So, this is the intro that I created for the event. My first digital collage.

What is a Digital Collage?

The basic definition of Digital Collage is that it is a form of graphic art that uses virtual imagery and textures from different sources pieced and layered together (in a program such as Photoshop) into one final assembled image.

(c) W Manfred Alvarez

The difference between digital collage and photomanipulation is that in a digital collage the artist usually works to make it somewhat obvious that the finished image has been made by “pasting” different images together.

You can check further details on this link.

The Process

It is also my first doing this kind of art, so please bare with me and lets do it together.
I'll be using Adobe Photoshop for this process and we need to get a subject for this.

First, open your Photoshop and open your reference photo

I will be using this old Samurai photo and credits to this site.

And then the first thing you need to do is to click the Quick Selection Tool

Select your subject and it's fine if its not exact. We can use the Subtract option of the selection tool to reduce the selected space.

Try to reduce the brush size to 10 to 15 pixels when Subtracting to get precision and be sure to check the Auto-Enhance.

After that, hit the hotkey Ctrl + X and make a new layer above to paste your subject. On the new layer, also use a solid color for your desire background. This time, I'll just use the color ffffcc.

PS. Remember, every time you do something make a new layer for assurance and avoid mistakes.

Now, look for different subjects to add on the collage.

I'm using these flowers for the collage.

Prolage is a method of creating vistas by inserting images into holes cut or torn in the base material.

I used the Pen Tool to cut the head of my subject. You can check my process for using the Pen Tool here in my previous tutorial for Vector Art.

Montage method is the technique of combining in a single composition pictorial elements from various sources, as parts of different photographs or fragments of printing, either to give the illusion that the elements belonged together originally or to allow each element to retain its separate identity as a means of adding interest or meaning to the composition.

This is the fun part, BE CREATIVE.

With the Pen Tool and Selection Tool, it is now easy to add more elements on your collage and just let your imagination be broad. Let your creativity conquer this art.

I used the Marquee Shape Tool to make a big square and remove the feet to hips to make it minimal. I'm thinking to put another object. To balance the color ones and the saturated one which is the object. So, I added an Ice Cream.

For the ice cream, I used the Eraser tool and manually erase the cone. I browse for more collages for reference and I noticed that the subject is always on black and white and it was always partnered with a colorful flowers. So, I guess we started on the right note.

I added Roses for the internal background of the collage. You can use anything as long you use the Selection Tool or Pen Tool. Be precise with the corner details of your subject. Now, use the Adjustments to balance the colors on your own taste.

You can do some testing on how to use the adjustments. Comment below if you want a guide on how to use the adjustments on Photoshop.

Now, with the final adjustments. This is what I come up.

Congratulations! We made our only first Digital Collage!

Conclusion

Digital collage creators often use various digital techniques to make the finished product look like it is put together using traditional collage methods. Those photomanipulators, on the other hand, tend to aim at an illusion of seamlessly blended and merged reality. This art is a tricky one and the same time really enjoying. This helps your mind to be careless for a bit with art. Freedom in creativity. It enhances your creative perspective and especially your vision on art.

Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you guys liked it and try to make also a Digital Collage piece. Enjoy making your own art and show it to the world.