Draw a self-portrait

I don’t have a mirror—what can I use instead to follow the “Sit in a comfortable spot with good light facing the mirror” step and still sketch my face?

Use a clear selfie photo taken with your phone's front camera or a reflective surface like a clean window, spoon, or piece of foil so you can study features and complete the sketching steps.

My pencil guidelines smudge when I erase—how can I keep the portrait tidy when I 'Erase the guideline marks and make the important lines darker and neater'?

Gently lift light guideline marks with a kneaded eraser and erase small areas at a time before you darken the key lines so the portrait stays clean for coloring.

How can I adapt this self-portrait activity for different age groups?

For younger kids, pre-draw the large oval and main guide lines and let them add eyes, nose, mouth, and color with crayons, while older kids should follow all proportion steps, refine facial details, and practice shading during the 'Color your portrait' step.

How can I extend or personalize my finished portrait beyond 'Add a simple background or a bit of clothing' and 'Sign your name and write the date'?

Extend and personalize it by adding collage elements or textured materials to the background, including a favorite accessory you saw in the mirror, and creating a dated series to share on DIY.org to show progress.