Collages–or how to turn magazine scraps into inspiration

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So, I mentioned earlier today that I did a collage for my current WIP this weekend. I know that Jenny Crusie and Barbara Samuel are big fans of the collaging thing, but I was very skeptical.

First off, it’s very difficult for me not to analyze why the hell I’m clipping certain pictures. Turning off my internal “editor” so to speak was a bitch. But I found a way to help relax the editor into submission. MAKER’S MARK. Oh yeah, baby.

I just snipped and clipped my way through about six magazines. I ignored the fact that I was clipping a lot of words and physical representations of my book and just clipped.

Barbara’s collages are mood and setting for her. Jenny finds theme in hers. I looked at my pile of scraps and thought, Kindergarten art project.
But, I wanted to give this a true shot. I put the collage together, just allowing my instincts to guide me. Here is the final product:It’s not a 3-D work of art. It’s not even pretty. But after it was all said and done, I looked at it, and GOT IT.

I have scenes in my head that weren’t there before. (well, they were there, just hidden) I have dialogue running through my brain. I have a sense of place and mood.

Just out of curiosity, what do you guys see in this collage? Is there anything that you really picked up on immediately? Anything you are really drawn to?

7 thoughts on “Collages–or how to turn magazine scraps into inspiration”

  1. I’ve got to say, I’m intrigued. And I’m not your typical audience. =P

    I see Natalie Portman, Pierce Brosnan, “Want Lust Sex” and “Revenge”. Okay, that’s the literal things I see. Which leads me to think of a twist on James Bond. Again, I’m probably not your target audience.

    At the same time, if that was the only advertisement for the book, I’d go pick it up and at least read the dust jacket (or back cover, depending on the type of printing).

    By the way, I highly approve of your choice to help quiet the inner “editor”… I wonder if that would help me write a book review…..

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  2. Wow, I’m impressed with Shannon’s insight into your collage!

    I’m really drawn to the big picture of the woman with the short dark hair. I love the bare shoulders and the pearls.

    I see danger, intrigue, and definitely 007 kind of fun stuff.

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  4. That’s intriguing. I saw some of the same things Shannon saw, but I also saw a theme of looting and secrets, like a jewel thief. Hmm… 🙂

    What a great idea!

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  5. I recently joined the Cherry discussion and followed your link.

    I’ve been struggling with revisions in a novel that just doesn’t seem to work. I was debating a collage–thanks for sharing your experience.

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  6. Hi Patrice! Thanks for stopping by. Come back anytime!

    Shannon, you’re actually quite close. This story is a cross between James Bond and The Thomas Crown Affair. Intrigue and jewels and sex, Oh MY!

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  7. So cool that the collage helped spark new ideas. It’s such fun to play with. And I love the sound of your ms–Thomas Crown and James Bond, mmm!

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