You can easily capture a simple self-portrait in just a matter of seconds with a cell phone camera but consider using a tripod and camera to capture an image of yourself. Use a camera with a timer and set up an attractive background for the photo. Use props to tell a visual story of yourself. For instance, if your passion is reading, take your picture next to a book shelf, for example. Hold a stack of books in your hand or pose with a book open in your hand, as if you are reading it.
Before there were cameras, artists used paintings to create self-portraits. Use photos of yourself to provide a reference. Paint a realistic portrait of your image or choose to do a more expressive image. Paint a self-portrait that depicts your emotions more than your appearance. Choose colors and brush strokes that express your current emotions. Someone who is happy may choose to paint a picture using bright colors rather than natural skin tones and use bold brush strokes rather than opting to use small brush strokes to capture facial details.
A self-portrait collage is a simple way to capture the essence of yourself without featuring a realistic depiction. Cut pictures out of magazines that represent certain aspects of yourself and use snapshots photos to create a collage. Glue all the pictures together on paper or another item to create a self-portrait. For instance, a chef may cut out pictures of his favorite foods, cooking utensils and recipes from a magazine. He can add pictures of himself in a chef's hat to a collage with the other pictures. He can also add pictures of other things that describe him such as a sailboat to indicate his love for sailing or a map to represent his love of travel.
Sculpture is another means of creating a self-portrait. Use a variety of materials such as clay, wire or wood to sculpt or create a figure. Create a full-length self-portrait by using a photograph as reference. Use photos of yourself in a variety of different angles, because sculpture is a three-dimensional art. Another way to create a self-portrait is what is known as a "blind drawing." Stand in front of a mirror and with a pen and paper in hand. Draw a picture of yourself on the paper without taking your eyes off your image in the mirror. Don't take your hand off the paper or look at it while you are drawing. When you are done, look at your picture and you will see a loosely interpreted self-portrait.