Create a Unique Work of Art Using Collage With Snagit 12

A collage made up of several different photographs, screen captures, or other graphics makes for an interesting, creative work of art. While this technique may look complex, it is actually quite simple and fun!

To help get you started, you can download some image templates and textures here: http://bit.ly/1sEx8bd

Want to use your own image?

If you prefer to use an image you choose, you can find a lot of black and white images on the internet. Just do a search for “free black and white clipart“.

The key to creating a great work of art is to start with a black and white image that has strong lines that create partitioned sections that will not bleed into other sections when filled.

For example, this image of a rose would make a great collage.

However, some of the black lines are open ended…

Causing the fill color to bleed through to other sections of the image.

These open lines can easily be repaired using the pen tool in Snagit Editor. By closing the lines, the color will now stay within one segment.

Let’s Get Going!

1. In Snagit, open the black and white image to be used for the template. This image should ONLY be two colors – black and white. Any dithering in the image will cause uneven fill patterns.

2. Open each of the patterns you will use so they are available in the capture tray.

3. Make sure the Canvas and Fill colors are set to Transparent.

• Image tab > Canvas group > Canvas Color > Transparent.

• Tools tab > Drawing Tools group > Fill Tool > choose Transparent from the gallery.

4. Apply Transparency

• Use the fill tool to fill the first section(s) to have the pattern applied to them. These will now have a checkerboard pattern to show you transparency has been applied.

• Choose CTRL + A on the clipboad to choose the image on the canvas.

• Choose CTRL + X to remove the image from the canvas.

5. Apply First Texture

• Drag the first texture / pattern image to the canvas. If you want a smaller version of the texture in your image, resize the image. Drag enough copies of that texture to the canvas to fill in the transparent areas in your black and white image.

Note: Leave a bit of each texture OFF THE CANVAS so you can easily select it to position them correctly when the template image is overlaid on them.

• Press CTRL + V to paste the template image onto the canvas. Drag it around to position it correctly within the borders of the canvas. If need be, click on the outside of the canvas to select the texture images and move them around to get the best look in the transparent sections.
• When everything is positioned correctly, right-click on the canvas and select Flatten All.

6. Repeat Steps 4 & 5 to Complete Your Collage

Repeat the same process in steps 4 and 5 for each section you want to include in your collage image.

Continue until your collage is filled up.

Creative Variation

If you like making jigsaw puzzles or doing paint-by-numbers, this creative but in-depth variation might be for you.

Do a Google Search for “free adult coloring pages”, you’ll see a vast array of coloring pages that are quite beautiful.

If you have the patience to create a work of art, use Snagit as your coloring box and tackle one of these highly detailed pages. Simply follow the techniques in this tutorial but use different types of paint in place of the patterns. For example, do a Google search for watercolor or oil paint and capture lots of different swatches in various colors and looks.

Here is a watercolor “painting” I have started using only watercolor swatch captures. I love the look and it’s pretty fun to do – just like a digital puzzle or paint-by-number. I think batik fabric swatches would work as well for this look.

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