Final Project: Self-Portrait Project

Objective
Students will create a self-portrait portrait using media of the student's choice based on a theme.

Process
  1. Choose from one of the following prompts: The Day, The Beast, Treasure, or Your Choice
  2. Create thumbnail sketches of your prompt. You must include yourself somehow.
  3. Choose the size of your paper. This cannot be smaller than 9” x 12”. You can use any paper you'd like, but probably should go bigger than 12"x18" due to time.
  4. Choose Media. You can use one or more of the following: Charcoal, oil pastel, ink, colored pencil, watercolor, watercolor colored pencil, sketch & wash, or tempera.
  5. Create your piece then write your artist’s statement.
*Grading sheet will be given.

Artist's Statement
This should be in MLA Format. Do this through Google Docs. Select “New”, then the arrow next to Google Docs. A drop down will appear. Select “From a Template”. Select “General” from the above tab. Select “MLA”...it’s at the top right. 
This writing should be 1-2 paragraphs typed in length explaining the following:
Example of formatting will be given in class.
- How did your theme come about?
- What are the concepts, issues or ideas you have explored here and how are they linked in your work? 
- What experiences have contributed to the making of this work?
- What materials and techniques have you used and why did you choose these? 
- Do the materials have an impact on the meaning of the work?
  • Be HONEST when writing about your work.
  • Do not write fluff or make things up about your work.
  • Refrain from using words such as beautiful, amazing, gorgeous, etc.
  • Stick to the facts!
  • Check your grammar and spelling.
  • Cannot exceed 400 words.

​Requirements (What you're graded on)
1. Concept (Your Idea. Is it original? Can you communicate it?)
2. Composition (Rule-of-Thirds. Demonstrating Depth)
3. Craftsmanship (Light/Shadow, Layering)
4. Process (Evidence of Planning)
5. Artist's Statement (See Above)

Block Shading/Posterizing Directions 

1. Click and drag your image onto the desktop.
2. Open Photoshop. You may need to open Photoshop from the Launchpad. Open LAUNCHPAD (looks like a rocket) at the bottom. Click and open PHOTOSHOP (PS).
3. Open file in Photoshop by click and dragging image into Photoshop or FILE ->OPEN(select file from Desktop)
4. Crop photo if needed using the Cropping Tool from the toolbar.
5. Get rid of color by changing to Grayscale:IMAGE -> MODE -> GRAYSCALE. Select DISCARD when box pops up.
6. To Block Shade Image:IMAGE ->ADJUSTMENTS ->POSTERIZE.
7. Change your photo’s brightness if your photo is too dark:IMAGE ->ADJUSTMENTS ->BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST. You can brighten and add contrast from here. Repeat “Block Shade” step when done.
8. Save image: FILE ->SAVE AS. Put your name for Save As, Desktop for Location, and JPEG as Format. Press SAVE.
More boxes will come up. Don’t change anything, just press OK.

FAQ's

Q: Do I have to use my face?
A: This is to be about you and the concept you are trying to communicate. You need to show a part of your physical self, but doesn't need to be from your face.

​Q: Do I have to use The Day, The Beast, or Treasure?
A: No, you may use another theme and need to stick to it.

Q: Can I draw a big eye in the middle of the page?
A: Sure, if you'd like a poor grade. It's been done... a lot and doesn't communicate anything other than you can draw an eye.

Q: What size paper should I use.
A: Don't go any smaller than 9" x 12"

Q: Can my paper be turned sideways?
A: Yes, you have orient your paper vertical or horizontal.

Ideas-Exammples

Student Work