Within this article you will learn a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a self portrait drawing for beginners.
This tutorial looks at drawing a self portrait from a frontal view. However, this drawing tutorial can work for a lot of face angles.
If you’ll rather watch a video to teach you how to create your self-portrait drawing, check out this video on my YouTube Channel – The Portrait Guru.
Step 1 – Locate Your Reference
Find a mirror, take a photograph with your phone or use your computer’s webcam, either is fine!
You will want to take a look photograph of your face, making sure there’s enough light, looking straight at the camera.
Pull a silly face, look neutral or experiment with your facial expression! There’s no right or wrong answers here (but neutral expressions are the easiest to draw).
Step 2 – Prepare Your Drawing Setup
While I personally use a versatile drawing board with adjustable angles, you can easily adapt this method without one, though I highly recommend investing in a board for an enhanced drawing experience.
I highly recommend this drawing board. Please note that I earn a modest commission if you choose to make a purchase through this link. This does not incur any additional cost for you.
Alternatively, simply rest your sketchbook on the side of a table, ensuring a clear view of both your artwork and your mirrored face.
Step 3 – Draw A Circle
Start with a circle, which represents the cranium of the face.
Step 4 – Horizontal & Vertical Line
Draw a horizontal and vertical line through this circle.
The horizontal line is where your eyebrows sit, called the brow line. Whilst the vertical line is the middle of the nose and face.
The mouth sits on the bottom of the circle.
Step 5 – Brow & Chin
Measure the length between brow line and bottom of the circle.
Use this measurement and draw a vertical line beyond the circle, this represents the chin.
Most chin lengths are the same distance, but of course vary from face to face.
Step 6 – Hairline
Draw the hairline of the face, which is roughly the same distance between the brow line and circle, the measurement taken in Step 5. If you want more tips do check out these portrait hacks!
Step 7 – Drawing The Facial Features
Roughly draw the features, starting with the eyes first.
Working your way to the other eye, then the nose and mouth, before finishing on the hair.
Step 8 – Drawing The Hair
If you’re having trouble drawing your hair, draw it in blocks.
Don’t draw hair strand to strand, as it will look like a clean mop!
Step 9 – Develop Details
Draw the details and facial features.
Keep looking at your reference photograph, and try to draw what you see.
Step 10 – Render Your Self-Portrait
Depending on your drawing medium, start to render your drawing.
I’m using a pigment liner here, but you can use whatever medium you like, from pencil to charcoal.
Remember to think in three-dimension wherever possible, and remember that faces are round, not flat.
Step 11 – Keep Going!
Keep progress with the rendering, remembering to think about your darks and lights.
If you notice any mistakes, be sure to correct as you progress.
Step 12 – Flip Your Image Upside Down
This is a self portrait hack here, but take a screenshot of your face and place it on your computer.
Flip the screenshot, and your drawing around, so they are both upside down. This allows you to see any mistakes that you might not have seen the right way up.
I do time and time again in my portrait drawings.
This allows you to see any possible mistakes or inaccuracies with your drawing!
Step 13 – Finished Self Portrait Drawing!
And then that’s it! The finished self portrait drawing.
If You Liked This Self Portrait Tutorial
I hope you found this article on how to draw a self portrait drawing helpful!
If you would like to find out other articles, do check out these classic drawing mistakes that you need to avoid! Great if you’re looking to improve your drawing skill.
Or take a look at Haydn’s illustration and art Shop! Creating bespoke products of greetings cards, art prints to original paintings, all handmade by Haydn.
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22nd January 2024
