Unit 3: Text Portraits

Jun 3

3 min read

Updated: Sep 3

Side Project – Semester 1

Project Overview

This long-term project is designed to strengthen your portrait drawing skills while exploring creative ways to use text as a drawing tool. Throughout the semester, you will work on this project whenever you finish another assignment early or have downtime during class.

Using a reference photo of your choice, you will create a portrait using a combination of grid drawing, text value, and pen & ink techniques. Instead of shading traditionally, you will build value using words and letters.

Due Date: End of Semester 1

Learning Goals

Students will:

Develop accurate portrait drawing skills using the grid method.
Demonstrate an understanding of value through the use of text.
Apply pen and ink techniques to create contrast and depth.
Use creativity and personal expression through image and text selection.
Practice patience, craftsmanship, and attention to detail over an extended project.

Choosing Your Subject

Your portrait may be:

A family member or loved one
A celebrity
A musician
An athlete
A historical figure
A political figure
A fictional character
A pet
Any person or subject that is meaningful to you

You may crop your image however you would like and work in either a horizontal or vertical format.

Choosing Your Text

Your portrait should be created primarily using text.

Examples include:

Your name
Song lyrics
A favorite quote
A poem
A Bible verse
Words related to your subject
Personal reflections
Any meaningful text of your choice

Project Directions

Step 1: Select a Reference Image

Choose a high-quality portrait reference with clear lighting and contrast.

Step 2: Create a Grid

Using pencil and a ruler, lightly draw a grid over your reference photo and drawing paper.

Draw lightly! You will erase the grid when the portrait is complete.

Step 3: Sketch the Portrait

Transfer the image square by square using the grid method.

Focus on:

Proportions
Placement
Facial features
Overall accuracy

Step 4: Build Value with Text

Fill the portrait using only words and letters.

Remember:

More overlapping text = darker values
Less text and more spacing = lighter values
Vary the size and density of your writing
Follow the contours of the face when possible

Step 5: Refine and Add Details

Continue layering text to create:

Highlights
Midtones
Shadows
Texture

Step 6: Final Touches

Erase any visible grid lines and ensure the portrait is clean and complete.

Optional:

Add blocks of color
Incorporate decorative typography
Use large fonts in select areas
Experiment with creative layouts

Helpful Resources

Text Portrait Demonstration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKRJSgqbjac

Text Portrait Reference Photo Assignment

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PjmgQiLwMZIlrNZGpcZK4RQviddqzyhQof1DCn-8-DE/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

Practice Activities

Before beginning your final portrait:

Text Value Practice

Hidden Image Grid Activity

These activities will help you understand how value can be created through text and prepare you for the final project.

Text Portrait Rubric (4-Point Scale)

Criteria	4 - Advanced	3 - Proficient	2 - Developing	1 - Beginning
Portrait Accuracy	Portrait is highly accurate with strong proportions, placement, and detail.	Portrait is mostly accurate with minor proportional issues.	Portrait shows some accuracy but contains noticeable drawing errors.	Portrait is incomplete or lacks accurate proportions.
Use of Text Value	Text is used exceptionally well to create a full range of values, depth, and contrast.	Text effectively creates light and dark areas throughout the portrait.	Some value is created, but contrast or transitions are limited.	Little understanding of value through text is demonstrated.
Creativity & Personal Expression	Subject choice, text selection, and design choices are highly creative and meaningful.	Demonstrates thoughtful choices and personal expression.	Some creative effort is shown but lacks development.	Minimal creativity or personal connection is evident.
Craftsmanship & Completion	Artwork is fully completed, clean, detailed, and demonstrates exceptional effort. No visible grid lines remain.	Artwork is complete and neat with minor imperfections.	Artwork is partially complete or contains several careless areas.	Artwork is unfinished, rushed, or lacks attention to detail.