Self-Portrait Project

example by Alanna Manuel

For this project you will be creating a self-portrait poster. This poster will tell us about you - what you're passionate about, what makes you happy, what makes you sad, what challenges do you face, etc.

There are 2 choices for your poster. Each one uses a different technique. Read below to see examples and how you can create them. Your final poster will be graded on:

Neatness - Images are cut out neatly, background is painted nicely. There isn't excess glue on the paper.
Use of images - how many images did you use? The more the better! The images should also relate to something about you.
Contrast - there is a good amount of contrast between the background and foreground elements.
Creativity - You did something different than what you see in the examples, but still met the other requirements.

COMPUTER CREATED

If you choose this method you will be creating your poster using Photoshop. If there is another program you may use ask to see if it will work.

STEP 1.

Use Google to begin collecting images for you collage. To get clear images you must make sure:

Images have no watermarks.
Images are high resolution.
Images aren't pixelated.

Make sure you create a folder on your computer and save your images in it.

STEP 2.

Now you need an image for your background. Use this website to find a texture you like.

When you find a texture select it, and then click Free Download to save it in the folder with your other images.

STEP 3.

Your photo! Use your phone or one of the cameras in class to take your picture. If you have a photo somewhere you've already taken that you would like to use that's okay too. Just make sure it's high resolution!

Don't download photos from Instagram, Facebook, etc. Photos you upload get converted to a lower resolution.

Put your photo in the folder with your other pictures.

STEP 4.

Now that you've collected your photos it's time to start putting everything together!

Create a New file in Photoshop. Type this into your options:

Width = 8.5 inches
Height = 11 inches
Resolution = 72
Color Mode = RGB

STEP 5.

Open the images in Photoshop you downloaded from the internet. Each will open in its own tab or window.

You will need to copy and paste them into your US Paper sized document.

To copy an image press CTRL+A. This selects an entire layer.
Then press CTRL+C to copy.
Select your US Paper sized image and press CTRL+V to paste.
Continue until all images are pasted onto you document.

STEP 6.

Look at your layers. You have lots of layers! Begin re-sizing and positioning your images to fit as many on a page as possible. To resize your images press CTRL+T to enter Free transform mode.

Here's how layers work.

STEP 7.

If you need to erase a background from your various images select the eraser tool, select the layer, and erase the background. Here are some hints to help you work quicker:

If you hold Ctrl while clicking an object it will take you to the layer that object is on.
Right-clicking on your canvas while using the eraser (or brush tool) will let you change the brush size along with other options.
Hold the spacebar to drag your canvas around while zoomed in.
Ctrl + and Ctrl - will zoom in and out.
Press V to switch to the move tool.
Press E to switch to the eraser tool.

STEP 8.

When finished save your file as a JPEG ( File>Save a Copy ), and turn it in to your folder on Google Drive.

HAND MADE

If you choose this method you will create your poster using traditional art techniques. Here's what you will need to complete this portrait.

Paper (provided)
Paints or drawing materials (some are available)
Magazines to cut out pictures (some are available)

STEP 1.

Get your paper and draw the outline of a head on it. You can use the printed outline as a guide if you need to. Ask the teacher for this. To transfer the image of the head use the technique in this video.

STEP 2.

Get a bunch of magazines, newspapers, etc. that have images you can use.

Select images that represent/symbolize things about you. If you need more images you can use things like favorite foods, places, sports, hobbies, etc.

You can also draw things to glue on as well. Not everything has to be cut from a magazine. Draw your image on a piece of plain paper, color it, then cut it out. These drawings can be mixed with other images too.

STEP 3.

After you've collected your images begin cutting them out and gluing them to your poster.

Glue them on the inside of the head.

STEP 4.

After you've glued everything choose a color and paint your background with that color. You can use the paint to smooth out any rough edges from the collaged images. Your background does not have to be plain. You can draw or add other elements to the background as well.