How to Make a Surreal Collage Figure
Want to try a fun, creative project that gets you thinking outside the box? Surreal collage is a great way to experiment with shapes, colours and unexpected combinations, without worrying about making perfect art.
Using pictures cut from magazines, you can transform everyday objects into a wonderfully bizarre character. A jellyfish might become a body, chairs could turn into wings, and a salt and pepper shaker might make the perfect feet!
This project takes inspiration from Surrealism and the Exquisite Corpse game, developed by Surrealist artists in the 1920s, which encouraged playful and unpredictable combinations of images.
What You’ll Need
- Old magazines, especially furniture, interiors and food magazines
- Scissors or a craft knife and cutting mat
- Paper or card for your background
- Mod Podge or Glue Stick
- An old paintbrush and a scrap of cardboard (if using liquid glue)
How to Make Your Surreal Collage
1. Find your images
Look through your magazines for unusual objects that could become body parts. Avoid pictures of actual human limbs and instead look for objects with interesting shapes. Don’t overthink it — if something catches your eye, cut it out!
2. Arrange your character
Start with the body and head, then experiment with arms, legs, hands and feet. Move your images around, turn them upside down and try unexpected combinations. Look for contrasting shapes and colours to make your character more interesting.
3. Cut out your images
Once you’re happy with your arrangement, carefully cut out each piece. If using a craft knife, work on a cutting mat and take care with the blade. Before gluing, arrange everything again to check that you’re happy with the composition.
4. Glue everything together
Plan which pieces need to sit underneath others before you start. Glue the collage in layers, using only a small amount of glue to prevent the paper from becoming too wet. Once your figure is assembled, attach it to your background.
Let Your Imagination Take Over
The beauty of surreal collage is that there are no rules about what your character should look like. It can be funny, strange, colourful or completely bonkers!
This is a lovely project for beginners because it encourages you to experiment, play with ideas and let go of the pressure to create something perfect.
Watch the video tutorial to see how I create my own surreal collage figure, from finding magazine images to assembling the finished artwork.
If you enjoy making collage, join me for my live surreal collage sessions on the last Wednesday of every month. I’d love to see you there!
Happy collaging!
Looking for more hands-on art and craft instruction? We offer creative tuition, after-school art clubs, weekend classes, hosted events, and birthday parties for children and adults across London—as well as online workshops accessible worldwide. Explore our classes and gain the benefits of expressing yourself creatively.
