# People-Infused Pixelated Portraits Artist Craig Alan Uses Humans to Create his Giant Works of Art By Anne Giesen | Published 2012-04-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/people-as-pixels References: [buzzfeed](http://www.buzzfeed.com/t0ph3r/portraits-using-people-as-pixels-5bwv) & [boredpanda](http://www.boredpanda.com/people-pixel-portraits-craig-alan/) American artist Craig Alan often uses [real humans as pixels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixelz-digital-twins) for his [creative portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits) of pop culture icons. The results are fascinating portraits of several icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn or John F. Kenndy, set up with human bodies. The human component in these works almost gives the portraits a dynamic feeling, the images looking as if they could dissolve in just seconds. Directing hundreds of people, sometimes even dressed in different colors, who each fulfill a unique roll within the portrait to create these [iconic pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith) shows that these designs by Alan are true masterpieces. His idea to use people in his art work that depicts other famous people is truly revolutionary and brilliant. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Customization](https://www.trendhunter.com/customization) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Human Pixel Art:** Using real humans as pixels in art to create dynamic and fascinating portraits of pop culture icons. - **Crowdsourced Art:** Directing hundreds of people to participate in creating large-scale works of art. - **Humanizing Portraiture:** Adding a human component to portraits to create a feeling of dynamism and connection. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Incorporating human elements into art to create innovative and dynamic designs. - **Event Planning:** Planning and executing large-scale art projects that involve crowdsourcing. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Using human pixel art in advertising campaigns to create unique and attention-grabbing visuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrant City Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craig-karl2.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Colossal AI Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-artwork.md) - [Evolving Hybrid Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-one.md) - [Reimagined Puzzled Artful Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-of-a-woman-in-a-hat.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md) - [AI-Generated Self-Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/persona-ai.md) - [Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danny-cortes.md) - [Global Pixel Canvas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wplace.md)