When did you become interested in art? Did you have an artistic background growing up?
I would say that I have always been interested in art for as long as I can remember. Back when I was younger, after seeing the opening screening of a movie like Harry Potter, once I got back home, I would hop onto Paint and begin to draw it.
How long have you been involved in collage art?
I have been creating digital collages since 2017. Looking back, I did my first collage on the 31st of December 2016 for a contest with ING Creatives. I would say it sparked my interest in creating collages. Afterwards, it was a journey of exploring on my own and with different artists, learning new techniques and processes.
Do you have any formal training, or are you completely self-taught?
I studied Multimedia Integration and after that, I went on self-taught watching YouTube videos, trying different methods of digital manipulation.
When did you start using Affinity apps?
I started using Affinity apps in 2020. They have helped me tremendously in my workflow—as I was previously using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, I got familiar with Affinity pretty quickly.
“I started using Affinity apps in 2020. They have helped me tremendously in my workflow—as I was previously using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, I got familiar with Affinity pretty quickly.”
Which tools in Affinity do you find the most useful?
In Affinity Photo, it would be the Gradient Map adjustment and Selection Brush Tool (alongside the Refine Selection Tool to properly select and make better cutouts).
Can you tell us about your process for making your collages?
My process is to look around Instagram, Pinterest and different magazines for ideas. I also search for images on Unsplash, Pexels and other free public websites where the images are royalty-free, and then I combine them in Affinity Photo.
Sometimes I create objects myself if I can’t find a suitable image or if I have a particular look in mind. I find that creating my own elements adds a personal touch and enhances my presence within the artworks.
What is the most challenging part of creating a collage?
I would say finding new elements to add and new colour palettes and compositions.
Are there any stories you try to convey in your landscape collages, or do you prefer the viewer to have their own interpretation?
Sometimes, yes. There are landscapes that I would love to escape to, but it is an interesting take when the viewer has their own interpretation of the landscape.
“The Moon represents tranquillity in the sky. The balance it brings to the rush of the day. Gazing upon the light it sheds from the Sun. I find it to be one of the most beautiful elements to put into my work.”
If there is a common theme in your landscape art, I think it would be the Moon; what does the Moon represent to you?
The Moon represents tranquillity in the sky. The balance it brings to the rush of the day. Gazing upon the light it sheds from the Sun. I find it to be one of the most beautiful elements to put into my work.
Where do you find inspiration for your landscape art?
Fellow collage artists on Instagram, for the most part! The following artists have been a great support and inspiration to me on my journey: @artby.outsidein, @machadoxleao, @ccdesignart, @phenomalewis , @emmaginethatco, @pabloorozcora, @oggarts, @aaron_the_humble, @jeffmanning_ and @davidalabo.
What are your future artistic plans and dreams?
The future. What an interesting prospect—we never know what the future holds for us. I would say that I would like to continue to grow more in the workplace I am in now. I would love to become a freelancer graphic designer and be able to travel the world at the same time—for example, to have a commission and be able to travel to New Zealand!
Finally, do you have any particular mottos or affirmations that you live by?
Yes, I have several:
You’re doing your best everyday.
If you don’t understand and do not know your past, the future will arrive too fast, and you won’t have enough stability and time to be content with the present.
Find your inner balance before balancing your surroundings.
You can see more of Youssef’s work on Instagram @youssefarhi and his Behance profile.