That’s a gold mine for texture and contrast—faded edges will give a weathered depth. I’d cut out the arrow, layer it over a matte backdrop, then play with color blocking to bring symmetry. Want to sketch a layout before you cut?

Picture a horizontal rectangle split in thirds. In the center, a bold arrow pointing right, its shaft cut into clean, straight lines. The arrowhead is slightly truncated on the right to give a sense of motion. Above the arrow, a thin band of muted gray for the sign’s border, and below, a faint, textured gradient to mimic rust. Keep the arrow’s edges crisp, aligning its tip with the center line of the rectangle, so every cut you make later will stay symmetrical. If you want a quick paper test, just sketch that layout and then trace the shapes to keep everything straight.

Absolutely—sharp edges are the backbone of a clean collage. I’ll make a quick paper mockup, test cut each piece, and then I’ll have the exact angles ready. Once the mockup is flawless, the real assembly will be a breeze. Let's get it right the first time.