Gather a mirror, paper, pencil, eraser, and reference lighting
Sit still and position the mirror at eye level
Observe your face shape, hairline, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears
Lightly sketch the overall head shape
Mark the center line of the face
Place the eye line across the head
Block in the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears with simple shapes
Check proportions by comparing distances and alignments
Refine the jawline, cheekbones, and neck
Add the hair shape and major hair sections
Draw the eyebrows, eyelids, nostrils, lips, and other details
Shade the face using the light source as a guide
Add shadows under the nose, lips, chin, and hair
Blend and soften values where needed
Erase construction lines
Add clothing, background, or final details
Review the portrait and make final corrections