Four of the five members of "X Factor" U.K. boy band One Direction drew self-portraits to be sold for the charity vInspired. The portraits went on sale on eBay on February 6, 2013. The Sun published an article with comments from psychologist Jo Hemmings, who analyzed the portraits and gave her assessments of the One Direction guys who did the self-portraits.
(One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, 21, did not participate in drawing a self-portrait because he was reportedly too busy.)
One Direction's Zayn Malik, 20, likes to draw as a hobby, so it's no surprise that his portrait is the most artistically advanced. His grinning self-portrait shows him giving a peace sign with one of his hands. Hemmings' assessment: "A huge toothy grin and a well-executed, considered image – this is a boy who is at peace with himself and has a clear sense of self. He’s even making a peace sign with his fingers. It reveals he’s happy in the band, but sees his role as the mediator. Possibly the most serious member, this reveals maturity for a 20-year-old."
One Direction's Niall Horan, 19, drew a self-portrait of only his head, but with no hair, ears and mouth. Hemmings says that leaving out these features means that Horan is probably the most insecure person in One Direction: "This denotes reservation and a lack of self-confidence – he neither feels he really has a right to be listened too or to speak up. He’s also didn’t sign it, so maybe he’s not quite as comfortable in his role as the other band members."
One Direction's Liam Payne, 19, drew himself as a smiling monkey. Even though Payne has often been described by his band mates as the most serious guy in One Direction, Hemmings' opinion is that Payne seems himself as someone with a cheerful and goofy sense of humor: "This is a cartoon-like image with a big smiley face. He sees himself as the comedian of the band – someone who makes people smile even when they may feel tired or sad. The picture reveals childhood issues that he has successfully overcome and now he has a healthy self-awareness and confidence. He also perceives that his role is to be the one who lifts the mood of the band."
One Direction's Harry Styles, 19, drew himself as a stick figure, with his curly head of hair as the most prominent feature. Hemmings says: "Harry has put his name in inverted commas as well as drawing his signature hairstyle, which has eclipsed other facial features. He recognizes his hairstyle makes him the most recognizable member and is delighted at the attention. But there is some concern that his popularity may be more about his image than his talent."
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