Identity Tattoo Art Portfolios

A 6th Grade Art Lesson

Central Focus (Big Idea): Identity

Using line drawing techniques and drawing from observation, students create tattoo designs based on identity. Lesson incorporates contour line drawing with some color and shading technique as well as symbolic elements and color theory.

Concepts of the Lesson:

The concept in this lesson deals with discovery of identity, and how tattoo artwork can be used to explore self through symbolic representation. Students will reflect on their personal experiences to connect with their visual culture, heritage/traditions and environment to come up with one symbol that represents their personality or identity.

Essential Questions:

• What is identity?

• Why do people have tattoos?

• How can we create images that are symbolic?

• How can we use symbolism to represent our identity?

• How does artwork tell a story and communicate to others?