Ella, a graphic designer, is the creative force behind Calico Collage. In the following interview, we talk about her work as a designer and the role ephemera plays in her collage work.
ephemera: How did you become interested in incorporating ephemera into your collage work?
Ella: I have always enjoyed ephemera, well more like curious and fascinated by it. But I didn't start putting them into my collage works until I started Calico Collage in Oct of 2008.
ephemera: Did you begin consciously, knowing that you wanted to work with ephemera, or did you just one day discover what you were doing?
Ella: It just happened one day, and I'm so glad I started using them in my works it has been a great deal of fun.
ephemera: What challenges or obstacles do you encounter as an artist who works with ephemera? How do you overcome these challenges?
Ella: Keeping up with what's in. I'm out to sell my digital collage sheets, and I always need to stay on top of what the artist are looking for, and the only way to overcome this is to read up on art forums, and I do get a lot of ideas while looking at some of the great finished works that are up for sale at etsy.
ephemera: What are your favorite items that you've created?
Ella: "Forever In Love." It's a Digital Art Trading Card (ATC), and is what inspired me to start Calico Collage. "America's Pride Collage Sheet"--I created these image using photos that my grandfathers took while they served in WW2. "Mother"--Another ATC I created as a gift for my mom for her birthday.
Ephemera: What resources do you recommend for collage artists that want to use ephemera?
Ella: When doing digital collages, make sure you get a great graphic editing program; Paint, that comes installed on all computers, just isn't going to give you the look you really are looking for. I use Adobe Photoshop 7. But I have read some great reviews on Adobe Photoshop CS3 & Painter. When looking for ephemera, like many, hit your local Flea Markets and Rummage Sales. I find my best stuff there. If you have ran out of place to go, you can always look for items on eBay, Etsy, and Artfire. The sellers at those venues always have great items. And last but not least you can check out the online Digital Collage Sheet sellers--there are plenty of us out there--and I'm sure you will find just what you're looking for.
Ephemera: Thank you, Ella.
