1. A computer-implemented method of creating a shape collage, the method comprising: receiving a shape specification signal which specifies at least one desired non-rectangular shape having a shape area and a shape outline; receiving image data which represents a plurality of images; and processing the shape specification signal and the image data to obtain a shape collage of the images at least partially covering the shape area of the at least one desired shape, wherein the step of processing includes the steps of creating a covering based on the shape specification signal, the covering including a plurality of shape primitives, each of the shape primitives having a position which is specified so that it automatically covers a portion of the shape area according to a chosen covering option without the need for human input or intervention, the chosen covering option being one of: (1) completely covering the shape area and minimizing area covered outside the shape outline; (2) partially covering the shape area and area outside the shape outline; and (3) maximizing coverage of the shape area without covering any area outside of the shape outline; and placing at least one image over the shape primitives to at least partially fill each of the shape primitives.