Collage isn’t just about cutting and pasting random bits together, it’s a playground for creativity. Whether you’re designing a book cover, a poster, or some eye-catching packaging, collage lets you mix and match textures, colours, and styles in ways that feel fresh and totally unique. It can be polished and surreal or messy and rebellious, either way, it grabs attention.

So, where can you use collage to make your designs stand out? Pretty much everywhere. Let’s dive into some of the best ways designers are making magic with mixed media.

Packaging That Feels Like a Work of Art

Ever bought something just because the packaging was too cool to resist? That’s the power of great design. Collage-style packaging brings a handcrafted, artistic feel to products, making them look like collector’s items rather than just another item on the shelf. Imagine a coffee brand blending vintage botanical illustrations with modern typography or a skincare line using layered textures, paint strokes, and bold colours to create an organic, artsy vibe. It’s the kind of design that makes people stop, stare, and maybe even keep the box long after the product is gone.

Magazines and Editorials That Bring in Surrealism

Collage is a game-changer in editorial design, especially when it comes to magazines, online publications, and print layouts that need an extra spark. Forget rigid grid layouts, collage thrives on movement and energy. Think overlapping images, torn textures, and bold, cut-out typography that makes every page feel alive. It’s especially popular in fashion and music magazines, where personality and attitude matter just as much as the content. A well-executed collage spread doesn’t just complement the writing, it enhances the story and pulls the reader in.

Cover Designs That Tell a Story Before You Even Open the Book or Listen to the Album

Collage has been making waves in book and album cover design for years, and for good reason. It instantly creates intrigue and emotion, setting the tone before you even experience what’s inside. A novel with a surreal collage of fragmented faces, bold textures, and unexpected imagery can hint at mystery or psychological depth. An album cover layered with DIY-style cut-out letters, gritty textures, and hand-scrawled notes can reflect the raw energy of the music. Whether it’s dreamy and abstract or rough and chaotic, collage turns a simple cover into something that feels like an extension of the art it represents.

Posters That Demand Attention

Posters are all about making an impact, and collage is perfect for creating designs that refuse to be ignored. Whether it’s a film festival, a music gig, or an activism campaign, collage-based posters mix different elements to create a bold, layered effect that stands out. Picture a concert poster with vintage newspaper clippings, neon paint splatters, and cut-out letters, or a theatre poster blending classic artwork with modern geometric patterns. The combination of different styles and materials makes posters feel less like ads and more like statement pieces.

Merch and Apparel That Feels One of a Kind

Collage isn’t just for print and digital, it works brilliantly in fashion and merchandise too. T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and even sneakers can all be turned into wearable works of art with collage-based designs. Think of streetwear brands using a mix of bold typography, ripped paper textures, and vintage photography for an effortlessly cool, handcrafted look. Whether it’s hand-assembled or digitally designed, collage-style apparel feels unique and personal, making it perfect for brands that want to stand out.

Things to Keep in Mind When Creating Collage Designs

Collage is all about creative freedom, but there are still a few things to keep in mind. The biggest one? Make sure you’re using images you actually have the right to use. Just because an image is on the internet doesn’t mean it’s free for the taking. Instead of grabbing pictures from Pinterest or Google, stick to copyright-free sources like Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, or public domain archives like The Met’s Open Access Collection. These platforms offer a treasure trove of high-quality images, illustrations, and textures that are legally safe to use.

Collage lets you mix and match, cut and paste, layer and distort until you create something that feels right. Whether you’re designing packaging, book covers, or apparel, this technique gives you endless room to experiment and push boundaries. So grab those scissors, or your favourite design software, start playing around with textures and images, and have fun creating something truly unique.