Word art | tinyartroom

I work with one of the most awesome technology facilitators in the world and she is always sending our staff super cool websites. Some of her latest finds have been very art-friendly. I did a project very similar to this with my 8th graders (when I had 8th graders) but it was a little more hands-on and less “sit back and let the technology do the work.” But as they say, “Work Smarter, Not Harder.” This would be a great way to incorporate literacy into your art lessons. Just think about the possibilities: Verbs!, Similes!, Adjectives!, poems!, Short stories!, spelling words! – All made fun by incorporating ART. smART, right!?
Check these two out:
Tagxedo
You Are Your Words

I like doing this word portrait project with 8th graders because it allows them to draw something they are interested in (themselves) and it marks a special time in their lives. Some kids are self conscious about drawing their pictures so big – we do it on bulletin board paper that’s approximately 3′ x 2′ – but the school loves it when I put these on display and parents love them too.

I start by taking their pictures and then using the ActivBoard to blow them up so that they can trace just the basic lines of their bodies, head, and face. While they are waiting, I have them work on a list of at least 20 words to describe themselves and things they like. These are the words they will use to create their portraits. Once they all have their pictures traced, I give them sharpies and they go over all of the lines, using the words. From far away, it just looks like a basic line portrait. But close up, it shows their personality. : )