and accomplished graphic designer, illustrator, and animator. Her enthusiasm for creative exploration has led her to look for innovative techniques to create engaging storytelling through visually captivating designs, for which she has won multiple international design awards.
UNFPA East and Southern Africa: Ending Child Marriage in Africa - 2023 Bronze International Design Award
Unlocking the mysteries of creativity often involves piecing together fragments of inspiration, much like assembling a mosaic of ideas. Imagine a world where scraps of paper, magazine clippings, and photographs converge to create something entirely new and captivating.
Welcome to the world of collage, where artistic expression transcends traditional boundaries to form a tapestry of innovation and imagination. In this article, we delve into the transformative power of collage, uncovering its hidden depths and unraveling the threads of its significance in the realm of art, advertising, and beyond.
Collage has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it emerged as a revolutionary artistic technique embraced by avant-garde artists like Picasso and Braque. Over the years, collage has evolved into a cornerstone of contemporary design, offering designers like myself a versatile tool for storytelling and creative expression. In our design company, we've integrated collage into numerous projects, each demonstrating its profound impact on visual communication and narrative development.
As a designer, I've found that collage holds a special place in contemporary design, allowing us to weave together narratives that captivate and resonate with audiences on a profound level. In our studio, my colleagues and I have embraced collage as a flexible tool for storytelling, finding that it offers a unique blend of visual depth and emotional impact. Take, for instance, "The Sahel Volunteers: Building an Inclusive Future," where we melded photographs, shapes, and typographic elements to shed light on the transformative power of volunteerism in the community. Through collage, we were able to convey the complexities of social dynamics and highlight the resilience of individuals working in The Sahel.
The Sahel Volunteers: Building an Inclusive Future - 2020 Gold International Design Award
‘UN Volunteers: Celebrating 50 Years of Volunteerism’ stands out as a testament to the enduring relevance of collage in commemorative campaigns. Here, we meticulously curated historical photographs, personal testimonies, and statistical data to honour the spirit of volunteerism spanning five decades. Collage allowed us to construct a narrative tapestry that not only celebrated past achievements but also inspired continued action toward positive change. Similarly, in "UNFPA East and Southern Africa: Ending Child Marriage," collage emerged as a powerful tool for advocacy, enabling us to amplify the voices of those affected by this pressing issue. By blending imagery, quotes, and statistics, we crafted a visual narrative that called attention to the urgency of ending child marriage and empowering young girls.
UN Volunteers: Celebrating 50 Years of Volunteerism
Finally, "Born Too Soon: Decade of Action on Preterm Birth" exemplifies how collage can serve as a catalyst for mobilizing support and raising awareness. In this project, we fused photographs, personal stories, and campaign slogans to shine a spotlight on the global challenge of preterm birth. Collage allowed us to humanize the statistics, making the issue relatable, encouraging stakeholders to join the fight for maternal and child health.
World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNFPA: Born Too Soon: Decade of Action on Preterm Birth
The recognition of "The Sahel Volunteers" and "UNFPA East and Southern Africa" with IDA design awards underscores the impact of collage in our work, affirming its ability to transcend boundaries and spark meaningful dialogue and action. Through collage, my colleagues and I continue to push the boundaries of design, striving to create narratives that inspire, educate, and effect positive change in the world.
If you would like to find out more about the human-centered, collage-focused projects, click below:
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Collage can be an excellent tool for visualizing sensitive topics - something that at Future By Design, we specialize in. If you are interested in using this technique for a campaign or would like to find out more about our studio please drop us a line on hello@futurebydesign.com.