Sketch A Selfie: Creating Digital Self Portraits with iPad

Bringing imagination to life—one digital masterpiece at a time! ✨

This month’s Art Workshop is going digital! 💻🖌️ This group of budding artists are creating Digital Self-Portraits using iPads and Logitech Crayons, unlocking new ways to express themselves. They are exploring different brush types, textures, blending, and how to use layers.

🌟 As Club members create their Digital Self-Portraits, they will be exploring:

 1️⃣ Creative Identity: Experimenting with colors, shapes, and artistic styles to represent their unique personalities and emotions.

 2️⃣ Digital Art Techniques: Learning how to use tools like layers, shading, and blending with iPads and Logitech Crayons to enhance their artistic skills.

 3️⃣ Tech Confidence: Building confidence in using digital tools and technology, preparing them for future creative and educational opportunities.

✅ Learning Objectives:

By the end of this Workshop, students will be able to:

1. Use the Sketchbook App’s layering feature to create a digital self-portrait.
2. Apply digital drawing and coloring techniques on top of a reference photo.
3. Enhance their creative expression and tech skills by blending photography with digital illustration.

🛠️ Preparation

• Ensure all iPads have the Sketchbook App installed and the cameras are functioning.
• Charge the Logitech Crayons and confirm they are paired with the iPads.
• Set up Apple TV Cart
• Have a sample digital self-portrait ready to inspire and demonstrate the final product.

🎯 Lesson Outline

Introduction & Inspiration

• Discuss the concept of self-portraits as a form of self-expression.
• Share examples of both traditional and digital self-portraits.
• Show a sample self-portrait created in Sketchbook with layers over a photo.

Taking & Uploading the Photo

• Instruct members to use the iPad’s camera to take a clear, front-facing photo of themselves.
• Tips for a good reference photo: Use a well-lit area, try different expressions or fun angles.
• Import the Photo into Sketchbook: Open the Sketchbook App. Tap the + sign to create a new canvas. Select the photo import option and place their self-portrait photo on the canvas. Resize and position the photo as needed.

Working with Layers & Sketching

• Create New Layers: Tap the layers icon and add a new layer above the photo. Name it "Outline" for tracing.
• Sketching the Outline: Using the Logitech Crayon, members trace the major features: face shape, eyes, nose, lips, and hair.
• Hiding the Photo Layer: Once the outline is complete, instruct members to hide the photo layer by tapping the eye icon. They should now see only their sketched outline.

Adding Color & Details

• Create Color Layers: Add new layers for skin, hair, and background colors. Keep colors on separate layers for easy editing.
• Coloring Techniques: Use the brush tool for smooth fills. Try the airbrush or blending tool to create soft shading.
• Creative Flair: Encourage members to add abstract elements (e.g., bold colors, patterns, or symbols) to personalize their portraits. Use the shape or stamp tool for fun decorative details.

🎉 Showcase & Reflect

Gallery Walk: Display the self-portraits on the iPads for members to view each other's work.

🚀 Extension Activities

• Creative Backgrounds: Encourage members to add imaginative or surreal backgrounds (galaxies, cityscapes, abstract patterns) behind their portrait.
• Animation Fun: Use the time-lapse feature in Sketchbook to create a video of their drawing process.

💡 Tips for Success

• Encourage creativity: Members don’t have to make their self-portrait realistic—stylized, colorful, and abstract interpretations are encouraged.
• Use layers strategically: Demonstrate how to rename and organize layers for easier editing.
• Save frequently: Remind members to save their progress often to avoid losing work.

Happy Creating!