What Is Collagraphy?

by Alessandra Cesarato @alessandra_cesarato

Collagraphy opens up a world of possibilities for your projects by embedding traditional elements into your digital art

Although the origin of this printmaking process is unclear, it is believed that one of the first applications of collagraphy dates back to the 19th century when artist Pierre Roche decided to glue various items to a copper and zinc plate to apply to his work Algues Marines (Sea Algae).

Nowadays, the process used to create collagraphs has not changed much. Its main appeal is its scope for experimentation, which marries well with other surrealist-based techniques such as collage. Below, we will explain what collagraphy is.

What is collagraphy?

It is a creative drawing technique that combines traditional materials that have been glued to a plate, with a previously prepared digital image. This combination results in unique, unexpected, and experimental pieces.
A collagraph can be described as a sort of collage board to which physical materials, such as various types of textiles or string, are applied. These are subsequently inked and impressed over paper.

How do you make a collagraph?

Start with the idea that there are no limits to collagraphy. The process consists of experimenting with materials, textures, and colors.

To process a collograph you’ll need to create a matrix, a rigid board where you’ll place materials and elements. Once inked, they will serve to produce special effects and different textures on the print. To achieve these effects, you will simply need to apply color to the materials and process them on your collage or drawing.

Remember that all the materials you use for your collagraph must be water-resistant, as you will be applying paint and solvent onto them. They must also be durable as the products are applied with rollers, paper, or your own hands.

Sonia Romero and Julio Carrasco, designers, artists, and founders of Mexican art studio Zoveck, teach collagraphy and other manual creative processes in the course Experimental Illustration Techniques: From Digital to Artisanal.