Selfies are great tools for anyone interested in drawing faces. Whenever I need to see how a feature looks, I take a selfie to work from. That’s the great thing about studying the face—you always have a model! Normally, I’m only checking how the features line up rather than actually drawing my face, but it is fun once in a while to attempt a likeness of yourself.
Think, “WWFD?” (What would Frida do?) Frida Kahlo devoted much of her art to doing self-portraits, emphasizing that famous unibrow and mustache. Don’t be afraid to emphasize your “flaws” or exaggerate something you like or don’t like about your face. This is a fun exercise to do wherever you are, as you’ll have all the tools you need if you remember to carry that sketchbook and pencil with you.
drawing paper
lightbox (optional)
pencil
phone camera
print and copy paper
red pencil
Take a selfie with your phone camera on a black-and-white setting. Try a fun angle that represents the true selfie style of portraiture.
Print the photo on regular copy paper at the size you want to work with.
Use a red pencil to map your facial details directly on the photocopy.
Trace or transfer the map into a sketchbook using a lightbox or another transfer method.
Draw the details on the map using the photo as a guide. Remember, your sketch doesn’t necessarily have to look like you. It’s representational. Use as many of your face details as you like.