Here is a progress photo of my edited sketch. I plan to go in and add shading to the figure to add some depth. I found that photoshop is better to use compared to illustrator for shading.

Self-Portrait

My focus for the last project will be a self-portrait. I wanted to really explore my heritage and communicate that I am a mix of different ethnicities.
I chose to incorporate traditional wear, and below you'll find references that I've used. I do want to push parts of each so they become easily recognizable. So far I have included a Native-American headdress, an African blouse, and a Colombian skirt.

 I'm still trying to build on a background that may just consist of colors or pattern. I was also beginning to brainstorm about mixing medium such as applying paint to the print. Typically, paint is easily associated to art which is another element of how I see myself as an artist. I may potentially play off of the "mixing" idea by having colors beginning to swirl and combine.
For right now, I chose to place my "self" on top of this crescent moon, mainly because I had designed a tattoo for myself with a specific design communicating the combination of things I adore. I wanted something that showed my appreciation for music, the moon, and the ocean.

Tattoo Design

This is an initial sketch of what I want to accomplish, and I plan on going into illustrator to build the human form, and adding color. Then, potentially going into Photoshop to add more elements like overlaying textures, or even adding the idea of mixed paint like I've mentioned before. I apologize for the light quality of the sketch, but hopefully I described the elements within it enough to get the general idea.

Sketch of Final Project Idea

• Here is a mock-up of what I plan to accomplish for this project
• I will take my own photos so I can venture into a multi-shot to demonstrate a better understanding of movement
• I do want to continue to have figures either walking towards or away from the viewer to oppose the individual riding the bike
• The overall concept is one of "letting go" and freeing oneself from conformity
• I also had an idea of including text such as "school", "work", etc. to give ideas of what causes stress, but may stray away from the more literal approach 

• Riding a bike with no hands
• Relates to my childhood
• Satisfaction of mastering a skill and sense of balance
• Feeling free

• Dogs Shaking
• Initial idea was the playful quality that these dogs communicate, and that it is something of a natural and instinctive act to rid water off of their fur. 

These are the two that I found most appealing and complete. Now I'm having to choose between the two.