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1-2-3

Conceptual Self Portrait

Self-portraits can be more than just a photo—they can be windows into your thoughts, dreams, and imagination. Conceptual and surreal art uses unexpected combinations, symbols, and effects to express ideas beyond reality. In this project, you’ll use photomanipulation to create a self-portrait that reveals something deeper or more imaginative about who you are.

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Your Mission is to design a conceptual or surreal self-portrait using photomanipulation techniques. You will combine photos, textures, and creative effects to build an image that represents your identity, feelings, or ideas in an imaginative and symbolic way.

​Project Goals 

  • Experiment with photomanipulation to create surreal and conceptual imagery

  • Explore symbolism and personal meaning in visual storytelling

  • Develop skills in blending, layering, and transforming images digitally

  • Communicate complex ideas and emotions through creative design

MD PM EXAMPLE Conceptual Portait NyelenehArt.jpg

WHERE to get your Photo Assets?

The best photos are the ones you take yourself.

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However, if you need to gather images for your compositions, use a Creative Commons site such as Unsplash or Pexels.

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Creatives share their photos on these sites FOR YOU TO USE. FOR FREE.

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Do not use Google Images or AI, both of which steal other artists' work without consent.

(ok, fine, Google Images is a Search Engine--- but if you use images from there then YOU are the one stealing without consent. Don't use it.)

Level 1

Pick and Do 2 Exercises:

A

Masking Text
 

Make text appear embedded realistically within a photo.

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Skills Built:​

  • masking

  • layering

  • spatial integration

B

Blending Worlds
 

Make a subject from one photo look like it belongs in a different photo.

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​​Skills Built:

  • selection

  • masking

  • lighting integration

C

Combine Images in Creative Ways

Follow along with two guided tutorials built right inside of Photoshop.​​

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Skills Built:

  • layer management

  • blending modes

  • compositing

D

Adjust and Exaggerate Facial Features

Give a person a new look with the Liquify tool.

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Skills Built:​

  • liquify too

  • facial manipulation

  • creative distortion

    Each exercise should ONLY take 1-2 classes to complete.    

LVL1 CHECKPOINT

AFTER completing BOTH exercises,
but BEFORE moving on:​
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1) Name your files correctly:

  • Firstname-Lastname-CycleNumber-Project-Level-WhichOneYouPicked​

    • ex) Laura-Ulrich-1-CardDesign-1-AMotif

  • Failure to follow this naming protocol will lead to a missing mark.

  • Use hyphens in image or file names --- no spaces.

    • Even though Windows and Mac computers allow spaces, the web is built on systems that do not handle spaces well. When a file name has a space, web browsers often change it to %20, which can cause broken links or make files not load correctly.

    • Using hyphens (-) instead of spaces helps your files work properly online.

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2) Do the level 1 reflection

  • Download the template.

  • Move it to your Media Design folder in your OneDrive.

  • RENAME IT

    • Firstname-Lastname-CycleNumber-Project-Level

    • ex) Laura-Ulrich-1-ActionFigure-1

  • Answer the questions. You can focus on one exercise or answer for both.

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3) Hand in all 3 files

Click here.

Level 2

​BEFORE YOU BEGIN

​1) GET the level 2 DESIGN BOOKLET

  • Download the template.

  • Move it to your Media Design folder in your OneDrive.

  • RENAME IT

    • Firstname-Lastname-CycleNumber-Project-Level

    • ex) Laura-Ulrich-1-ActionFigure-2

    • Failure to follow this naming protocol will lead to a missing mark.

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2) Choose your level 2 assignment (below)​

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3) Start the booklet before starting your assignment

  • Answer the questions in the following sections:

    1. The Assignment-ID and timeline questions.

    2. KNOW WHAT YOU’RE PRACTICING​

    3. FEEDBACK

    4. PLAN YOUR APPROACH

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4) do your assignment​

Pick and Do 1 Assignment:

A

Animal Hybrid
 

Combine animal features to create a unique species.

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focus on:

  • using layer masks to blend parts seamlessly

  • applying retouch and repair tools for smooth integration

  • creatively designing a believable hybrid species

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Choose this if you want to create a unique creature by combining features from multiple animals using Photoshop masking and retouching tools.

