- Incorporate text into your final piece: keywords, thoughts, look at Benchung, Grayson Perry.

- Create a collage using imagery from magazines / books.

-Mixed media; combine ink, paint, pastel with collage, look at Winston Chmielinski, Matt Wisniewski

-Textiles; use contrasting scraps of fabric to add texture, look at Grayson Perry's tapestries.

-Use photography and combine with mixed media, look at Joseph Parra or Benadetta Bonichi.

-Use string or wire to create volume and shape.

-Consider layout. One image or a series of images?

-If creating a portrait, explore ways to distort the face such as pressing against glass, cellotaping, covering, reflecting, e.g. Wes Namen, Francis Bacon, Jenny Saville, Chmielinski.

-Create a collage using your objects/belongings/ephemera, look at the artist Vic Muniz.

-Create a series of prints which are then customised.

-Consider layering and building up different aspects, look at the artist Michael Murphy.