http://speckyboy.com/2009/01/07/29-really-creepy-and-creative-photoshopped-self-portraits/
That first link provides a number of cool ideas and examples of what is possible to do in Photoshop. Admittedly, I won't be doing something as dark and gruesome as those, but it gives you ideas that you can take and make into your own, different ideas and concepts. I could do the same sort of idea of have crackled skin, but make it something pretty and sweet.
http://littleblackkitty.typepad.com/a_little_imagination_and_/2007/06/tutorial_selfpo.html
The second link provides a cool way to change how your self-portrait looks. I won't be turning mine into a stencil. but it gives me step by step instructions on how to change the image to make it a high contrast black and white image.
Q: What is a self-portrait?
A: A self-portrait is an expression of the self by anyone, it doesn't have to be an artist. The person also does not need to appear in the self-portrait either, as long as it is done by them and represents them as a person. Usually, a self-portrait portrays who the subject is a person or individual, but sometimes it can be used to demonstrate different techniques, ideas or concepts.
Q: What are the distinctive things that make me "me"?
A: I am a whole individual, I am Julia Conte and no one else. I am who I am because of how I choose to act, choose to portray myself, the music I listen to, the clothes I wear, the things I am interested in, my morals and my values, the food I like, the things I drink, who I associate myself with and much more. I am a complex human being, like everyone else. But I am Julia Conte, unlike everyone else.
Q: How do I want people to see me?
A: I want people to view me as a strong individual who is not afraid to be who she is, as someone who is caring and thoughtful, and someone who can stand up for herself and defend her opinions, morals and values. I want people to see me as a girl or young woman who isn't afraid to do things boys and men do, and who also isn't afraid to embrace her femininity. I want people to see me as a responsible young adult, with a level-head and a mind that is put to good use.
Q: How can I express my many different sides?
A: I can and do express my many different sides visually and physically, for the most part. I go to local shows and listen to local music, I dress a certain way because it appeals to me as.d I eat certain foods because I like the way they taste. However, some things cannot be expressed that way. In order to express my thoughtful, dedicated, caring and generous side, I need to portray myself in those senses through my actions and my words. Same with any other sort of psychological portrayal of myself.
Q: How can I reinvent myself for various purposes or times in my life?
A: Reinventing yourself is important to accept and do, as long as you aren't consistently reinventing yourself on completely new levels. It is not good to reinvent yourself by becoming vegan for a month and then deciding to just drop it all together. Or to decide to sell your car and ride a bike around all the time, only to buy another car a few months later. However, I can reinvent myself for serious changes and important times in my life, and also small decisions. Like deciding to become a vegetarian or to join and become active in the peace group on campus, or to decide to get better at keeping my room clean.
Q: How am I changing from day to day or year to year?
A: As a part of growing and evolving, I am constantly changing. Whether it is small, insignificant changes or much larger, very impacting changes, I am changing. I think that change is a very healthy and natural process that everyone needs to continually go through. If you never change, you will never become the person and individual you want to be. From day t day, I may change a view or a small opinion, or make a decision to do something that will somehow impact on my life. From year to year, I have changed significantly. Every small change adds up and creates a large connection of changes that is ever growing and ceaseless.
Q: Who do I want to become?
A: In five years from now, I'd like to see myself as an art teacher, hopefully in my own place wit a dog and in a steady and very healthy relationship. But really, I want to become a responsible adult who is great at her job, who loves her job with everything she has and who gives it her all. I want to be independent and successful and enjoy everything that life has to offer.
