How to Create an Unusual Self-Portrait

Creating a self-portrait can be a creative adventure and a therapeutic one as well. Representing both the physical aspect of our "selves" and the mental/emotional aspects is really the only way to create a true self-portrait. Now, with the advent of creative software the average person can create a unique self-portrait that will show others not only what they look like but what makes them tick as well. This project is great for those of us who are looking to self-define in times of crisis or just take some time to think about all the great things that we are and can be.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer and digital image of your self
• Adobe Photoshop
• Inkjet printer
• Photo paper

Create an Unusual Self-Portrait

1. Take a great portrait type photo of yourself or use a shot that you have already. Be sure the image offers a clear view of your face (or profile) without sun glasses or other distracting factors. If it is a shot of you with a friend, crop the image.

2. Open Adobe Photoshop. Open your "face file" and create a new blank document. You should now have two "documents" open.

3. 
    
   Cropped eyes.

   Looking at your face shot, decide if you want to use the whole image or just parts of it. For example, do you just want to focus on your eyes? Crop your image so that only your eyes are shown. Crop the photo and drag the new image to your blank document. This is your new portrait file now.

4. Next, think about yourself. What makes you tick? What are your dreams? Your goals? Focus on one aspect of yourself and come up with a few words to relate that.

5. Using the text tool, click on your new file (with the eyes per the example) and type in a word that you have chosen to describe yourself. Alternate fonts and sizes. Crop away the excess white area of the "paper."

6. Print onto photo paper and frame if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't like the cropping? Take a photo and apply an artistic filter in Adobe Photoshop, then overlay the words for a super colorful self-defining portrait.
• Aren't computer savvy? Try doing it in paper for a more scrapbook effect!