This is my original self-portrait using Desmos.

Whenever I needed to make a new shape, I would think of the shape in my mind and then figure out how I could make that shape using the skills that we learned in class. For example, I wanted to make a rounded roof so at first I thought to use a function to get the rounded shape. After some thinking, I realized I could just graph a circle and use the knowledge that I gained from the domain and range lesson in class. By changing the range, I was able to cut the circle in half and have a semi-circle for my roof. I also used that trick for the top of my door as well as the bottom of my skirt.

Understanding domain and range was really important for the project because it allowed me to make any shape I needed and not just have a bunch of wayward lines.

I wanted my eyes to look more realistic so I started with a larger white circle, and then a medium, green circle for my iris, and finally a little black circle for my pupil.

An “aha” moment for me was realizing I was able to change the thickness of the lines. Once I figured this out, I was able to change lines without having to move them. It also meant that the lines would stay centred and exactly where I wanted them. I used this strategy for my hair. I wanted to capture the different colours in my hair but I did not want to have too many lines and make it look messy.

It took me a couple of tries to figure out the custom colours so I asked for help from my peers. Once I understood how to properly use it, I made sure to take advantage of it because I found it really elevated my picture.

This assignment tied in with creative thinking because I had to generate and develop ideas to get the shapes, pictures, and lines that I wanted.

This assignment helped me understand what different equations make what type of line or shape, and how little things such as putting a negative sign where a positive sign should be can change the shape so much.

I created my name in cursive using Desmos by graphing all of the different lines. I decided to do my whole first name in handwriting to give myself more of a challenge rather than only doing my initials. The criteria was to only create your initials but I chose to go above and beyond because I am already very proficient in graphing. A challenge that I encountered was getting my oblique lines right where I wanted them. I overcame this obstacle mostly by trial and error. I did a project like this in middle school last year but that one was on a bigger scale. I did not, not enjoy doing this assignment but I wish it was a little more challenging. This was a very good assignment to refresh my memory of things that I learned last year.