Project 1: Self Portrait Proposal

Project 1 Proposal
Carrie Avery
Digital Design
Self Portrait Project


For the self portrait project I would like to use imagery, colors, and layers that signify the important aspects of my life that make me who I am. The self portrait will give viewers an all encompassing snapshot of my life and an idea of what my passions are. I envision a rather full, perhaps busy composition that would signify my rather chaotic life and how I am usually multitasking as a mom, student, small business owner, instructor, wife, and human at any given moment.

After exploring the options of vertical verses horizontal and close up verses full body, I think that a vertical composition showing full body will work best. Although I see myself as a casual, relaxed kind of person, I would like to wear my black dress that has a retro swing feel. This will highlight my feminine side and a new found sense of self acceptance as well as confidence that I has flourished since turning 40 this past year. I visualize standing posed, with almost a Greek statue kind of feel with one hand on my hip and the other out holding an object. The original photograph either needs to be taken with me standing in the grass with the background blurred out or I will need to cut out my silhouette which will be removed and added to a new background so that I can show my interests through layers.

Imagery will play an important role in the portrait. I would like bottom of the portrait to include a garden gate, flowers, or a full garden. Getting dirt on my hands and spending time outside is really important to me and I enjoy gardening. I even thought of the idea of having dirt on my face as a fun juxtaposition from being dressed up. My nails are never done and usually have dirt or paint on them.
I would like to put a diagram of the sun and moon positions as a layer above my head. I would also like to incorporate sun rays as a translucent layer coming from the top of the portrait. The sun is a topic and image used often in my work. I am a Leo, which is a fire sign and I have a tattoo of a sun on my back. Another image that needs to be represented is a bird. Perhaps it could be on my shoulder or outstretched hand. Small birds appear most frequently in my work. As I have sorted out my personal issues and grown into a mature woman, the bird has often signified freedom on many levels. Music also needs to be represented. I cannot work without my own custom playlist providing a flow of energy according to my mood.

My children or the fact that I am a mom needs to be represented as well. I thought of having children’s shoes dangling from my hand that is on my hip. I also love being with children in general. I taught art to preschoolers for several years and volunteer to teach art at my children’s public school. Kids have naturally gravitated to me all of my life. It would be great to able to portray the magic, beauty, and innocence I see in them.

For colors, I see using a very natural color palette with an overall vintage kind of feel. I can see the use of transparent layers and washed out colors. Brighter color could be used to specific elements and imagery.