Week 4: Self Portrait

A few months ago, I watched the mesmerising Khalid Abdalla in his solo stage show - Nothing, Nowhere. A biography of sorts, Khalid took us on a journey through his life, highlighting the various moments of pain, joy, success, sadness, he shared a full rollercoaster of emotions.

During the show, Khalid mentioned that drawing, sketching, was something he often did to find peace. And at this point, he gave the audience an opportunity for self reflection. Tucked under our seats, we all had an envelope with a piece of card, a pencil and a mirror. We then were asked to look at ourselves in the mirror and without looking at what we were drawing, to sketch what we see. How do we see ourselves, what do we notice and what do we highlight.

It was a moment that threw us all into deep concentration, followed by surprise and laughter and the room erupted into conversation as we all shared our images. 

This week’s prompt is inspired by that moment. 

How do you see yourself? Self-Portrait is a prompt that I hope invites you to explore identity, perception, and self-expression.

A self-portrait doesn’t have to be a traditional drawing or painting; it can be a poem that captures your essence, a collage of memories, a dance that embodies your energy, or even a playlist that represents your personality. Think beyond the surface—how do you see yourself, or perhaps how do you want to be seen?

Challenge yourself to create something that reflects a piece of you. There’s no right or wrong way, just honesty, exploration, and creativity. 

Share your self-portrait with #52creatives and let’s celebrate the unique stories we all carry within us.

Want to know more? Looking to join the challenge? Start here: 52 weeks of inspiration