I used collage extensively as a student at art school, creating colourful, playful works that celebrated experimentation. This technique has stayed with me, and I’ve continued to explore and develop it across a wide range of approaches and themes.

Getting started with mixed media sketching can feel intimidating, but prepping your backgrounds first is my secret weapon for loosening up and inviting creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating playful, layered surfaces for your sketches.