College Exam Project
Presented here is an illustration showcasing the culmination of my efforts. Should you find yourself intrigued by the broader context of this particular endeavor, I warmly invite you to delve deeper by perusing the comprehensive design process laid out below, complete with sketches and detailed explanations.
Design Project Context Explanation:
Embarking on the exam project, I set out to create a self-portrait imbued with the unmistakable style of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a master of blending graffiti and grunge influences into surreal compositions. My aim was to capture the essence of who I am while paying homage to Basquiat's iconic aesthetic.
The Exam requirements
Overview
You’ve decided to join a local community of artists. One of the community requirements is that each new member uses Adobe Photoshop to create an 11" × 17" self-portrait that represents who he or she is.
The challenge is to loosely base the self-portrait on the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist who mixed graffiti and grunge influences to present a surreal image of himself. Also, the artist’s name must be incorporated into his or her self-portrait as the full text or the initials in ligature.
Get acquainted with Basquiat’s style and the rationale behind his self-portraits.
Find or take a photo of yourself to use as the basis for your self-portrait. Then collect at least 2 other images that reveal what your interests are in your life.
Think about the elements, such as color, that you’ll want to add to your self-portrait. The style of your self-portrait can be realistic, idealistic, or surrealistic: feel free to try any approach. However, your likeness should be the obvious focal point. The images should blend together seamlessly so it shouldn’t look like a patchedtogether collage. Take notes as you work so you can write a brief summary of how you created your image.
The Plan
Some of the Basquiat’s works that have inspired me:
Inspiration:
Immersing myself in Basquiat's work and artistic philosophy provided invaluable insights into his unique style. I drew inspiration from his bold use of colors, geometric shapes, and symbolic motifs like skulls and crowns. Basquiat's preference for stark contrasts, with black as a primary color punctuated by vibrant accents like yellow, guided my color palette. His surreal imagery and emotive portraits inspired me to infuse my self-portrait with depth and authenticity.
Tools Used:
Utilizing Adobe Photoshop as my primary tool, I embarked on a journey of image manipulation and creative expression. Leveraging techniques like the Liquify filter, adjustment layers, and masking, I sought to emulate Basquiat's signature style of distortion and texture. Each brushstroke and layer adjustment was meticulously crafted to achieve the desired grunge and graffiti effects, capturing the essence of Basquiat's artistic vision. Additionally, I utilized a Wacom tablet and pen for precision and ease of execution, enabling me to translate my ideas into custom hand-drawn illustrations with fluidity and control.
Project Execution:
The project commenced with the selection of images representing significant aspects of my life: myself, my daughter, and our beloved pet dog. These images were seamlessly integrated into a textured wall background reminiscent of Basquiat's urban landscapes. Applying threshold adjustments and overlaying grunge elements, I aimed to evoke the raw energy and spontaneity of Basquiat's work.
The focal point of the composition was my self-portrait, positioned alongside portraits of my daughter and dog. Each element was strategically placed within the composition, with careful attention to creating depth and visual interest. Inspired by Basquiat's use of words and symbols, I incorporated text overlays to add narrative depth and enhance the overall aesthetic.
The Main images for the project - me, my daughter and my dog
Some illustrations used in the project
Using Threshold Effect
The main one- the self-portrait
some additional elements
Customized Typography
The End Result
Outcome:
The final self-portrait encapsulated elements of my identity while paying homage to Basquiat's inimitable style. Vibrant colors, bold shapes, and textured layers converged to create a dynamic and visually captivating composition. The juxtaposition of personal imagery against the gritty backdrop of urban artistry invited viewers to explore the layers of meaning embedded within the piece. In crafting this project, I embarked on a creative journey of self-expression and artistic exploration. In crafting this project, I not only demonstrated proficiency in Photoshop techniques but also embarked on a creative journey of self-expression and artistic exploration, enriched using custom hand-drawn illustrations executed with a Wacom tablet and pen.
Emotions:
This project has been more than just a creative endeavor; it's been a journey of self-discovery and emotional exploration. Immersing myself in Basquiat's world, channeling his raw energy and emotive depth, has been an incredibly cathartic experience. Each brushstroke, each line drawn with the Wacom tablet, has allowed me to express aspects of myself in ways I never thought possible. Through this process, I've found joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to my own artistic voice. Creating this self-portrait has been a truly profound and enriching experience that I'll cherish for years to come.