B

Matt Cunningham Artist Study
 

Analyze and recreate surreal portraits inspired by Matt Cunningham’s surreal style.​

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focus on:

  • studying professional compositional techniques

  • creative image blending

  • using surreal elements effectively

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Choose this if you want to learn from a professional and create your own conceptual portrait inspired by his style.

C

Mini Collage
“The Place That Shapes You”

Build a personal collage exploring identity through meaningful images and composition.

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focus on:

  • personal symbolism

  • layering and composition

  • creative use of Photoshop tools

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Choose this if you want to explore personal identity by combining meaningful images into a conceptual self-portrait.

LVL2 CHECKPOINT

AFTER completing your assignment,
but BEFORE moving on:​
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1) Name your file(s) correctly:

  • Firstname-Lastname-CycleNumber-Project-Level-WhichOneYouPicked​

    • ex) Laura-Ulrich-1-ActionFigure-2-CTextureStudy

  • Failure to follow this naming protocol will lead to a missing mark.

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2) FINISH the level 2 reflection​

  • aka the last section in the Design Booklet.

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3) Hand in BOTH (2) files

Click here.

Level 3

The Project

It's time to shine! In this project, you will create a conceptual or surreal self-portrait using photomanipulation. Instead of focusing on realistic appearance, you will use imagery, symbolism, and design choices to communicate something deeper about who you are.

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Your goal is to express an idea, emotion, or part of your identity through visual metaphor. The final image should feel intentional and meaningful, not just visually interesting.

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​​​​​​BEFORE YOU BEGIN

​1) GET the level 3 DESIGN BOOKLET

  • Download the template.

  • Move it to your Media Design folder in your OneDrive.

  • RENAME IT

    • Firstname-Lastname-CycleNumber-Project-Level

    • ex) Laura-Ulrich-1-ActionFigure-3​

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​2) fill out the booklet as you do the project.

Your Self-Portrait must include:

  • A self-portrait using photo-based imagery (your face/body must appear)

  • Photomanipulation using multiple images

  • A clear concept or message you can explain

  • Intentional use of symbolism to communicate meaning

  • A finished composition that feels cohesive and purposeful

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Focus on:

  • Using imagery to represent ideas, not just literal reality

  • Blending images so they feel like they belong together

  • Using scale, placement, and contrast to communicate meaning

  • Making design choices that support your concept

 

Ready to Make?

  • Canvas size: 2550 × 3300 pixels, 300 dpi

  • Work digitally using layers, masks, and adjustment layers

  • Files should be organized and layers clearly labeled

 

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To Help You Get Started:

 

1) Decide What You Want to Say
In your Design Booklet, write:

  • One idea, emotion, or experience you want to explore

  • Why this matters to you

This project works best when the concept comes first.

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2) Plan Your Symbolism
Think about:

  • What images represent you

  • What images represent your idea or emotion

  • How combining them changes the meaning

 

Avoid being too literal — let the imagery suggest meaning.

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3) Choose a Mood
Decide on:

  • Colour palette

  • Lighting style

  • Overall tone (quiet, intense, hopeful, unsettling, etc.)

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Your mood choices should support your concept.

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4) Build the Image Thoughtfully

  • Combine images using masks and adjustment layers

  • Match lighting and colour across elements

  • Keep the composition clear and readable

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5) Refine and Reflect

  • Remove anything that feels unnecessary

  • Strengthen contrast and hierarchy

  • Make sure your message is still clear without explanation

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a Reminder...

This project is about meaning first, technique second.
If someone can feel something or ask a question when they see your image, you’ve succeeded.

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This project brings together everything you practiced in Levels 1 and 2:
you've got this!​​​

LVL3 CHECKPOINT

AFTER completing your project:​
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1) Name your file(s) correctly:

  • Firstname-Lastname-CycleNumber-Project-Level

    • ex) Laura-Ulrich-1-CardDesign-3

  • Failure to follow this naming protocol will lead to a missing mark.

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2) FINISH the level 3 reflection​

  • aka the last section in the Design Booklet.

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3) Hand in BOTH (2) files

Click here.

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4) Return to the Media Design page and repeat the 1-2-3 cycle with a new project!​​

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