Introducing: Made With Vault
We're excited to introduce Made With Vault (MWV), a new addition to our weekly article on the Vault Zine. MWV is an ongoing series where Kale James, founder and creative director of Vault Editions, shares the artwork and designs he's made with the resources we create for you at Vault Editions.
Kale will teach you how to create dynamic, engaging imagery, work with graphics programs like Photoshop and Procreate, and explore creative ways to use found imagery and share innovative techniques to ideate fresh, original concepts.
- Kale James, Vault Editions
Reimagining the Past: Crafting Unique Collages from Vintage Engravings
Collage is an art form that thrives on unexpected combinations, and when you work with vintage engravings, the possibilities become even more exciting. By recontextualizing historic images, you can create entirely new stories and visuals that blend the past with the present. In this first edition of Made With Vault, I'm going to show you examples of collages I've made and discuss the techniques used to make the imagery impactful and exciting.
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Layering and Depth
One of the most powerful techniques in collage-making is the use of layering to create a sense of depth and dimension. By strategically arranging and overlapping images, you can transform flat, two-dimensional engravings into compositions that feel dynamic and full of life. Layering allows you to play with visual hierarchy, guiding the viewer's eye across the piece and drawing attention to key elements.
Foreground, Middle ground, and Background
Think of your collage as a three-dimensional space, even though it exists on a flat surface. You can create the illusion of depth by organising your elements into distinct layers: the foreground (the most prominent, closest to the viewer), the middle ground (supporting elements that fill the scene. In this case the figure holding the skull), and the background (elements that recede and provide context). By placing certain images "closer" to the viewer and others further "away," you build a scene that feels more immersive and complex.
This collage was made using our image archives Greek & Roman Sculpture, Skulls and Anatomy, and our forthcoming release, Ancient Architecture.
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Playing With Scale
One of the most exciting aspects of collage art is the freedom to manipulate the scale of elements in ways that defy reality. By deliberately altering the size of different objects or figures within your composition, you can create a sense of surrealism, evoke curiosity, and encourage viewers to engage with the work in unexpected ways. Playing with scale allows you to break free from the constraints of realism and immerse your audience in a world where anything is possible.
Creating Surreal Worlds
In traditional art, scale is often used to reflect reality—objects in the distance appear smaller, while those close to the viewer are larger. But in collage, you can subvert these rules to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. Imagine a tiny human figure standing next to a giant bird, or a building dwarfed by a single rose. These juxtapositions challenge our perceptions and invite viewers to suspend their disbelief, leading them into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
This collage was made using our image archives The Birds Reference Book, Botanical Art and our and our forthcoming release Ancient Architecture.
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Juxtaposition and Contrast: Creating Tension and Intrigue in Collage
Juxtaposition is one of the most compelling tools in collage art. By combining images that would never naturally coexist, you create a visual tension that captures attention and sparks curiosity. This technique allows you to place two or more contrasting elements side by side, provoking a dialogue between them and inviting the viewer to interpret their relationship. Whether the contrast is between organic and mechanical, ancient and modern, or natural and artificial, this unlikely pairing of imagery is what gives collage its power to tell new and unexpected stories.
This collage was made using our image archives Skulls and Skeletons and our forthcoming release The Gustave Doré Collection.
We hope you enjoyed the first volume of Made With Vault. Stay tuned for more art and design tips next week!
Interested in Learning More?
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