Design Principles/Project 1: Self-Portrait

on

19.9.2022 - 14.10.2022/Week 4 - Week 7
Sim Jian Xiong (0356498)
Bachelor Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 1: Self-Portrait

LECTURE

Week 4: Project 1 Briefing

Task description:
Create a portrait of yourself by applying the various principles that you had learnt through these weeks

Theme description:
Contemplate on your life experiences, which includes your culture, your family, your friends, your school days etc.

Fig 1.1 Students' self-portrait examples
INSTRUCTIONS
Project 1: Self-Portrait
After the class briefing, I've sketched myself in a few poses. Two out of three are me contemplating because I was thinking of what to draw. The last one is me holding a cup.
Fig 1.2 Self Portrait Sketches, Week 5 (26.9.2022)

I exaggerated some facial expressions because my real-life face appears emotionless. I like the third sketch because as a self-portrait, it depicts me the best - tired and stressed.
Fig 1.3 Self-Portrait Progress, Week 6 (4.10.2022)

Step by step progress (Left to Right)
  1. I sketch myself as a cartoon because I like watching cartoons.
  2. Then, I traced the sketch on Adobe Photoshop using the pen tool. I added a steam forming out of the cup due to my lecturer's suggestion. There are symbols of reading and gaming to give context to why my character looks worn out.
  3. I used Krita to colour in the outline. I've decided to remove the outline of the steam.
  4. Finally, I've added extra details such as shirt wrinkles and a darker eyeline.
A week later, I showed my progress to Miss Noranis during the feedback session. She suggested that I put a vector background. I experimented with some textures shown below.
Fig 1.4 Paper crumble, Water colour, Coffee stain, Week 7 (11.10.2022)

I chose to go with the water colour background as it matches the gloomy mood. The paper texture is sort of blending in with the smoke. The coffee one makes it seem like I'm advertising coffee.

Final Submission
Fig 1.5 Self-Portrait Final Submission, Week 7 (11.10.2022)
FEEDBACK

Week 5
Specific Feedback: None
General Feedback: Do a self portrait that expresses yourself

Week 6
Specific Feedback: Add steam to the cup to fill up the negative space
General Feedback: None

Week 7
Specific Feedback: Add a vector background
General Feedback: None
REFLECTIONS

Experience
I always wanted to transfer my sketches to the digital media. I felt that it was easier to trace with the pen tool than the brush tool. Although, I ran into a frustrating bug while using Photoshop, which is really distracting. I had to close and open the app several times.

Nevertheless, I'm quite proud of my final work.
Fig 1.6 Adobe Photoshop Bug, Week 6 (4.10.2022) 

Observation
By observing my final work closely, I noticed the nose is slightly crooked and the hand anatomy is off. I'll need to practice sketching anatomy, or at least recheck my final work before submitting it.

Findings
I've learned that I draw better with reference like pictures. Imagine if I tried to do a self-portrait without looking at myself.
FURTHER READING

Week 5

Fig 1.7 Character Mentor by Tom Bancroft, Week 5 (26.9.2022 )

I borrowed this book from the school library. It's an illustrative guide on facial expressions and posing of characters.

Fig 1.8 Elements of the Face, Week 6 (4.10.2022)

 Since I'm doing a self-portrait, this page interests me. It says that the most important element in the face is the eyes. This inspired me to darken my character's eyelines towards me final progress.

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