As an I Am More subject, your portrait draws viewers in to your essay that shares what the phrase, “I am more,” means to you. For some it has meant that they are more than their mental illness, life situation, disability or health diagnosis. For others it has meant they are more because of a diagnosis or a past trauma. And some have felt they are more because of the love or care of others.

The process starts with a face-to-face conversation (either in person or remotely) to get to know each other and to answer any questions. This takes about an hour in the location of your choice.

Once you are comfortable in participating, we choose a location to take reference photos. The location may or may not be important to the portrait, but it should be a place where the subject is comfortable or inspired. You can also be doing an activity that you love, or it could be just a close-up. Creativity is welcome! Anything that draws the viewer in is helpful. This takes 30-60 minutes.

Now the drawing begins by me, and the writing by you. The drawing process typically takes 3 weeks to a month. During this time you will write a piece expressing what “I am more” means to you. Imagine you are speaking to the viewer in your own voice. This is not meant to be a formal essay, it’s an expression that’s meant to enlighten, educate and inspire the viewer to consider how they are more than their challenges. The piece can be any length for publication on the blog, but will be edited down to one page for display.

When the portrait is done you will be notified, and as soon as you submit your final draft, the portrait and essay will be published and the link sent to you with a photo of your portrait.

The portrait will then be framed and will join a future exhibit in a public space. You will be notified of its location each time it moves to a new location.

When the exhibits are finished the portrait is yours to keep, gift, or donate as you wish.