Prépa Design: graphic avatars revisited by students

The portrait: a classic genre revisited

The theme of this exercise is rooted in the tradition of the portrait, a graphic genre which, since classical times, has aimed to represent a human model. First used in painting, then in sculpture, the portrait has evolved through the ages and styles, oscillating between fidelity to the model and more abstract interpretations. ESMA’s Design Prep students have revisited this theme by focusing on a contemporary approach: the creation of graphic avatars.

The aim was to design a self-portrait using a simplified graphic system, reducing detail to the essentials. The students were asked to reflect on what defines their visual identity and to translate this essence into refined forms.

Understanding visual synthesis in graphic design

This exercise was more than just an artistic achievement: it was a fundamental learning experience for all graphic designers. By working on visual synthesis, the students discovered how minimalist graphic choices can convey information and emotions with strength and clarity.

To do this, they explored various mixed techniques on paper, in an imposed A3 format, allowing them to exploit different textures, tools and mediums. This technical framework nurtured their creativity, while teaching them to manage the constraints specific to graphic design projects.

Inspiring and promising results

The resulting creations are of a high quality and remarkably inventive. Each self-portrait reflects personal research and a unique interpretation of the subject. We congratulate our students on their work, which is already revealing the talent and promising potential of future professionals in the artistic professions!