MixedMedia

I’ve often wondered about the possibility of creating an online collage tool: a fun, creative space through which anyone could upload images, create, and share collages. In doing some searching on the web I came across the National Gallery of Arts resources for kids, among them their Collage Machine. What fun!

There are actually two versions of the Collage Machine, though both interfaces are pretty simple and work as Shockwave files. Basic features include:

• Canvass onto which visual elements can be placed
• A work table from which various visual elements can be selected to place on the canvass
• Text, color, pattern and image variations to scroll through on the work table
• A resize tool
• A rotate tool
• A VERY COOL transparency tool
• Flip horizontal and flip vertical tool
• Erase tool that makes you “start over”
• A mysteriously named “Auto” tool that gives you a place to start by creating a random composition

The Collage Machine lacks a few features that could be really fun and make it more useful as a teaching and marketing tool. For example, if users could import images from a site like Flickr the collages produced would have more personal meaning. A second feature would be a “Save” or “Email” feature that would enable users to share their works while publicizing the site. Right now the only way to save one’s work is to take a screen shot or “Print” the collage as using the sites built in print function to generate a .pdf file.

Despite its shortcomings however, the Collage Machine is a well designed and fun online tool. My favorite activity was playing with the Matisse-like cutouts, resizing them and working their transparency. Check it out at NGA Kids Zone!