black and white portraits

2025

As much as I loved the illustrated portrait I had been using for the past seven years, it felt like time for a refresh. I wanted something new that still felt distinctly me. This time, I drew inspiration from the charming visual language of mid-century illustration, those old mascot logos, and character sketches that blended simplicity with personality in such an effortless way. Part Mr. Fix-It, Fallout’s Vault boy, and an Archie comic. There’s a warmth and approachability to that style that felt like the right tone for a new personal portrait.

I started from the same visual jumping-off point as my previous self-portrait: my mismatched blonde hair and dark red beard. But this version came with a new self imposed constraint: a strict black and white palette. Instead of relying on color, I leaned into linework, contrast, and texture to suggest tone and character. It was a rewarding design exercise.

Of course, once I had a version of myself I was happy with, it quickly snowballed. I had to do portraits for the rest of the family, just like I had done in the past. Each one followed the same visual system, adapted to capture their unique quirks and expressions while staying cohesive as a set. The result is a collection of illustrations that feel both personal and timeless.