FACE IT was Luísa Dias' thesis project for the final year of her MA in Design and Visual Culture at IADE-U. She's always been very fascinated with people and wanted to do something that celebrated their individuality.

It’s very easy to judge others based on they look, but we are all so much more than what our appearance dictates. Because there are many aspects of who we are that are not visible in the real world, my goal was to try to portray some of them using symbolic images. I was then able to present sixteen individuals as they are on the outside by taking their photo and, with the help of a personality test and a year’s work of research on symbolism and psychology, I made my own visual interpretation of some of their most significant traits.
-Luísa Dias

My goal was to showcase two things: the face you show the world and the one that only those who really know you can “see”. Regarding the photographs taken, I used my camera with a 50mm lens. The portraits were not heavily edited so that everyone could essentially get to see how the participants looked. The images made afterwards are compositions of the portraits with other photographed/illustrated elements. Since the project is obviously centered around people’s faces, the idea was to insert these elements within or around the outline of their heads, all with the help of Photoshop.
-Luísa Dias

As this was not meant to be just a digital project, I also made a book and posters with all the results. To keep them from being ordinary, I used lenticular printing. This type of printing allows you to see two images (the portrait and the composition) when you move the sheet of paper they’re on.
-Luísa Dias

When it comes to the inspiration for the portraits in this project, I was heavily influenced by the works of London-based photographer Peter Zelewski. Both his photographs and work method are extremely inspiring, captivating and honest. Regarding the collages, I would say Matt Wisniewski is a favorite of mine. This artist usually incorporates natural elements with people’s faces to create stunning results.
-Luísa Dias

I’d like to think my work is simple, yet meaningful. I reject the idea that design is just about making things look nice. That’s why I always try to turn my work into an experience for whoever’s watching. I’m all about graphic design being artistic, cultural and unexpected. I think designers and anyone who works in a creative field are very familiarized with creative blocks and will, at least once in their life, question their ability to continuously make work they’re proud of. My personal heroes, whether they’re artists, friends or family, are always the ones who make these doubts seem rather small in the great scheme of things. Sometimes all it takes is reading one of Austin Kleon’s books and I’m ready to take over the world.
-Luísa Dias

Be nice. Most times you don’t get to choose the team you’re working with, but you can choose to stay humble, ask questions and show your work. If you ever find yourself working with talented people who won’t share their process or even consider listening to their peers, don’t fall into the very tempting trap of wanting to do the same. You’re not naïve for having doubts and for speaking up. Having a positive and passionate attitude about your work always leads to the best results.
-Luísa Dias

About Luísa Dias

Luísa Dias is a 24-year-old graphic designer. A Big dreamer but always with her feet on the ground. Fresh out of college, she's playing all her cards right now: working as a freelancer, making her own projects and looking for a steady job where the line between graphic design and art begins to blur. See more of her works on Behance.