As artists, we’ve all had those days—when time feels too short, energy is in short supply, or inspiration just doesn’t come knocking. But here’s the secret to keeping your creative momentum alive: you don’t always have to create a finished masterpiece to stay in the flow.
One of the most productive ways to nurture your creativity on an “off” day is to build up your stash of collage fodder. Think of it as laying the groundwork for future brilliance. Creating interesting papers, patterns, and textures now can save you time later and spark fresh ideas when you’re ready to dive into your next collage project.
Why Collage Fodder?
Collage fodder—those bits and pieces of patterned, textured, or painted papers—is the backbone of a mixed media artist’s toolkit. When you’ve got a rich stash to pull from, the creative process becomes more intuitive and fun. Plus, spending time making fodder is low-pressure, meditative, and an opportunity to play without worrying about the outcome.
My Favorite Fodder-Making Strategy: Transforming “Boring” Books
For this week’s Markmaking Monday, I’m transforming the pages of a text-based book into custom collage fodder. It’s the perfect project for those moments when I don’t have the time or headspace for a full artwork but still want to stay creative.
Watch HERE
Here’s how I do it:
1.Grab a book: Any inexpensive or unwanted book will do. Think old dictionaries, textbooks, or novels with lots of text and minimal images. The uniform background of words becomes an interesting canvas for experimentation.
2.Start making marks: Use pens, markers, paint, or other tools to create lines, patterns, and shapes. Think stripes, circles, squiggles, grids—whatever comes to mind. Don’t overthink it; just let the process flow.
3.Layer and experiment: Add splashes of paint, use stamps, or try stenciling over your marks. Play with different tools like brushes, sponges, or even found objects for unexpected textures.
4.Think about variety: Create pages with different color palettes, mark-making styles, and levels of complexity. Some can be bold and graphic, while others might be subtle and textural. The more variety, the better!
5.Cut or tear them up: Once you’ve made a batch of pages, you can tear or cut them into smaller pieces to use in future collages.
The Benefits of “Always Be Creating”
When you adopt the mindset of “ABC—Always Be Creating,” you’re constantly feeding your creative well. Even small acts like doodling, painting papers, or organizing your studio contribute to your artistic practice. On days when you feel inspired, you’ll already have a treasure trove of materials ready to go.
Tips for Making the Most of Fodder-Making
•Set a timer: Give yourself 15–20 minutes to create without distractions. You’d be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short burst of focused time.
•Try something new: Experiment with tools or techniques you don’t normally use. Fodder-making is the perfect opportunity to play!
•Keep it simple: This isn’t about perfection. Messy, imperfect marks often lead to the most interesting results in a collage.
•Store it well: Keep your finished fodder organized in folders, bins, or envelopes, sorted by color, style, or pattern. Future you will thank you.
Inspiration for Your Fodder
If you’re looking for ideas, check out this week’s Markmaking Monday video on YouTube, where I share my process for turning “boring” book pages into unique, one-of-a-kind collage fodder. Watch HERE
So, the next time you feel stuck or uninspired, remember the ABC rule: Always Be Creating. You don’t need to create a masterpiece every time you sit down; sometimes, making fodder is enough to keep the spark alive. After all, those simple pages of lines and patterns you create today might just become the centerpiece of your next great collage tomorrow.
Happy creating!
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