01 - TYPE - SELF PORTRAITS (Spring semester)

In this assignment you will create a self-portrait using free hand rendering type. You will be using your name or if you prefer your nick name or first name, what ever option you prefer, but only one of them. You will be using primarily pilot fine point marker, good ink pen, Mechanical pens of different point sizes or... black ultra-fine sharpie. Use fine, medium and thick points using them together to distinguish line weight when creating your composition.

Create a well balanced composition (be aware of positive and negative space between subject and background - figure/ground) using all the principles we have been applying... cropping, interesting framing, different angles, diagonals, scale, keep away from centered boring layout. Be creative with your layout and be expressive!

This is mainly to build out and define details in highlights, mid-tones, shadows, shading, gradients. be very aware of your VALUES, contrast in your composition, positioning of your portrait density, texture in areas necessary. Pay attention to mark making and  craftsmenship. The more refined features that are delicate require finer points etc... Pay attention to details, shape and/or style to create different values and shapes in your composition. Remember your values... broad range of dark to gradual lighter pallette when appropriate.

Materials
• Bristol 9x12” format
• different thicknesses from Fine-medium-thicker point pen, gel pen, dark ballpoint

Process
Start with at least 4 expressive thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook, once you have an interesting composition move to the big paper. Outline/map out your composition with a light pencil sketch to use as a guide in developing portrait and then apply the inks.

Samples