Self Portraits

 TASK 1: 

I completed this self portrait through observing my reflection in a mirror. I am pleased with the outcome, since human portraits aren't really my strongest point as an illustrator. I think it has my likeness some what, however its far from an obvious resemblance. The main flaws I can see with it is that my eyes are way too large for the size of my head, and my face shape is probably not quite right. More practice is needed in this area so ill be putting some more focus here.  Created with 4h and 8b pencils. 

I created this second self portrait from a reference photo. I tried using chalk-pastel pencils which was challenging because I am not experienced in blending these . I am somewhat happy with the outcome, its not photorealistic of course but the effect is interesting to me and I like the way the face is shaded. Its a very flawed image, largely just due to my lack of understanding of the medium, but I want this year of university to be full of experimentation and trying new things, so this is a good step in that direction. Ref photo: 

TASK 2: 

For this second task I went for my own style which is a digital, blocky style.  Usually I would maybe take a little more time on the hair and things but I think it works for this task. I don't know why but ive always been drawn to this style of half blending but leaving blocky elements. This is my most spot on portrait in comparison to the reference, probably because it is my speciality. To improve I should have spent more time on the hair, especially adding smaller strands and fly always, if you look closely at the ref my copying is far from exact.

ref: 

created using charcoal

created using black biro

I have played around a little trying out different styles here. I find it really quite difficult to deviate from what I always do and come up with brand new ideas. I do love using charcoal and doing rapid drawings in this way but my small doodle tests leave much to be desired for me, I don't feel drawn to any of them but Ill keep exploring new ways of depicting people. 

TASK 3:

I didn't really have a clue where to start with this task. This is not something I've tried to do before. The first image is my first attempt and it is more of a mood board about myself. I felt this didn't do the task justice and so I completed this second one that I feel actually captures my personality in a more creative way. Thinking abstractly like this is a good thing to do and I should set myself challenges like this more often to get me thinking out of the box.