What's your art style?
Create a personal art-style collage by experimenting with three different media and techniques, then choose favorite elements to design your own unique artwork.
About this activity
Create a personal art-style collage by experimenting with three different media and techniques, then choose favorite elements to design your own unique artwork.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and bring them to a clear table or floor space.
- 2
Step 2
Lay down a scrap paper or newspaper to protect your workspace.
- 3
Step 3
Choose three different art media and techniques to try for example markers for bold lines torn paper collage and watercolor washes.
- 4
Step 4
Make a small practice sample using your first chosen media on scrap paper.
- 5
Step 5
Make a small practice sample using your second chosen media on scrap paper.
- 6
Step 6
Make a small practice sample using your third chosen media on scrap paper.
- 7
Step 7
Mark the favorite areas on each practice sample with a pencil.
- 8
Step 8
Cut out the marked favorite areas from your practice samples.
- 9
Step 9
Arrange the cut pieces and any small sketches on your final paper until you like the design.
- 10
Step 10
Glue the pieces down one at a time to fix your collage in place.
- 11
Step 11
Add finishing touches using one of your chosen media for details and to unify the piece.
- 12
Step 12
Give your artwork a title and sign your name on it.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you create a personal art-style collage?
Start by choosing three different media (for example watercolor, collage paper, and oil pastels). On a scrap pad, experiment with one technique per medium—wash, texture rubbing, bold strokes—making small samples. Select favorite elements from those samples (colors, marks, shapes) and sketch a layout. Cut and arrange samples or reproduce favored effects on a backing board, then glue or paint them together. Finish with details and a signature to define your unique art style.
What materials do I need for a "What's your art style?" collage activity?
Gather three kinds of media such as watercolor or acrylic paints, markers or ink pens, collage papers or fabric, and tools like brushes, scissors, glue stick or PVA, and a sturdy backing board. Also have scrap paper for testing techniques, a pencil and eraser for planning, a palette or tray, a smock, and optional items like oil pastels, texture tools, and a camera to photograph samples for reference.
What ages is the "What's your art style?" activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 5 and up, with adjustments. Ages 5–7 enjoy simple experiments and need adult help with cutting and gluing. Ages 8–11 can try more techniques and make choices independently. Teens and tweens (12+) can refine a cohesive style, combine complex media, and experiment conceptually. Supervise younger children for safety with scissors, glue, and paint, and adapt complexity to each child’s ability.
What are the benefits and fun variations of making an art-style collage?
Making an art-style collage builds creativity, decision-making, fine motor control, and visual vocabulary as kids compare media and choose favorite elements. It boosts confidence when they define a personal style. Variations include limiting palette or tools for a challenge, creating themed collages (nature, emotions), collaborating on a group mural, or turning elements into a digital collage by photographing samples and editing them on a tablet.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have watercolor paints, magazines for torn-paper collage, or a glue stick?
Use diluted food coloring or washable tempera for watercolor washes, cut colored construction paper or old greeting cards for the torn paper collage, and substitute white school glue (thinned if needed) or double-sided tape when you glue the pieces down.
Why are my collage pieces wrinkling or not sticking when I glue them down and how can I fix it?
Make sure your practice samples from steps 3–5 are completely dry before you mark and cut, apply a thin even layer when you glue the pieces down, press them flat under a heavy book while they dry, and use heavier final paper to reduce wrinkling.
How can I adapt the activity for younger children or older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children simplify to two media with pre-cut collage pieces and supervise the glue and scissors steps, while older kids can pick three contrasting media, make detailed practice samples, add fine finishing touches to unify the piece, and craft a thoughtful title before sharing on DIY.org.
What are some ways to extend or personalize my finished artwork after I glue everything down?
Enhance the piece by adding texture with fabric scraps or found objects when you arrange the cut pieces, unify colors with a light watercolor wash as a finishing touch, create a series experimenting with different media, and always give each work a unique title and signature before sharing on DIY.org.